Tag: Phoenix Home Warranty

Home warranties have many benefits for homeowners that protect their homes and offer peace of mind.  When it comes to buying and selling homes,  both buyers and sellers can benefit from having a home warranty.  One might think that, when selling a home, a home warranty would only benefit the buyer who will take over the home but, in fact, it benefits everyone.

The first and most important benefit for sellers is that it offers a competitive edge in the housing market.  When you go to sell your home, you want to sell it quickly and for top dollar.  With a home warranty, buyers will be that much more attracted to your home because they will feel safe and covered should something go wrong and they will also know that you have taken good care of your home.  If they are considering a similar home in the neighborhood, having a home warranty may give your home the competitive edge it needs to be out the other home.  Additionally, having a home warranty may help lessen the amount of negotiations with the buyer after an inspection because they will feel covered should something go wrong.  Another benefit for sellers is that the home will be covered and protected should something go wrong or break while the home is listed or in escrow.

The seller is certainly not the only one who benefits from a home warranty, the buyer benefits immensely from purchasing a home with a home warranty.  First, purchasing a home is very expensive and you will be spending money on not just the home but on moving expenses and decor. If you purchase a home that has a home warranty, you will not need to worry that a huge repair will pop up, costing you money you may not have readily available.  A home warranty protects home buyers from additional costs for surprise repairs.  Additionally, buyers will have peace of mind that their new home is covered should something break down.

When you move into a new home there is a lot to learn about the new home and having peace of mind that your home is protected is priceless.  An existing home warranty will also make home ownership easier.  When things break down, it can be very frustrating to try to find a reliable and knowledgeable handyman or repairman that can do the job. When you purchase a home with a home warranty, you simply need to call the home warranty company and let them handle it from there.  They will send a trustworthy and experienced handyman to handle your job and will handle all of the legwork.  A home warranty is simply a good choice for both home sellers and home buyers.

A home warranty plan will allow your buyer to relax, knowing all the comforts inside and around their home are being backed by a warranty they can trust and service they can depend on. We know a home is personal, so at Platinum we take the needs of our clients personally. Platinum’s core commitment to excellence has designated this boutique local company to become the premiere warranty company in Arizona. Help your clients avoid the surprise of expensive repair bills by recommending someone you trust.

Platinum is the leading home warranty program in the Valley with the best on-staff factory-trained technicians in the industry. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer a 24-hour Emergency Response Time Guarantee, ensuring that we’ll have a technician at your door when you need it most. Our service team is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days per week, so no matter when something goes wrong you will have that team of professionals heading your way in a hurry to make sure your house is up and running.

Our home warranty plans cover all types of items in homes, so neither you nor your clients have to incur the high price of repairing or replacing these items if and when they break. We do 90% of the work with our technicians to provide you fast and reliable service. Don’t waste time replacing and repairing appliances yourself when you can work with a company that does the work for you. Contact us today for more information and we will get to work on your project, coming up with a complete policy for you and your home.

“Platinum Home Warranty helped me close my deal quickly by fixing the air conditioner immediately after it was red tagged by the home inspector.” – Donna M., Glendale Realtor

Platinum Home Warranty is second-to-none in customer service. Their representatives are courteous and friendly every step of the way. The technicians are prompt, competent and friendly. They exemplify “Service with a smile.”- Katie M. Phoenix Homeowner

How to Prepare Your AC Unit for Fall Getting your home and appliances ready for the fall and winter months takes a bit of preparation. When the air starts to turn cool, it’s time to get your AC unit ready to rest for a season. Air conditioning maintenance can be simple or a little more involved depending on the type of unit that you have. If you have any concerns about prepping your unit for fall, call on a professional for help. Here are some tips to help you out. If you have a portable unit, all you need to do is detach it, clean it, and store it. It is that simple. Don’t forget to change any filters if your unit needs it. For air conditioning maintenance of a centralized system, you will need to change out the filters and inspect the system to make sure it is still clean. Having a professional come in and clean your central system before fall should help to keep the air in your home cleaner and your family healthier throughout the season. Your system should be cleaned twice a year. You should also change out your filters twice a year. If your unit is located outdoors or is an HVAC unit, you might need to do a little more preparation. You will want to start by switching the unit off, which will help to keep it from accidentally kicking on if the temperature rises. You will then want to take a hose and wash off all of the debris and dirt that has gathered on the unit over the spring and summer. Once you have finished washing it, let it completely dry. The next step in your outdoor air conditioning maintenance is to take care of the pipes. You will want to cover exposed pipes with foam to keep them from freezing. Pipes that freeze may potentially crack or break, especially if there is water inside of them. You can keep foam pipe covers in place with duct tape. Once the unit is clean and the pipes are covered with foam, you will want to cover the unit itself. You can purchase plastic or vinyl covers for your unit. You will want something that is waterproof and designed to cover an AC unit. You can keep the cover in place by wrapping bungee cords or ropes around it. Make sure whatever you use to wrap around the cover is also vinyl and waterproof. Wrapping cords around the cover will keep it from blowing away. Although you may think that is the end of your air conditioning maintenance for the fall and winter, you will still want to check on the unit regularly to make sure that the cover is still in place. It also helps to brush off debris like sticks, pine cones, and even snow and water off of your unit. Depending on the type of AC unit that you have, your fall air conditioning maintenance may be very simple or a little more involved. Follow the steps listed above to get your unit and home ready for the cooler months. If you have any apprehension about preparing your unit on your own, it doesn’t hurt to call in a professional to handle it for you. Either way, getting your unit ready for fall is an important part of taking care of your home. Make sure it is on your fall to-do list.]]>

