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Category: Homeowner Tips

That dishwasher of yours… how long will it last? What about that AC unit in the house you’re about to buy? Can you count on it running strong for another five years?

We’re certainly no fortune tellers here, but a glance at the average life expectancies of home systems and appliances can give you a good idea of what to assume. These home systems and appliances can have a big impact on your budget as a homeowner, so it’s great to think about these averages when considering the costs of homeownership. We hope this helps you build a realistic budget for home maintenance.

Since life can be ultra unpredictable, you may very well encounter home systems and appliances that completely defy these norms. Your deviant dishwasher may throw in the towel at 6 years; or it may beat the odds and keep on keepin’ on for a good 15. The moral — take it all with a grain of salt!
 

Home Systems / Appliances Average Life Expectancy
Gas stove Max 15 years
Clothes dryers 10-13 years
Clothes washers 10-13 years
Refrigerators 10-15 years
Dishwashers 8-10 years
Microwave ovens 8-10 years
Heating and air conditioning systems Max 10-15 years
Smoke detectors 8-10 years
Carbon monoxide detectors 5-10 years
Garage door openers 10-15 years

 

 

Other Home Components Average Life Expectancy
Metal and concrete tile roofs 50+ years
Asphalt shingle roofs 15-25 years
Wood shake roofs 15-20 years
Natural wood, marble, slate ceramic and granite floorings 30+ years
Vinyl floors 10-20 years
Carpet 5-15 years
Asphalt and cement driveways 25-50 years
Chimneys and fireplaces Lifetime
Brick veneers Lifetime
Brick/block walls Lifetime

 

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If you need help taking care of your home’s systems and appliances, we’re happy to lend a hand! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

The new year is a great time to get your home maintenance ducks in a row. A few proactive measures can help keep systems running smoothly for the year. Before January gets away, we recommend carving out a little time to tackle the following:

  • Replace your smoke detector batteries. Smoke detectors can save lives, but they have to be maintained. It’s ideal to test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. [Recommended once a year]
  • Clean your refrigerator coils. Pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils to prevent dust and debris from negatively impacting the performance of your refrigerator. [Recommended 2-4 times per year]
  • Clean your exterior dryer vent. Over time your dryer vent can get clogged with debris and lint; cleaning it regularly can help prevent fires. [Recommended once every 6 months]
  • Change your HVAC filters. By replacing your filter monthly, you protect your AC unit from dust build up which can tax the system. This easy maintenance can extend the life of your unit and help it function more efficiently. [Recommended once a month]
  • Clean your HVAC coils. You can extend the life of your AC condenser and help prevent overheating of your system by cleaning your HVAC coils regularly. [Recommended once a year]
  • Flush your water heater. Your water heater builds up sediment and minerals that break down the tank liner and components. To avoid premature failure and excess energy use, flush your water heater once per year. [Recommended once a year]

Spicing up your maintenance routine
We’ll be the first to admit that these are far from thrilling tasks for most of us. But, fear not — we have a few ideas to make these activities a tad bit more enjoyable. Choose whatever sounds like your cup of tea, or come up with your own ideas.

  • Bust out the tunes. Music is a faithful standby. We’ve noted before the wonders it works when facing the drudgery of cleaning, and it certainly works well for tasks far beyond that. Pick whatever tunes suit your fancy, and let them elevate your spirit as you tackle these tasks.
  • Make it a shared activity. Check off these tasks with help from a friend. Invite a friend to keep you company while you cover the list at your own home. Then, head to your friend’s home to help them do the same. Or, get the full family on board for the task, so it’s not just a solo endeavor.
  • Practice mindfulness. What would it look like to allow yourself to become fully absorbed in the task at hand? While doing the activity, try to completely engage in it instead of letting your thoughts wander. Feel the texture of the tools in your hand, breathe in the air and express gratitude that your body is able to take on the particular task.
  • Place a prize at the end. A little reward at the finish line might be the motivator you need. Pick a prize that you’d enjoy — a night out at a favorite restaurant, a trip to the movies… whatever entices you. Once you finish the list, reward yourself!

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Let us do the dirty work for you.
If home maintenance isn’t your thing, we can help. Call 602.733.5000 or email [email protected] and ask for our retail division.

When buying a new home, it can bring peace of mind to have the locks changed. With brand new locks and keys in hand, you don’t have to fret about who may have had access to your property prior to your ownership. 

And, it doesn’t have to be complicated figuring out a locksmith to use because…

Your home warranty includes rekeying coverage!

Yep, rekeying is included with all of our major home warranty plans! It’s one of the lesser known benefits of having a home warranty with Platinum. Instead of searching for yet another service provider, you already have a go-to! Simply call us 🙂

When you schedule rekeying as part of your home warranty coverage, you pay a reduced cost – just the service fee, as opposed to the full rate for the service. The coverage includes up to 6 keyholes and 4 copies of keys, and you can add on additional keyholes or keys as needed. 

Here’s when to schedule rekeying…

If you’re buying a new property, be sure to factor rekeying into your closing schedule. It’s great to have the locksmith out as soon as you’re able to after closing. Keep in mind – your new home warranty must be in place to schedule the service as part of that coverage.

