Author: Platinum Team

Most people enjoy the Arizona sunshine, but residing in Phoenix in the warmer months doesn’t always send folks cheering. Maintaining a cool temperature at home can be an exceptional challenge for us desert dwellers. It’s hard to find anyone who truly enjoys coming home to a boiling blast of air or the enormous utility bills that arise from running the A/C. 

So, how can you maintain an energy efficient temperature at home and avoid skyrocketing your utility bill? Give these dos and don’ts a shot. 

 

Do: Invest in Reflective Paint and Roofing Materials 
Homes absorb heat, and when the sun is shining on your walls and roof, the heat slowly transfers to the inside. This effect is reduced with reflective roofing materials and paint. Instead of absorbing into the materials, the sunlight is reflected. This helps keep the heat from reaching the inner parts of your home. 

 

Do: Open Windows at Night and Close Them During the Day 
During periods where the temperature at night cools down considerably, open your windows at night time to let in the cool air naturally. Because heat rises, you can create some natural flow if you have a multi-story home by opening the lower windows on one side of the house and the upper windows on the other side. When the sun comes up and before you leave for work or other commitments, close them up tight. 

 

Do: Hang Window Coverings to Keep Sunlight Out 
Sunlight shining in your home heats rooms up naturally. To prevent this, use thick, dark window coverings that keep sunbeams from penetrating your home. Keep the coverings closed while you are away to maintain a cooler temperature. 

 

Don’t: Keep Windows Open All Day 
In addition to being a security concern, keeping your windows open is ineffective once the temperature rises. The temperature outside will try to even out the temperature inside. The best thing you can do is keep your windows and doors closed to trap the cooler air inside your home. 

 

Don’t: Set the Temperature Lower and Turn A/C on Full Blast 
At the lowest, set your thermostat to 78 degrees while you are away. Running your A/C at maximum capacity is a quick way to raise your cooling bill, and it runs the risk of burning out system components prematurely. Keep the temperature in your home tolerable. If you’re going to be out all day anyway, keep the A/C turned off. 

 

Do: Be Energy Conscious 
Warm months in Phoenix don’t have to translate to heart-stopping energy costs keeping your home cool. Prepping your home with reflective paint and roofing, opening windows at night and using dark window coverings are easy ways to keep your home cooler during the day without burning out your A/C. Don’t forget to turn systems and electronics off when you leave for the day. 

You may be surprised at how cool your home stays just with these little tricks!

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And, as far as other home repair needs go, remember – you can count on us for help taking care of your home! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

If you’re stepping into homeownership, you’re likely feeling all the emotions. You feel excited... and, of course, a little overwhelmed. Understandable! Buying a home is a big deal. Where do you begin? 

1. Write down your needs and your wants. 

Is a home office a deal breaker or icing on the cake? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need, and how many do you want? Go ahead and define the “must haves” and the “nice to haves.” These two lists will be helpful guides in your search. 

2. Get pre-approved for a loan. 

Don’t go home shopping without having a solid sense of your budget. By getting loan pre-approval, you can better understand how much money you can borrow. Keep in mind -- you don’t have to go with the first loan that you are approved for, so feel free to shop around to make sure that you get the best interest rates!

3. Find the right real estate agent. 

Make sure you’re comfortable with the agent you choose! You should be able to ask your agent any questions and rely on their expertise. Look for a great listener with strong communication skills. Can you count on them to make the process as stress-free as possible? 

4. Get a professional home inspection. 

No one likes surprise repairs after closing the sale. A professional inspection can help you avoid surprises. If issues do surface during the inspection, negotiate to have them resolved before your close.

5. Buy a home warranty. 

Yes, a shameless plug! With good reason… because repairs are a not-so-exciting reality of homeownership. Make sure a home warranty is part of your home purchase to help save you money on the wear and tear needs that are bound to occur.

Ask anyone who’s been there – a forceful leak is a nightmare. No, “nightmare” isn’t too strong of a word! If you’ve ever experienced water damage, you know how quickly the problem can get out of hand. 

It’s SO helpful to know how to shut off your water in an emergency.  If you ask us, these plumbing valve basics should be taught to every single homeowner when they purchase a home. It can seem like annoying, superfluous information if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing a water emergency in your home. But it can save hundreds or thousands of dollars when problems pop up down the line. We wish “thousands” was an exaggeration, but it ain’t one 😬.

Check those shut off valves on a regular basis.