In order to save some real money on your energy bills, you may want to consider following some tips that will help you to program the thermostat in a more cost effective way. Whether your home warranty will cover a new thermostat, or if you plan to just learn how to better manage your existing one, the following should help you to really save some money on your next utility bill. The first thing you can do to properly program the thermostat to save you money is to turn it down. If you are going to be gone for a few hours, turn it down. If you will be gone for the weekend, turn it down. While you may want the home to be at a comfortable temperature when you get back, it doesn’t need to be at that same comfortable temperature while you are gone. Realize that you can heat it up or cool it off fairly quickly with a nice heating and AC system. If you’re not going to be there, it could save you quite a bit to keep it down until you get back and just wait a few minutes when you’re home to get it back to a comfortable temperature. If your unit does not get to a proper temperature in just a few minutes, you may want to look at your home warranty to see if a new unit is a possibility. The second thing you can do with your thermostat to save money is to turn down the temperature at night during the winter and turn it up during the summer. By changing the temperature by just five or ten degrees, you can dramatically change your energy bill. When you wake up in the morning, set the thermostat back to where you want it to be, jump in the shower, and when you’re out, the house will feel perfect again. The third thing you could do to save money with a thermostat is to look into purchasing a digital, programmable thermostat. Many of the programmable thermostats are covered by a home warranty and are easy and convenient to use. Some can be remotely accessed by your cell phone, and others by way of the internet. This way, if you accidentally leave the thermostat up and you head off to work, you can simply get online to turn it back down again. In addition to remote access, many programmable thermostats learn your schedule and will turn themselves up or down whether you are home or away. Whether or not your home warranty covers a new thermostat and heating and AC unit, there are always steps you can take to reduce the energy bills you pay for your home. From turning down the temperature when you leave the house or while you are sleeping to installing a new unit with or without a home warranty, you could be noticing the savings on your very next utility bill. Whether you have been suffering the heat of summer or the chill or winter, take some extra time to look at your thermostat and find out what you can do to save a little money.]]>

If you are a first time homeowner and haven’t had to deal with an home maintenance before, you may be wondering when you should replace the air conditioner. The good news is that there are some tips you can follow from professionals of home maintenance in Phoenix that will walk you through what to consider. The following tips will get you started. The first thing you can look at when considering whether you should replace your air conditioner is how many repairs you are getting on it. If the repair costs are adding up, it could benefit you more to simply replace the unit next time, rather than having it fixed again. If your unit is old, or if it works overtime, it may just be worn out and might not be quite as efficient as it use to be. If you choose to keep the old unit, it could also cost you more in energy bills to keep it running. With a new air conditioner, you could end up saving on not only costs for home maintenance in Phoenix, but monthly utility bills as well. The next thing you could take a look at when you are choosing whether to have a professional of home maintenance in Phoenix come replace your air conditioner or not, is if your unit makes a lot of noise. Noisy air conditioners could be an indication that something is broken inside or that the unit was not the proper size in the first place. Having a professional come to take a look at it could be a good idea because then you will know better whether you should just get a new unit installed. Something else that you can consider in deciding to replace your air conditioner is whether it truly brings you the comfort you are looking for. New air conditioners will probably provide you with the amount of air that is needed to fill up a room. There may not be warm spots or times when the room is not cool because a new unit will be in the best condition. This allows you to have the most comfort in your home on those extremely hot days. In thinking of the home maintenance in Phoenix that you have done on your air conditioner, you can consider whether your old unit is reliable. A new unit should keep your home the proper temperature at all times. It shouldn’t break down or turn off because it is running all day. A new unit will ensure that your home will stay cool so that you will not suffer health issues or discomfort. As you can see, there are some things that you can start to take a look at so that you know whether or not you should replace your air conditioning unit. By considering the amount of repairs you pay for, listening for unnecessary noise, considering the comfort you experience, and thinking about how reliable your unit is, you will come to know whether replacing the air conditioner is best for your situation. A professional that does home maintenance in Phoenix should be able to help you make that decision as well. After you have your new unit, you can relax in the comfort of your home.]]>

