Author: Platinum Team

As the temperatures climb higher and higher, so do energy bills.  Nobody wants to waste money on energy bills, especially in a home that is not energy efficient. If you have been looking for some ways to make your home more energy efficient, there are actually quite a few. There are certainly a range of options to make your home more energy efficient, from large scale and expensive to small scale and very inexpensive.  Whatever your budget, you can take simple steps to make your home more energy efficient and save on energy bills each month.
One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to install a programmable thermostat.  There is a programmable thermostat for any budget and they are all relatively easily to install.  If you do not feel up to installing it yourself, it is easy for a handyman to install it for you. SheKnows explains how to best utilize your programmable thermostat to reduce energy consumption, " Purchase a programmable thermostat and set your temperature to go up while you are away or asleep during the summer and down while you are away or asleep during the winter. By simply setting your thermostat down (or up) you can save hundreds of dollars a year."
The next thing you will want to do when making your home more energy efficient is to make sure there are no leaks.  The seals around windows and doors, over time, tend to wear out.  When they wear out and start leaking air, your home quickly loses energy efficiency.  If you move a lighter around the seal of a window or door, you might see the flame flicker or move.  If you see this happen, it means air is leaking and a repair is needed.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency stresses the importance of fixing air leaks in a home to create a more energy efficient space, " Your home's envelope - the outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors and floors - may be letting too much air into or out of the home. Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can create as much airflow as an open window, and can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Sealing coupled with insulating your home's shell is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Windows can also account for a significant percentage of your heating bill in the winter, as cold air can infiltrate into the home through leaky windows and warm air escapes, making your heating system run more. And during the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. If you are replacing or installing windows, doors or skylights, you can reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights in your home."
Lastly, another simple way to improve energy efficiency in any home is to add insulation.  If you did not build your home, you may not even be aware of how much insulation you have.  Your home may not have enough insulation to maintain energy efficiency.  Or, if your home is old, it may need new insulation.  If you are unsure how much insulation is enough, hire a contractor to come and assess whether you have enough insulation.  When you improve just these three simple things, your home will be more energy efficient and you will save money on energy costs each month.

Everyone wants a luxurious bathroom that not only meets their needs but is aesthetically pleasing. Also, it’s important that your dream bathroom matches your design sensibilities as well.  If your bathroom does not quite match that description, you may need to consider a bathroom remodel.  Whether you like a more traditional style or want to create a modern retreat, when remodeling, your dreams for your bathroom can become a reality.  When undertaking a bathroom remodel, or any remodel for that matter, there are some tips to follow that will help streamline your remodel, make it less stressful, and help you ensure that you get the results that you want.
The first, and probably most important tip in any remodel project, is to set and stick to a budget.  Do research about the types of goals you want to accomplish in your bathroom remodel and plan ahead for the costs associated with them.  Be realistic about costs and give yourself some breathing room in your budget if possible in case any surprise costs may arise.  Your budget will influence what materials and fixtures you choose and play the most important role in your remodel project.
The second tip is to plan for your realistic needs.   Think about what will suit your cleaning needs when choosing materials and think about how much storage you will need.  You may love the look of pedestal sinks but if you do not have any other storage in your bathroom, you may find yourself wondering where to keep your toothpaste and deodorant.  Plan to remodel your bathroom to not only be stylish, but also to fit your lifestyle and needs.
The third tip is to DIY (Do It Yourself) where you can but know when to hire a professional.  TV shows may make it look simple to DIY just about anything but, it is important to know what you are doing when attempting to DIY a bathroom remodel.  While you certainly could save a significant amount of money if you do the bathroom remodel yourself, it will be far more costly if something goes awry.  Calling a contractor to fix a problem that you created, paying for additional materials, and any repairs will be much more expensive than if you were to have hired a professional in the first place.  If you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do a bathroom remodel yourself, great!  But, if you feel that it would go more smoothly in the hands of a professional, hire an experienced and knowledgeable contractor who can make your bathroom dreams a reality.  When you follow these three basic tips before beginning your bathroom remodel, you can rest assured that many potential headaches have been avoided and that you will soon have the bathroom that you have always wanted.

