Author: Platinum Team

That funky smell.

It’s one of the biggest complaints from owners of front-loading washing machines. If you have one, you know what we’re talking about.

The energy savings from high-efficiency machines is awesome! But, that smell... is NOT.

Here’s how to avoid the bad smell, plus a few more pointers to keep your washer and dryer in top shape.

How to keep your high-efficiency washer from smelling

1. Remove damp clothes immediately.  Ever run a load on Sunday then forget about it until Tuesday? We’re guilty too, but DON’T do that! It’s the recipe for a smelly washing machine. Do whatever it takes -- set a reminder on your phone or put a simple sticky note in a visible place -- so you fetch that load promptly!
2. Leave the door ajar.  Okay, the Type A folks among us hate this, but DON’T close the door right after you wash a load. You need to allow air to circulate. A perk of living in Arizona -- our dry climate means it should dry out more quickly than many other places.
3. Clean the rubber seal around the door.  We get it -- who wants to clean the machine that’s supposed to do the cleaning? But this really isn’t so hard, and it’s worth it to avoid a smelly laundry room. A solution of half vinegar and half water is all it takes. Apply this regularly to prevent buildup of hair, debris or water around the seal.
4. Run a cleaning cycle too.  Pour distilled white vinegar where you would normally put detergent, and run the machine as normal. This helps clean out and deodorize the whole shebang. If you want, you can also purchase a product specifically to clean the drum and keep things smelling fresh.
5. Level your washer, if needed.  This won’t help with the smell, but it’s a bonus tip to help extend the life of your washing machine. If your washer is rattling or shaking, don’t just ignore it. By leveling it out, you’ll prevent damage to your floors, walls and machine.

Ways to take care of your high-efficiency dryer too

1. Clean out the lint filter.  This is a must for any dryer and can prevent fires too. Beyond simply removing the lint that accumulates, rinse the lint trap with water every so often. Nothing fancy -- just a quick rinse under the sink will do!
2. Check the dryer exhaust.  You know that big metal duct at the back of your dryer? Often debris builds up in there and prevents air from moving easily through the exhaust. That makes it hard for your dryer to dry clothes properly. It can also create a smelly or humid laundry room and can cause fires. No bueno. The best way to clean it out is to get a brush designed specifically to reach far in and remove lint from the walls of the duct.

Ah, the thrills of homeownership ;) Regular maintenance may not be exciting, but that bit of time and effort can help you keep your machines running for as long as possible! If you’d prefer, you can, of course, hire a professional to help you tackle these things.

Thanks for all the good feels in 2018! We’re glad to be the choice of homeowners like you!

Is the thought of holiday shopping overwhelming you?

We understand.

Thanksgiving shopping was tough enough. Snagging the last two bags of green beans at the grocery store was a relief. That is, until a man following us asked, “Do you really need both of those?”
It took everything to not scream, “DUDE! I don’t have the energy for this!”

If you’re low on energy too, we’re here for you. We can’t guarantee no standoffs in shopping aisles, but we have gift ideas to streamline your process.

Avoid the predictability and chaos of big box stores. Give local small businesses some love! As one ourselves, we’re all about that :)

10 local gift ideas for anyone on your list

1. Local pantry goodies
Who doesn’t love a pantry filled with local goodness? We have great producers here in town to choose from. Try Hayden Flour Mills, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Ramona Farms, Stonegrindz Chocolate and Peanut Butter Americano.

2. A piece from a local artist
Instead of replaceable kitchenware from a big box shop, pick out something special from a local artist. We love Lafayette Avenue Ceramics’ collections. You can also head to Practical Art for plenty more options.

3. Gift card for a local meat or fish purveyor
Our town boasts fantastic shops for quality meat and fish. Is there someone on your list who loves cooking at home? Grab them a giftcard from Alaskan Pride Seafoods, Arcadia Meat Market, Chula Seafood, Nelson’s Meat + Fish or The Meat Market.

4. A loaf of artisan bread
This one requires prompt delivery for optimal freshness, but the recipient will love you for it! Noble Bread and Proof Bread are top picks in our households. Be sure to snag an extra loaf for yourself!

5. Locally-made soap
Did you know Ahimsa Essentials makes an all-purpose castile soap product right here in Phoenix? Score! You can check out TSF Botanicals for goat milk soap bars and other small-batch products too.