If you have ever had your air conditioners break down in the middle of the summer or your heater stop working on an incredibly cold day, you know how uncomfortable and inconvenient it is. While it is great to have a home warranty company you can rely on to be there when something breaks, regular maintenance and checks of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system can save you a lot of time and money by hopefully avoiding a major breakdown. If you have ever had to replace part of your HVAC system, you know it can be very costly. Regular maintenance and checks, coupled with a quality home warranty, can give you the peace of mind that you need as a homeowner.

When considering doing some routine maintenance of your HVAC system, it is not necessary to call a repairman first. As with any home maintenance, it is important to remember to disconnect any power to your unit. There may be more than one thing to disconnect, be sure you have properly disconnected everything or consult a professional to be sure. The first and most important maintenance tip to follow when it comes to your air conditioning unit is to change your air filters regularly. By replacing your filter monthly you protect your air conditioning unit from dust build up and overwork/overexertion which can lead to a breakdown at an inopportune moment. It will also help your air conditioning unit to function more efficiently which can help save money on your energy bills. This is such a simple maintenance tip but one that many forget or overlook, which can be a costly mistake. You will also want to make sure your outdoor unit does not have any debris or clutter too close. You should make sure plants have not overgrown and encroached upon your outdoor unit or that leaves and grass have not piled up near your outdoor unit. In regard to your heating system, you can clean or replace furnace filters monthly. You can also clean your evaporator coil. The coil is located in the air handler/furnace and should be dry. You can clean the coil with the brush attachment from your vacuum.

Seasonal maintenance of your HVAC system is an important step in ensuring your systems will function properly when you need them the most. Studies have shown that without regular maintenance, an HVAC system loses about 5 percent of it’s original efficiency. We are all trying to save money on our energy bills and if our HVAC system is not functioning efficiently we could just be flushing our money down the drain. Avoid a costly and unpleasant breakdown of your HVAC system and have peace of mind that you are protecting your home and your investment.

Do you own a home? Are you looking to own a home? If so, you may want to consider purchasing a home warranty protection plan. Home warranty plans cover the normal wear and tear of appliances and systems that are properly maintained. If one of your home appliances or systems breaks down, your warranty should cover the repair or replacement cost of the appliance or system. So, what are some things you should look for when you are shopping for home warranty coverage?

One thing to look for when shopping for a home warranty is the appliances and systems that are covered. There are probably certain appliances and systems you want covered under your home warranty protection plan. Speak to representatives of different home warranty companies. Tell them which appliances and systems you want covered and ask them for a plan that will best fit your needs. Some appliances and systems that are typically covered are water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, plumbing systems, heating systems, air conditioning systems, electrical systems, and even your doorbell.

Another thing to look for when shopping for a home warranty is the cost of the warranty. What are the premiums? Do you pay them monthly or yearly? Will the price rise after the first year? If an appliance or systems breaks down and needs to be repaired or replaced, will you be responsible for any of the cost? If so, how much will you pay? These are all questions that are good to ask when trying to figure out the cost of a home warranty protection plan. Some home warranty companies will give you a quote on-line. Or you can call a representative of the company and he or she can answer your questions. Get multiple quotes from different companies. This will help you better determine which company and plan will best fit into your financial plan.

When shopping for a home warranty plan, make sure that you ask about the terms and conditions of the plans you are looking at. You will want to know what is covered (or not covered), how far the coverage extends, what fees you will need to pay, and the cost to renew. Read everything carefully before you accept the plan. You want to make sure you know what you are paying for in your home warranty protection plan.

Last of all, when shopping for a home warranty, make sure that you know how your plan works. You want to make sure that the process is simple and uncomplicated. For example, it may look something like this: When an appliance or system breaks down, you call the home warranty company. They call a service provider. The service provided then calls you to set up an appointment. The service provider will come and fix your appliance or system. If the appliance or system is irreparable, the service provider will inform the home warranty company. You may pay a fee for the repair or replacement, which is determined by the terms of your home warranty protection plan.
Shopping for a home warranty does not have to be difficult. By following the tips outlined above, you can have the assurance that you will be able to choose the home warranty plan that best meets your needs.

If you are looking to buy a home or already own a home, you may want to consider purchasing a home warranty plan. These plans are designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the many systems and appliances that make up your home. In the event that one of your appliances breaks or one of your home systems shuts down, having a home warranty will ensure that you do not have to pay the full cost of repair or replacement.