At one time, there was a big boom of popularity for trash compactors and they seemed to be the "appliance of the moment."  These days, we may not see them in as many homes.  But, are trash compactors still worth the investment?  Do they really help and how much? Are you making multiple trips outside to deposit full trash bags? Trash compactors just may be the appliance you have not given much consideration, but should.
Trash compactors have been around for a few decades now and work to compress trash to help significantly reduce the amount of trash bags you use.  A trash compactor compresses trash so much that about 6 bags of trash are compressed into one bag of trash.  Yes, that means no more taking out the trash every day.  And, not only will it save you time because you will have one less chore to take care of, but it will also save money because you will not go through as many trash bags.  Additionally, if you are conscious of "going green" in your home, trash compactors are a green choice because they reduce the amount of trash bags you use and your trash takes up less space in landfills.
One con of owning a trash compactor is that not all trash can be placed in the trash compactor, making additional waste disposal options necessary.  Items like glass, jars, bottles cannot be placed in the trash compactor and could cause damage to the compactor if placed inside.  SFGate addresses some additional cons of trash compactors, "A trash compactor bag filled to capacity may weigh 30 to 50 pounds, which can be a bit cumbersome, especially for children or the elderly.
Regular trash bags cannot be used in a trash compactor because such bags are not designed for the extreme pressure used to compress trash in a compactor. Special trash compactor bags are necessary, requiring a purchase of a specific size designed for your compactor model. They also may smell bad, due to items within the compactor sitting for a while. Charcoal filters reduce some of the odor, but require replacement every six months or so."  So, ultimately, like many different appliances, there are pros and cons.
What will help determine whether or not a trash compactor will be a worthwhile investment is your lifestyle and preferences.  If you like to be eco-friendly, if you prefer not to make as many trips out to the curb with the trash, and if you want to reduce the amount of trash bags you use, a trash compactor may be a worthwhile investment for your home.

The first way to keep your home cool during the summer but not overspend on the cost of cooling is to set your thermostat as high as possible, while still feeling comfortable.  You may not feel a major difference between 76 degrees and 78 degrees, but even a two degree difference on a regular basis can make a major impact on the cost to cool your home.

Next, when you are away from home, set the thermostat higher so that money is not wasted cooling an unoccupied home.  Also, during the evening when temperatures are cooler outside and you are asleep, consider setting your thermostat even one degree higher.  It is unlikely you will notice the difference while you are asleep, but over time, this could yield significant savings.

If you have a somewhat consistent schedule (you wake and leave for work around the same time each day and go to bed around the same time each day) you can program your thermostat and then make adjustments as needed.  The bulk of the work with programming will be done and you will not even need to think about it!   If you plan to leave for a summer vacation, be sure to adjust your programming so that it is set for a higher temperature the entire time you are away as there will be no need to continually cool your home if you are not there.

It is also important to regularly change your air filters to keep your HVAC unit functioning properly and help you save on energy costs.  Energy Star discusses how important it is to change your air filter, "Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure." When you take advantage of the programmable features of your thermostat and plan ahead according to your schedule, you can enjoy significant energy savings during the warm summer months.

 
How to Maintain Your HE Front Loading Washer and Dryer
Energy efficient, front loading washers and dryers have become incredibly popular.  HE (high efficiency) washers and dryers are all the rage in homes right now because not only are they more energy efficient than traditional washers and dryers, but they save money on both energy bills and water bills each month.  Front loading washers and dryers can also be stacked, creating additional space in your laundry room or saving room in a small living space.  The advantages of owning front loading washers and dryers are many, but like any other appliance, they require maintenance to run properly.
Proper maintenance of your front loading washer and dryer is incredibly important to keep it running properly.  One major complaint of many homeowners that have front loading washing machines is that, over time, they can start to smell moldy.  It is important to always remove damp clothes immediately so that they do not sit for extended periods of time, which can lead to a moldy or mildew-like smell.  Additionally, when the machine is not in use, leave the door to the washing machine ajar so that it allows fresh air to circulate.  What is often the primary source of mold is the rubber seal around the door.  The rubber seal needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of hair and other debris and to prevent water buildup in the seal.  A solution of half vinegar and half water will clean the rubber seal and prevent a moldy smell.  And, for regular maintenance, you can pour distilled white vinegar where you would normally put detergent and run the machine as normal.  This will help clean everything out and deodorize.  Additionally, there are products available specifically formulated to clean the drum of a front loading washer and keep this smelling fresh.  Lastly, if you notice that your washer is rattling or shaking, it may need to be leveled.  It is incredibly important to level your machine to extend the life of the machine and prevent damage to flooring and walls.
Next, it is important to maintain your front loading dryer.  As with all dryers, it is necessary to regularly clean the lint filter.  Beyond just frequently removing the lint accumulation, every now and then it is a good idea to actually clean the lint trap off with some water at the sink.  Another important maintenance step is to check the dryer exhaust, a task often forgotten.  It is important that air can easily pass through the exhaust and that there is no debris or buildup in the way.  If there is dust and debris, remove any large items and vacuum to get rid of all dust.  This will keep your machine functioning as efficiently as possible and extend the life of your dryer.  When you regularly maintain your front loading washer and dryer, you protect your investment and help your machines function properly.  You will help extend their life and save money using an energy efficient appliance.