A bonus point for real estate agents – many agents have shared with us how much their clients appreciate their help with rekeying. You can be the one to point out this coverage and help them ensure it’s scheduled appropriately within the timeline of closing on the property. They’ll love you for it!

FAQs about rekeying

Q: Do all home warranties include rekeying?

All Platinum Home Warranty plans include rekeying. Other companies may vary.

Q: If I don’t have a home warranty, can you help me with rekeying?

Yes! We’re glad to help you get scheduled with a trusted locksmith. Call 602.733.5000 for more info. 

Q: If I’m not buying or selling a home, can I still request rekeying?

Yes! Though rekeying is most commonly requested when buying or selling a home, you can choose to use the service at any time you desire. Our home warranties include one single rekeying service within the one-year policy term – whenever you choose to use it.

Have questions about rekeying or our home warranties?

Give us a call at 602.733.5000, and we can walk you through our offerings and any questions you may have!

It’s a good idea to flush your water heater once per year or anytime you change your element. Your water heater builds up sediment and minerals that break down the tank liner and components. This can lead to premature failure and excess energy use.

To flush your gas water heater:

1. Set your pilot light valve down to the “pilot” setting. Do not turn off the gas to the heater.

2. Turn off the water supply, both hot and cold.

3. Attach a garden hose to the drainage valve at the bottom of your tank.

4. Round the other end of the hose to the outside of your home or garage to drain.

5. Turn on a hot water faucet in the house from a nearby source to allow air into the top of your tank.

6. Turn on the drain valve, and allow the tank to empty for five minutes.

7. Once the tank has completely emptied, turn on the cold water supply to flush out any remaining sediment from the tank.

8. After 5 minutes, inspect the water being evacuated and look for any sediment. If it’s clear, you’ve properly flushed your tank of accumulated matter. Disconnect the hose.

9. Return the pilot control to the previous setting and allow ample time for the water to heat back up. Next, turn on the hot water supply.

10. Your tank should now be ready to use.

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Need support in taking care of your water heater or another system or appliance? We’re happy to help! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Yep, it’s that time of year again. Monsoon madness. You’re likely well aware that it can wreck havoc on your landscaping.

But, did you know that monsoon season can also put extra pressure on your A/C? When debris builds up around your outdoor unit, the unit works much less effectively.

The good news is — protecting your A/C is easy. Just check your unit for debris throughout the season, and tidy it up as necessary. With that bit of extra TLC, your system will be set to finish the summer season strong!

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If you need help taking care of your home’s systems and appliances, we’re happy to lend a hand! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

Picture this — you’ve escaped the Valley’s heat for a vacation. After enjoying a refreshing time away, you return home, quickly learning your air conditioning isn’t running as it should be. The culprit? A filter overdue for a change, which overheated the unit. That isn’t a pretty picture. The last thing you want to do when you return is face new maintenance problems. To help you keep your systems and appliances running smoothly while you’re away, we’ve compiled a few tips.

filter1. Change your air filters. Air filters get dirty, especially here in the dusty desert.  It’s a good idea to change your filters before you go on a trip.
acunite2. Adjust your thermostats Electricity isn’t cheap, particularly not in the summer.  Adjust your thermostats so that the temperature in your home is a little warmer while you are away.  This simple action will save you money on your energy bill and will help prevent your air conditioning from overheating while you are away.
outlet3. Unplug major electronics Another easy action worth taking is to protect your electronics from a possible power surge. Unplug your favorite electronics to avoid any damage while you are away.

Need repair help?
If you do encounter repair issues, remember – you can count on us to help! Reach out to us at
602.733.5000.

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. 

Pool time is here. What better time to step up your pool pump maintenance than now?

Your pool pump is the star player in your swimming pool’s plumbing system. It pumps thousands of gallons of water in a week’s time. To keep it at the top of its game, take time to regularly tackle the following:

Clean out the pump and the surrounding area. Sweep out the area around the pump at least once a week, and dust off the pump itself, paying special attention to the vents for the cooling fans.

Clean out the filter. This will help the water flow freely, reducing wear and tear on the motor.

Don’t lubricate the motor. Modern pool pumps are sealed to prevent corrosion. Spraying the pump with lubricant will only damage the rubber seals and catch dirt and debris.

Check for leaks and torn seals once your pump is spick and span. If any of the seals are damaged, replace them immediately before the pump is turned back on.

Check the pressure gauge as part of your weekly maintenance. Your owner’s manual will tell you the suggested pressure level. If the pressure is about 10 psi above the guideline, it’s time to backwash or to clean out the filters, depending on your system. Letting the pressure run too high can damage the pipes and the motor.

Listen for abnormalities. If your pump is louder than normal or making a high-pitched whine, some of the parts likely have become worn or cracked.

If you keep up with your pool pump maintenance, you can greatly extend the lifespan of your pump. A smoothly running pump will use less electricity and keep your swimming pool crystal clear.

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Need help with repairs?
Whether you need service on your pool pump or another home system, we’re here to support you! 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. 

  1. 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!

  1. 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? 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Found your new home, and need a home warranty?
Learn more about our Plans & Pricing here. 

Plans & Pricing

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.