6. Bedding from the local startup
Why not support a startup headquartered right here in the Valley? Tuft & Needle started with mattresses, but did you know they have bedding too? Totally giftable.

7. Home decor from a local shop
Have a design-savvy homeowner on your list? The Elegant Nomad is an online shop based right here in Phoenix that carries one-of-a-kind rugs, pillows and poufs that are simply stunning! You can also pop by Urbana for more unique home goods.

8. Gardening goods
Know someone with a green thumb or someone who wants to develop one? Get them some gardening goods or credit for a local shop like Southwest Gardener or Dig It.

9. A locally-made candle
A burning candle adds warmth to any home. Look to Tempe-based Standard Wax for hand poured, uniquely-scented candles. Bonus -- they come in reusable ceramic vessels that are beautiful in their own right!

10. A Platinum Home Warranty gift card
Yes, a shameless plug! If your recipient is an existing Platinum Home Warranty member, they’ll love having credit for future service fees. And non-members can use gift card credit to buy a new home warranty or for retail work.

This post is part of a quarterly series stemming from our team’s love of growth and learning. Here we share some worthwhile reads for any clients, partners and friends who are passionate about personal development too!
---
We’re in the final stretch of the year, which means it’s time for our last roundup of good reads! This lineup is chock-full of inspirational stories and practices that will help you close the year out strong.

The Fred Factor  by Mark Sanborn

The nutshell: This little book is based on the true story of Fred, a mail carrier who chose to go above and beyond in his work each day. Sanborn shares the way anyone can follow Fred’s example and take what is ordinary and make it extraordinary.

Why we love it: It can be easy to dismiss our current circumstances as mundane or not enough. This easy read offers a welcome reminder to see the opportunity waiting in each and every moment.

Who it’s for: If you feel that your work is dull or insignificant, pick up this book! It’ll help breathe new life into whatever you do and inspire you to live with greater passion and care.

 

Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

The nutshell: After the devastating and unexpected death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO, needed to find a way to move forward with life having lost her ideal “Option A.” This book is the product of her journey and shares stories of people who have dealt with a traumatizing event and moved forward with resilience.

Why we love it: Life is filled with challenges and traumas -- be that unexpected loss or something else. This book accepts the reality of loss and brokenness while also equipping you to move forward in the face of adversity.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to cultivate a spirit of great resilience can benefit from this one. Whether you need help navigating your own personal struggles or want to be a greater support to someone else, this book is valuable.

 

The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander

The nutshell: This book is all about noticing and re-thinking the assumptions we all carry with us -- assumptions that have major impacts in our daily lives. It’s guides you to look at all of life through a lens of possibility instead of defaulting to a narrative of struggle (more common in our culture).

Why we love it: It’s an incredibly unique read that awakens creativity and compassion. The husband and wife duo brings quite an interesting perspective, pairing his background as a musical conductor with her leadership development experience.

Who it’s for: If you feel as though life is all about the struggle and grind, this one has powerful insights for you. If you’re truly open to looking at the world differently, this book has much to offer!

 

7 Levels of Communication  by Michael J. Maher

The nutshell: In this book, Maher, a highly-referred real estate agent, shares powerful strategies to develop relationships that increase referrals. He drives his points home through a parable about a real estate agent looking to build his business in a down market.

Why we love it: This book is a total gem for those in sales and business. The principles Maher shares are spot on. He shows you how to move from relationships to referrals in practical and powerful ways.

Who it’s for: Given that the book is written by and about a real estate agent, it’s of course great for those in the industry. And, applications for other fields are plentiful too. Anyone building a business, who wants to learn to connect better with others, will get much out of this one.

 

Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service  by Performance Research Associates, Inc.

The nutshell: This one provides a solid overview of customer service -- walking through the fundamentals and how-to’s of providing exceptional service.

Why we love it: Customer service is, of course, a huge aspect of our company. We’re constantly learning and growing, and this book continually serves as a key resource for our team’s development.

Who it’s for: Anyone who plays a role in serving customers in any way can benefit from this book. It’s broken into easily-digestible sections, so you can consume at your pace and apply to your work -- whatever that may be!