If you have ever had to make an emergency call to a plumber for one reason or another, you know how frustrating and expensive it can be.  Most homeowners have had to deal with a plumbing issue at one point or another but if you know how to properly maintain your plumbing and plumbing fixtures, you can prevent many problems from arising at all.
The first and most important thing to note when it comes to plumbing is that, the less that goes down a drain (aside from water, obviously), the fewer clogs you will experience.  One way you can avoid unwanted things (like hair and debris) from going down the drain is with a drain screen.  Drain screens can be used in the kitchen sink, bath tub and shower and are a great preventive measure to protect plumbing.  Never allow hair to accumulate or intentionally wash hair down the drain because hair is one of the most common causes of clogs with drains.  The next way to protect your plumbing is with some things you probably already have in your pantry.  Skip the harsh, chemical cleaners that can actually damage your pipes and get out your vinegar and baking soda.  No, it is not time to cook something, it is time to naturally clean your plumbing.  First, sprinkle baking soda down the drain.  Then, pour about a cup of vinegar down your drain, wait approximately ten minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain.  The vinegar and baking soda will help remove buildup and prevent clogs from forming.  Another wonderful use of vinegar is for your plumbing fixtures.  If you notice buildup or clogs with your faucets or showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, attach the bag to the faucet or showerhead with a rubber band, wait an hour or two, remove the bag and turn on the faucet or showerhead to flush away the clogs.  The vinegar will have broken down the buildup, allowing the water to flow freely.     It is truly amazing what common household items like vinegar are capable of doing!  Vinegar can be used to clean just about anything!  It is incredibly important to regularly maintain plumbing and not ignore growing problems.  If you notice you have a slow drain, do not ignore it!  The clog will only grow and cause bigger problems.  Often, a slow drain can be cleaned easily when first noticed, but if you allow the clog to grow, it may be necessary to bring in the professionals.  A home warranty can protect you in case your plumbing does experience problems.  Do not panic when you have a problem, wondering what plumber to hire, who you can trust and who will properly fix the problem.  A home warranty company, such as Platinum Home Warranty, will handle hiring a reliable and trustworthy plumber and protect your home.

Garbage disposals are one of those appliances you do not give much thought to, but are happy they are there.  While you may not think about your garbage disposal very often, you count on it to work when you need it, but do you know how to best take care of it?  You cannot simply put anything in your garbage disposal that you want and hope it keeps functioning at an optimal level.  There are some basic steps you can follow to properly maintain your garbage disposal and ensure it works when you need it to.

Garbage disposals grind up and dispose of food items so that you do not have to put them in your trash can.  They are incredibly handy and convenient.  But, not everything, not even every food item, should be put down your garbage disposal.  Many items can cause damage and flat out break your garbage disposal.  BHG Real Estate discusses what you should and should not put in your garbage disposal, "Certain foods should never be put in the disposal, like anything greasy, stringy, ultra-starchy, fibrous, bony or rocky. That includes melted butter, shortening or bacon grease, celery or carrot sticks and peelings, banana or potato peelings, corn husks, artichoke leaves, steak bones, and avocado and peach pits, among other cloggers.  You may have a disposal that can handle some of these items, but don’t try them unless the directions say so.

Some foods may fool you. Chicken skin may seem harmless, but it’s greasy and fibrous. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re in doubt about a food, use the trashcan instead."  If you find that you have a clog in your garbage disposal, never use your fingers to try to fix the clog.  There are sharp metallic blades in the garbage disposal and they could seriously injury you.  Instead, use pincers or tongs to try to break up a clog in your garbage disposal.

When you do run your disposal, run the water for an additional 20 seconds after turning off the disposal to make sure everything has rinsed down the drain.  Use warm water and lemon peels and run the garbage disposal to get rid of bad smells.  Never pour hot grease into your drain because as it cools it will solidify and cause a clog.  You should also never use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach to clean your garbage disposal because they can cause damage to the blades.  Vinegar is a great natural tool for cleaning your garbage disposal and if you freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray you can put the vinegar cubes through the garbage disposal for additional cleaning and scouring.

If you only grind biodegradable items that are not listed above as bad for your garbage disposal, your garbage disposal should be able to avoid clogs and major problems.  From time to time, all garbage disposals will develop bad smells but when you follow the cleaning tips above, you can quickly remedy bad smells.  Proper care of your garbage disposal will result in a long lasting, very useful appliance.

Give your listings the platinum advantage!
A Platinum Advantage ”Certified Pre-Owned Home” will go through a comprehensive inspection prior to being put on the market. The inspection will uncover anything from potential deficiencies with any major mechanical systems in the home as well as termite issues. These deficiencies will be readily listed comprehensively by the seller, earning the home a “Certified Pre-Owned Home” status which will greatly reduce a buyer’s anxiety about potential unknowns. Buyers will also receive $150 credit on their buyer warranty policy by choosing to stay with Platinum.
Sellers benefit as well, by offering a home that stands out above the competition with its excellent condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Combine this with the Platinum Home Warranty package during the listing period and sellers will greatly reduce expensive repairs in the future or canceled offers. To participate in this great program sellers must remain with their HomeSmart listing agent in order for the package to apply. Buyers must hold their warranty through Platinum to be eligible for the buyers discount and termite warranty.