The biggest tip we can offer you – regularly check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure it functions properly. In an emergency, you need that valve to be able to shut off no problemo.

It’s great to do this monthly or quarterly. All you need to do is – turn the valve from the open position to the off position, then back again. 

Another subtle trick that can be beneficial is – whenever you open any valve, open it all the way then turn it back the other direction slightly. This will help prevent it from sticking in the open position. 

Here’s where to find all those plumbing valves…

Bathroom Sink Shutoff Valves

Bathroom valves usually are below the fixture for easy access. Using a wrench, turn this valve clockwise until it stops for complete shutoff.

Kitchen Sink Shutoff Valves

Below your kitchen sink you will probably find shutoff valves for both the hot and cold water. In some cases, the valves will be below the kitchen in the basement. Sometimes valves are installed both below the sink and also in the basement.

Toilet Shutoff Valves

Your toilet shutoff valve is commonly located on the back wall, approximately 6” above the ground, on the left side as you face the toilet. To turn off this valve in the event of a leak or repair, turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

Main Water Shutoff Valves

The main water line coming in from the street is often connected to the water meter followed by a master shutoff valve for the entire home. When you close this single valve, you shut off water throughout the house. It’s instant action for serious emergencies. 

If you need to shut off the water at the main valve, make sure the hot water tank is turned down to pilot. Electric hot water tanks require special attention, and it is best to enlist the aid of a plumbing and heating professional. However, if the emergency calls for the main water system to be shut off, the electric water system must also be shut off. The electric can be shut off at the main electrical fuse box by either removing the fuse from the box or switching the breaker to an “off “position. (Check and see if your breakers are labeled.) The electricity to the hot water tank should not be turned on until the water tank has been refilled with water–see the owner’s manual that comes with the electric hot water heater. To turn off this valve, turn the handle clockwise until it stops.

Ask a technician for more specific details.

If you want even greater clarity about what to do in the event of a plumbing emergency, ask a technician when you already have them at your property. For instance – while they are there fixing your garbage disposal, ask them to point out the shutoff valve for your sink and supervise while you test it. It’s a small step that can bring extra peace of mind. 

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Need help with plumbing issues?

Whether you have a question, need service or want to upgrade your existing system, we’re here to support you! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

This post is part of our Life at Home series. Here we explore different thinking, techniques or tools related to the concept of a home and what it means to live well in ours. 

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It’s 4 pm on a Sunday. You’re on your way back from another glamorous errand run. There’s a sense of accomplishment pulsing through you. The bag for Goodwill? It’s out of sight for good. You even remembered light bulbs when you stopped for a few essentials. But you’re reminded — it’s 4 o’clock on a Sunday, and before Monday rolls around, you’ve still got much to do. 

Here’s an idea. You know that scenic route back from the grocery store? The one that goes by the base of the mountain and winds through that beautiful neighborhood? We know it takes an extra three minutes, but ditch the quicker route and take that scenic one. 

Sure, it’s not practical. It may even sound preposterous. But, it’s quite likely you can spare the three minutes, and there’s a good chance it’ll do you some good. 

See, gazing at the beautiful scene will likely raise your spirits a tad in a way that the efficient route never could. That elevated mood might be just the thing you need to bring you fully into your senses, ready to engage with the remainder of the day as it unfolds before you. 

In our experience, taking the long way home can help us feel less at odds with the passage of time, more appreciative of what we do have and more aware of the beauty already within our path. 

So, next time you see that long way home, ignore the voices idolizing efficiency. Seize the scenic route that beckons you. Little choices like that awaken the everyday magic before you. 

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And, as far as all those practical life logistics go, remember – you can count on us for help taking care of your home! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Trying to compare home warranty companies? We know it can be a lot to tackle. Apples to oranges is certainly an appropriate phrase to use here. First and foremost, there are differences in plans and coverages. We encourage you to spend time examining those important coverage details.

Above and beyond specific plans and coverages, we want to draw your attention to some less technical characteristics. They can make a big difference in your overall experience, and you may have strong preferences in these areas.

Location of support team

When you call in for service, will you speak to someone locally or on the other side of the country? Will that person truly understand the challenges of Phoenix’s extreme heat and climate-associated needs? Be sure to pay attention to which companies are national and which are local, so you know what to expect from day one.