Are you new to home warranties? Or, are you just looking for a bit more information on what a home warranty is and what you can expect? Whichever boat you’re in, let’s take a quick look at some basic questions our customers ask us.

What is a home warranty?

Warranties are service contracts that cover repair and replacement costs of systems and appliances in your home that break down due to normal wear and tear. Depending upon the plan you select, coverage may include dishwashers, plumbing, electrical, heating and more.  Our different policies allow you to choose a program that works for your specific home and your budget.

Why do I need a home warranty?

A warranty saves you from unnecessary headaches. Unexpected repair or replacement costs can throw a wrench in your budget. Finding an approved and insured contractor to solve your problem can be stressful and inconvenient. When you have a home warranty, you no longer have to pay high retail prices for your repairs, and you have a reliable technicians at your fingertips.

What happens when I need service?

When a covered item breaks, simply call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll get one of our trustworthy, in-house technicians to your home soon. At that time, we’ll diagnose the problem, and you’ll be responsible for the set service fee. If the repair needs meet coverage requirements, the repairs will be made at no charge beyond the service fee. If the repair needs are beyond coverage requirements, you will be responsible for the additional cost and given the option to have our reliable technician make the repair, or you may arrange for your own vendor.

This post is part of our Conversations at Home series, which aims to help spark positive and fruitful discussions in your home. It’s born out of the spirit of one of our company core values here at Platinum -- Gratitude: “We focus our minds on the good stuff.” We hope you find these conversations starters to be helpful! ---

Gather 'round. It's time to refresh our conversations once again! We're back with a few more questions to spice things up. It's your call when and where to bust these out -- whether that be in the company of family or friends or when engaging in solo journaling. Pick one or more question(s) to create positive conversation -- with others or yourself -- this week:

• What are you excited about today?

• What's one thing you admire about the person sitting to your left?

• How can you be generous this week?

• What job would you like to try for one week?

• What's your favorite invention of the last 50 years?

• WILDCARD: Make up your own!

PS - If you missed Part One and Part Two they hold even more thoughtful questions for you!

This post is part of a quarterly series stemming from our team’s love of growth and learning. Here we share some worthwhile reads for any clients, partners and friends who are passionate about personal development too! --- It’s that time -- the school year is revving back up. Does anyone else get slightly nostalgic during this season? That longing for a fresh stack of books and school supplies can be quite real. Well, for all you fellow bookworms out there, we’ve rounded up a few more favorites. (And, if you didn’t catch ‘em before, check out previous picks here and here.) Hopefully getting your hands on a copy of one of these can help satisfy the nostalgic cravings in some way, shape or form. As far as the rest of the school supplies though, you’re on your own ;)  

 

What Happy People Know by Dan Baker

The nutshell: You know that saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover?” That definitely applies here. Though the cover screams cheesy self-help, looks are deceiving. This is a book rooted in solid psychology that challenges you to reassess your understanding of what it means to be happy.

Why we love it: It’s accessible. It’s not heavy science nor is it total fluff. And, most importantly, the concepts discussed have real power to change your life.

Who it’s for: This is the perfect read for anyone who is struggling to understand what will bring them happiness in life.  

 

Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, Halee Fischer-Wright and John King

The nutshell: How can you up the ante in an organization’s culture? This book’s assertion is -- leverage the power of tribes. Tribal Leadership outlines an understanding of natural human groups that can help you improve your organization’s effectiveness, engagement and overall success.

Why we love it: Shifting an organization’s culture ain’t easy. This book recognizes that fact and gives you tangible tactics to create real change.

Who it’s for: Are you a leader? Are you working to create change within an organization or among a group of people? This one may be for you!  

 

Originals by Adam Grant

The nutshell: How can you speak up without getting fired? How can you speak the truth, instead of going along with the majority? This book reveals the secret, asserting that non-conformist doesn’t have to be a bad word.

Why we love it: It’s about not playing the yes-man or yes-woman. It’s about learning to be brutally honest in a non-brutal way.

Who it’s for:With applications in both personal and professional life, this book is appropriate for anyone who wants to learn to step into that powerful role of speaking the truth.  

 

Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia

The nutshell: This book offers an approach to leadership that’s led by the belief that everyone matters. Chapman and Sisodia assert that truly taking this belief to heart dramatically improves business performance.