Give Your Listings the Platinum Advantage!

We announced our new Certified Pre-Owned Home Program launching in April.  Platinum Home Warranty and Advantage Inspection Service, two of our corporate partners, have developed a strong tool for you to use during your listing presentation that will separate you from your competition.  Together they have created a new “Certified Pre-Owned Home Program” that will help real estate agents add value to their listings and gain an edge on the competition. This is a pivotal moment in real estate where we are quickly changing into a buyer's market.  For listing agents and their sellers this means more inventory, more competition, longer selling times and related issues that arise because of those lengthened times on the market.
A Platinum Advantage ”Certified Pre-Owned Home"  will go through a comprehensive inspection prior to being put on the market. The inspection will uncover anything from potential deficiencies with any major mechanical systems in the home as well as termite issues. These deficiencies will be readily listed comprehensively by the seller, earning the home a "Certified Pre-Owned Home" status which will greatly reduce a buyer's anxiety about potential unknowns.  Buyers will also receive $150 credit on their buyer warranty policy by choosing to stay with Platinum.
Sellers benefit as well, by offering a home that stands out above the competition with its excellent condition both cosmetically and mechanically.  Combine this with the Platinum Home Warranty package during the listing period and sellers will greatly reduce expensive repairs in the future or canceled offers.  To participate in this great program sellers must remain with their HomeSmart listing agent in order for the package to apply.  Buyers must hold their warranty through Platinum to be eligible for the buyers discount and termite warranty.
Program Details:
During your listing presentation you'll present the benefits of the program to the seller.  Prior to the listing going "live" the following will be put in place*:
-A Special Warranty Sellers’ package from Platinum Home Warranty
-A 500 point home inspection and termite check by Advantage Inspection Services
-One year termite warranty for buyer (if home has no evidence of termite infestation)
-Preventative termite treatment (optional)
-A sign rider and certificate at your listing indicating that the home is pre-certified
Are you ready to add value to your listings? Call for pre-certified pricing details 602.733.5000
Platinum Home Warranty is the premiere Arizona Home Warranty program in the Valley, with the best factory trained technicians in the industry. The company prides itself on being the only company to offer 24-hour emergency response time guarantee to have a technician to the door when homeowners need it most. Visit platinumhw.com for more information.
Advantage Inspection Service has the most experienced team of inspectors in Arizona and has been performing inspections locally since 1988.  The company is fully insured and serves as your home consultant following the inspection. Visit azinspect.com for more information.
 

You may not think often about your hot water heater, but you probably rely on it every day.  And you will not always know exactly how much you need it, until it stops working.  Your hot water heater can be maintained regularly to keep it running smoothly so that it is there, when you need it.  Water heaters typically have a life of about 10 years, on average, but they can last longer when cared for well and regularly maintained.
The first important thing to do when maintaining your hot water heater is make sure the tank is clean.   Many experts recommend that you drain your tank regularly in order to keep it functioning properly and to avoid sediment build up.
 AngiesList points out how important draining your water heater tank is, "Those drips are caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and lime, over the years. One way to help limit the clog is to drain your water heater.  “Drain it three or four times a year,” Kenworthy says. “That’s the best way for them not to lime up. When you drain it in the basement, take the water to the sump pump. If your water heater is in the garage, run the water outside.
Drainage is one of the biggest things you can do to help your water heater. Other than that, there’s not a whole lot you can do.” When it comes to draining, follow the steps suggested by the manufacturers for that specific tank."  Be sure to turn off the water supply, drain the water and flush any sediment buildup out until the water runs clear.
Additionally, you will want to check and regularly replace your anode rode.  The anode rod may sound complicated but it is actually relatively easy for most homeowners to change themselves.  Yahoo Voices describes the importance of the anode and how to tell if it needs to be changed, "After your hot water tank is 3 years old, start checking the anode rod once a year. Although it is doubtful that you will have to replace the anode rod in your hot water heater so soon, this rod is essential to the health of your water tank.
Anode rods work to release ions that prevent the tank from rusting. If the anode rod has been completely depleted, then the inside of the water tank will start to rust, then leak. Use a wrench to loosen the rods from the top of the water tank to check them. After pulling out the rods, check to make sure that they appear solid. If they look a little worse for the wear, plan on buying and installing new anode rods in your hot water tank."
Have an inspector check your water heater if you are concerned it may not be functioning properly.  When you regularly maintain your water heater it will be there each day, when you need it, and you will be able to extend the life of your water heater.