In-house technicians or third party contractors

Do you appreciate the ability to develop a relationship with the company and the technicians coming to service your property? If so, you may prefer a company that has its own technician team; you will be exposed to the same faces again and again and have the opportunity to feel known by that team.

Customer care and follow-up

Do you like built-in opportunities to give feedback? A company with a strong customer care department or follow-up program may be important to you. For instance, at Platinum, we call our customers after every service call to make sure they’re happy and find out any ways we can improve.

Platinum’s perspective

We’ll be candid and say that these are three things we believe set us apart from our competitors — our local support, in-house technician team and customer care program. We truly believe they make a difference in the customer service experience, and many homeowners aren’t aware of these differences between companies. We encourage you to consider your own preferences as you make your choice and ask each company for the scoop about what they offer.

If you need help understanding home warranties or what Platinum offers, be sure to reach out. We’re here to help! 602.733.5000.

Role: Operations Manager

This post is part of a series to help you get to know the members of our team. We’re real people who call Arizona home, not a faceless corporate machine! Enjoy this quick Q&A with a key leader on our team…

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Tell us a bit about your personal background and family. 

I actually spent 15 years in the Army before deciding to separate for medical reasons. Since then I have been back in Arizona where I live with my wife and two children. 

What are your hobbies? 

My hobbies are pretty much anything outdoors. My family has a cabin, and I enjoy being there as much as I can. 

What keeps you motivated and inspired each day? 

My kids/family are what drive me. 

What have you learned that you would love to share? 

That things can honestly always be worse than they are and that we take many things for granted here in the U.S. that others do not have. 

What does "home" mean to you? 

Wherever my family is, that is home. Doesn't honestly matter where I live as long as I have them.

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Contact Nathan via our main office – 602.733.5000.

The Way We Roll

It’s a bit of anthem ‘round these parts. The technician who shows up at your door will be someone we know and trust. See, we operate a bit differently than your typical home warranty company. We have our own in-house technicians who service most of our claims. These are guys and gals we work with on a daily basis. We know them and would trust them in our own family’s home. We’ve extensively background checked them, and we’re always working with them to ensure they know their stuff.

Versus The Typical Home Warranty Company

Most other home warranty companies send all of their claims to outside vendors. They may boast huge networks, but what that also means is -- they don’t intimately know the repairman that’s going to show up at your door. We’ve heard too many horror stories about what those folks show up looking like, how they conduct themselves and the shifty nature of many of those dealings. While that certainly isn’t every situation, we know those less-than-stellar stories pop up far too frequently for our comfort. Hence why we do things a little differently.

Qualities You’ll Find In Our Technicians

What can you expect from our tech team? Here are some top qualities of a Platinum technician.

• Trustworthy - Someone you’re comfortable having in your home

The technicians who come out have been very good at their trades diagnosing and/or fixing the problems on the 1st attempt. Since they employ their own HVAC and plumbers you don't have the hassle or uncertainty of referral companies you don't know.

- Kathleen K., Phoenix

• Expert, knowledgeable - Knows his/her stuff

Platinum Home Warranty is one fantastic company. We have been with them for seven years and they have immediately fixed anything that went wrong under their coverage. What is really nice is that every person that has come out has been totally professional and knew exactly what was wrong and fixed it very quickly.

- Barbara S., Phoenix

• Reliable, timely - Gives you a heads up when on the way and shows up on time

The technicians (plumber and electrician) were both timely in calling in advance and arriving precisely at the appointed time. They were quick, accurate in troubleshooting and answered all of my questions. Both technicians went above and beyond to provide me with helpful information in what to look for regarding any potential problems that may surface in the future. Truly the overall experience was pleasant and far exceeded my expectations.

- Kellie K., Phoenix

• Dedicated - Goes above and beyond to address your concerns

Although the issues was not re-createable during the service call, the technician went the extra mile to check all possible reasons for the problem described without an attitude. He took his time and did it right.

- Star P., Phoenix

• Friendly - Treats you and your home with kindness and care

was great. He's come to my house before. He remembered the house. He remembered all the little details. In fact, he was like, "you got new landscaping." It's pretty cool to have somebody that pays that kind of attention to customers.

- Jane V., Phoenix

Does this sound like you? You know you should do a few things to take care of your home, but it’s hard to keep up. Where do you even begin? Is it possible to take care of your home without it taking over your life? Yes, it is! Focus on these few items, and you’ll have a solid foundation.

Replace your smoke detector batteries.