Why we love it: It’s a book filled to the brim with inspiration. The central story is of a company that made it through the Great Depression when the entire team banded together as a “family.” The bond they made through the tragedies and the triumphs was unbreakable, and the way each was treated truly did demonstrate living a life where Everybody Matters.

Who it’s for:This is especially suited for those who choose to be leaders -- whether by title or choice. It’s easy to say “everybody matters,” but do we really live that each and every day? Most of us can learn from this book how to truly take this belief to heart.  

 

Thrive by Arianna Huffington

The nutshell: This book presents a refreshing take on how to measure success in life. Arianna presents four key pillars that compose the book -- well being, wisdom, wonder and giving -- offering these in contrast to the common metrics of money and power.

Why we love it: She weaves her personal story together with journalistic evidence to shape this worthwhile perspective on what contributes to a successful life.

Who it’s for:It can be tough to step beyond those measures of money and power so dominant in our culture. This book offers encouragement to do just that and a reminder that you’re not alone in that journey!

Steve Higgins, our VP of Field Operations, talks with ABC15 about some easy ways to save energy at home.

• This segment touches on topics like:
• Turning down the temperature on your water heater
• Using a programmable thermostat
• Changing the filter for your air conditioning unit
• Changing out light bulbs to the newer CFLs
• Considering air purification systems
• Upgrading your pool pump

KNXV-PHX (ABC)
Aired: 3/25/2017 9:49:21 AM

 

What are we doing here?

Well, dang. That’s quite the lofty existential question, ain’t it? Not really what you expected from a home warranty company’s blog ;) Don’t worry, we’re not going to get too philosophical or angsty ‘round here, though. In truth, we’re grateful to have a good deal of clarity about what we’re doing as a company. And, we believe that makes a world of a difference in terms of the way we are able to help you -- our homeowners and partners. Here’s what we’re up to...  

What about that elephant in the room?

Wait, what elephant? ;) Okay... yes, we’re well aware that home warranty companies aren’t generally known for trusted experiences and stellar service. Frankly, we aren’t okay with that. We’re here to pave a different path. That means, these aren’t just statements plastered on a wall. We know that while it’s bold to put pen to page and commit to an ambitious vision as a company, that’s sort of the easy part. It’s 10x harder to truly make that vision a reality. But, it’s critical that we do so.  

So, how do we measure up?

Well, we’re proud to say, our customers’ words tell us that we’re on track.  

We're redefining homeowners' perceptions of home warranty...

“We have never had a home warranty before but our real estate agent secured one for us when we purchased our new home. In the 5 months since we have been in our home we have called twice for service. Both times a repairman was at our home the next day and the necessary repairs were made. It could not got any easier and it has certainly changed our minds about this type of service. We will definitely continue with them in the future.”

- Colleen R., Chandler

 

“I have always been pretty skeptical of home warranty companies but when I bought my house the Realtor made the seller pay for most of it. I have called them twice now and I could not be more pleased. Absolutely amazing!!!”

- LeRoy H., Surprise

 

“Platinum has been wonderful. I am so glad that I decided to go with them (upon my realtor's advice) when closing on my home. The seller paid for the policy and I had fully intended on using it for the year and then not renewing, however, I was so pleasantly surprised that I renewed after my year was up! I have had home warranties before and been unhappy, but Platinum is AMAZING!! I have renewed twice and will continue to as my home is getting older and because they ALWAYS come through!!!”

- Phebe W., Chandler

  We're outdoing other companies...

“After owning a house over a combined 15 years we have used a few home warranty companies that in the end always fell short. We've had Platinum Home Warranty a year now and they go the extra mile with personal service, top notch contractors, and a local office where people answer the phone. We love their staff and service!”

- Jason S., Phoenix

 

“Having dealt with several warranty companies over a span of more than 20 years, I can unequivocally say that Platinum Home Warranty is the best around. Their service people are professional, prompt & explain the "techie" stuff in layperson's terms (w/o being condescending) & their customer service reps are always courteous & responsive. As part of their service they come to your home twice a year, free of charge, to check your a/c for the summer & your heating for the winter. And just as a added touch, they gift you an air filter & a package of 9v batteries. I would highly recommend them.”