Frequency: 1x / year

These simple devices are powerful life-savers when maintained. Test them monthly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Clean your refrigerator coils.

Frequency: 2-4x / year

Pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils. This prevents dust and debris from slowing your fridge down.

Clean your exterior dryer vent.

Frequency: 1x / 6 months

Over time your dryer vent can get clogged with debris and lint. Cleaning it regularly helps it run properly and prevents fires.

Change your HVAC filters.

Frequency: 1x / month

A dirty filter makes it hard for your AC system to run well. Changing the filter is easy and can extend the life of your system.

Clean your HVAC coils.

Frequency: 1x / year

This helps extend the life of your AC condenser and prevents overheating. Especially important here in Arizona!

Flush your water heater.

Frequency: 1x / year

Over time, sediment and minerals build up in your water heater and break down the tank liner and components. Flushing your water heater helps you avoid premature failure and excess energy use.

Bonus: Stay on top of repair needs.

Don’t let problems fester! If something isn’t working properly, reach out to us. We’re here to help with repairs – 602.733.5000.

 

 

Let me guess… you have a bit of a love-hate relationship with your dishwasher.

You love that it cuts down on scrubbing time. You hate the lack of reliability. Half the time glasses come out with that terrible cloudy film. Or, your spoon is caked in avocado bits that are now black. Ain’t that appetizing? ;)

Instead of playing roulette every time you start a wash cycle, follow these three easy steps. They’ll help your dishwasher perform at its best and extend its life.

 

1. Run hot water in your kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher.

Seems random. But, give it a try! Run too-hot-to-the-touch water from your kitchen faucet before you start your dishwasher. This lets your dishwasher have hot water instantly, which improves the performance... and the cleanliness of your dishes!

 

2. Clean your dishwasher trap.

Located under the lower sprayer of most dishwashers is a part called the trap. That thing collects any food, plastic and other materials to prevent them from entering the drain. By cleaning the trap, you reduce smells and increase the cleanliness of your dishwasher.

 

3. Clean your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.

Give your dishes a gentle cleaning before loading them in. Otherwise, any particles that remain get stuck in the dishwasher trap and lower the performance of your dishwasher.

 

Before purchasing a home warranty, you’re likely to wonder – when does a home warranty come in handy? It’s a valuable question to make sure your dollars are being spent wisely! 

We’ve outlined some common scenarios to help answer that question. These are great examples of when you’ll be glad to have a home warranty in place.

Scenario 1: The garbage disposal stops working. 

A fussy garbage disposal is no fun, and a home warranty can be quite helpful. Assuming the concern is normal wear and tear, this is within the scope of home warranty coverage. A plumber can help resolve the jam or replace the garbage disposal if necessary. 

By the way, a good rule of thumb — if you can’t chew it up yourself, don’t expect your garbage disposal to handle it. Only put items down your sink that can be broken down with ease.

Scenario 2: The toilet gets stopped up. 

Yes, this is another not-so-exciting, but common, concern. Similar to the garbage disposal, your home warranty will come in handy here assuming the issue is related to standard use. That means – don’t throw anything you shouldn’t down there! 

Most of the time the plumber can clear the stoppage with a snake. In some more complicated cases, a full toilet replacement may be necessary and typically would be covered by your home warranty.

Scenario 3: The water heater stops heating or starts leaking. 

Not heating? It’s likely an element problem. Leaky? It may end up requiring replacement. Either way, this typically is within the scope of home warranty coverage. 

An extra tip — be sure to flush your water heater at least once a year. Doing so can remove some of the sediment that builds up over time and thus extend the life of the water heater.

Scenario 4: The AC stops running or blows hot air. 

This, of course, is a biggie here in the Valley of the Sun. Our AC units take a big beating, so repair needs are likely. Covered AC issues range quite a bit from failed capacitors, compressors, motors and contactors to leaks within the system. 

When problems arise, here’s a good first step — check for dead batteries in the thermostat or bad circuit breakers or fuses. Also make sure you’ve changed your air filters recently, which should be done every month to maintain proper airflow. 

Scenario 5: The microwave stops working.

When your microwave decides to stop doing its thing, a home warranty can help too. An appliance technician will be able to trace the source of the problem and resolve the issue through repair or replacement. 

While every home and scenario is unique, these examples help paint a picture of typical home warranty claims. When one of these common home issues arises, a home warranty can serve as a go-to plan for repairs that helps bring a bit of convenience and predictability.