- Alison M., Cave Creek

 

“I have been with Platinum Warranty for at least 7-8 years now. I’ve used numerous home warranty companies and I have to say that Platinum is by FAR the most user friendly, responsive, polite and courteous home warranty company I have used. Great coverage/great service/great people all in one company. Highly recommend!”

- Kirk S., Peoria

  In this world in which home warranty companies aren’t exactly known for stellar service or transparency, we are indeed paving an entirely different path. And, we’re especially grateful for each and every homeowner that gives us the opportunity to do just that, and lets us know we’re on track!  

As you shop for a new heating and cooling system for a home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Single-stage? Two-stage? Variable speed? The options are plentiful, and the lingo can leave you feeling a bit lost. Given that you’re putting a solid chunk of money on the line, how can you and your clients possibly choose the best system for your homes?

Let’s take a moment to break down the differences between systems. We’ll go through the biggest variables -- price, efficiency, noise, humidity control and overall air quality -- so you can choose accordingly.

Efficiency

When it comes to efficiency, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is your go-to. This measures how much a cooling system puts out for each unit of energy it consumes. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently the system performs.

Single-stage systems are the least efficient of the bunch. As the name suggests, they have one “on” setting. The only option is for the system to run at 100% capacity, regardless of whether conditions really demand it. So these systems frequently use more energy than necessary.

Two-stage systems offer some efficiency improvements because they have two settings -- high and low. On more mild days, the second setting allows the system to run at a lower, reduced level of operation. These two-stage units typically have a SEER rating between 16 and 18.

Variable speed systems are the most efficient systems available. They can operate at many different levels specific to your home, down to as low as 20% capacity, and they boast the highest SEER ratings at 25 or higher.

Humidity Control

These different types of systems offer varying levels of humidity control as well. This, of course, is important to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. In a nutshell, when your unit is running and producing a consistent flow, humidity is reduced. The longer it runs, the greater the reduction in humidity.

Single-stage systems are designed to stop once they reach the desired temperature. Thus they actually spend the least time running and offer the least humidity reduction. A two-stage system will actually run longer, which helps cut humidity levels more. A variable speed system ultimately takes the cake. These systems allow for constant air flow, decreasing the humidity most effectively.

Price

When it comes to cost, it’s important to consider two factors -- the purchase price and the cost of operation long-term. A single-stage system boasts the most affordable upfront cost, but will cost the most to operate long-term. A two-stage system will be more expensive up front, but will cost less to operate than a single-stage unit. And -- you guessed it -- a variable speed system will have the heftiest price tag but see the biggest benefits in term of operating costs, along with the perks of efficiency and indoor comfort.

Do keep in mind, more efficient systems often qualify for with tax credits and rebates, so that can help with costs as well. Potential credits include federal tax credits, APS rebates and SRP rebates.

Air Quality

When considering air quality, the differences between the different types of systems is a bit like the story with humidity control. The longer the unit runs, the better the air quality too. Why? The more air that passes through the filter, the greater the opportunity to catch all those undesirable bits of dust, debris and allergens. On top of that, continual air movement can minimize hot and cold spots within your home. Given this, variable speed systems are able to provide the most impressive levels of air quality and comfort (and single-stage systems the least).

Noise Level

This factor can easily get overlooked when considering a system, but it’s good to realize what you’re getting into in terms of noise with each type of system.
Because they only operate at full capacity, single-stage units are the noisiest of the bunch. They are notorious for a noticeably loud start and stop. Two-stage systems offer a bit of reduction in noise. Variable speed systems can operate at a much lower, less noisy level. Unlike single-stage and two-stage systems, they do not produce the noisy kick in whenever airflow is needed and instead can run at the low background level much of the time.

Summary

In many ways, the world of heating and cooling systems is actually relatively straightforward. More costly variable speed systems offer more in efficiency, energy savings, humidity control, air quality and noise reduction. Less costly single and two-stage systems provide less in these arenas.

It ultimately comes down to your budget and desires and expectations for your home. Variable systems are a great option for those who have a more sizable budget and a desire to make a greater investment in the long-term future of their home. For many homeowners wanting some flexibility and efficiency at a more affordable cost, two-stage systems can be helpful. If you’re after the absolutely least expensive upfront cost, single-stage systems are the route.