There are many appliances and systems that a home warranty plan covers and it varies from plan to plan. Some common appliances that a home warranty covers are refrigerators, washers and dryers, and ovens. Some common systems that are covered by a home warranty are the plumbing, electrical, and central air conditioning systems. The plan you choose can be customized to fit your needs. In order to choose the plan that will best protect you, you should be aware of which appliances and systems have the highest rates of breaking down or needing to be replaced. The top five home warranty claims are furnaces, air conditioning systems, heating systems, dishwashers, and refrigerators. You will want to make sure that the home warranty plan you choose covers these five appliances and systems.

The heating and cooling systems of your home are vital to your comfort. A heating system warms your home during the winter months. There are many different kinds of heating systems, including a furnace. If your heating system stops working in the middle of the winter, you will need to get it fixed or replaced quickly, especially if you live in an area with harsh winter weather. It can be miserable to be without heat on a cold winter night. Your air conditioning system is also important. If you live in a place that gets unbearably hot at some point in the year, you want to make sure that your air conditioning is protected. Going without the cooling benefits of an air conditioning on a hot summer day will quickly remind you how important it is to have your air conditioning system in working order. Make certain that your heating and air conditioning systems, including your furnace, are covered in your home warranty plan.

Dishwashers and refrigerators are essential appliances in your home. Your dishwasher provides you the convenience of not having to wash your dishes by hand, freeing up time in your day for other things. Typically, dishwashers also use less water than if you washed your dishes by hand, and that saves you money on your water bill. It is also important that your refrigerator be in good working order. Your refrigerator stores your food and keeps it fresh. If it breaks down, you want to be sure that you have a plan to get it replaced or repaired quickly so that your food doesn’t go bad.

Having a home warranty plan may save you money in the long-run. Chances are that at some point your furnace, heating/cooling system, dishwasher or refrigerator will break down and need to be repaired or replaced entirely. This can quickly become a drain on your finances. Having a plan that covers at least these five systems and appliances can bring you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered in case of an emergency.

If you are a home owner or are thinking about buying a home, you might be considering purchasing a home warranty plan. When shopping around for home warranty coverage, you will probably have a lot of questions. Following are five questions that are commonly asked about coverage with home warranties.

What exactly is a home warranty plan? A home warranty is a plan that provides warranty coverage to many of your home appliances and systems. In the case that one of your appliances or home systems breaks down due to normal wear and tear, a home warranty plan will cover the repair or replacement of the appliance or system. Having a home warranty plan can ensure that you are not left with a huge repair or replacement bill.

What types of things does a home warranty plan cover? Home warranty coverage applies to many appliances and home systems. Some common appliances that are covered are refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers. Some common home systems that are covered are electrical, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and water heaters. Home warranty companies have standard plans that you can purchase. If there is an appliance or system that you do not see on the plan that you would like to have covered, most companies will let you add the appliance or the system to a standard plan for an extra fee. Some companies will allow you to customize your plan to fit your particular needs.

How much does a home warranty plan cost? The cost of home warranty plans varies depending on the type of home warranty coverage you want. Many companies will give you on-line quotes. You can also call the company to inquire into the cost. Representatives of each company will be able to help you determine the plan that fits your needs and the cost of that plan.

What is the difference between homeowner’s insurance and a home warranty plan? Homeowner’s insurance covers the structures and furnishings of a home in the event that they are damaged due to a natural disaster. Home warranties will cover the cost of repairing or replacing a home appliance or system due to normal wear and tear.

Will it matter if my appliances and home systems are old? No. All that matters is that your appliances and systems are in good working order. For example, if you have an old furnace, it can be covered under your home warranty plan as long as it is working properly. After your home warranty coverage begins, home warranty companies require that you take care of and maintain any appliances and home systems that are protected by your plan in order to make sure the warranty is valid.

Shopping for a home warranty plan can seem overwhelming. If you are a first-time home buyer it can seem particularly daunting. But, with a little bit of research and some help from the representatives from home warranty companies, you will have all the information you need to purchase a plan that meets your needs. Now that you have the answers to the five common questions regarding home warranty coverage, you are well on your way to choosing the plan that is right for you.

Having a water heater that is in good working condition is an important part of any home. Even if you have a home owner warranty plan, you want to make sure that you take good care of your water heater. While your water heater is probably covered under your home warranty plan, most warranty plans only cover the normal wear and tear of appliances and systems in your home. That means that if you are not taking good care of your water heater, it may not be covered under your plan. Following are some tips for extending the life of your water heater so that if anything does go wrong, you know it will be covered under your home owner warranty.

The first tip is to complete your water heater’s regular maintenance. This is typically on a yearly basis and includes draining your water heater completely and flushing out any build-up. This build-up can lower the efficiency of your water heater, making it work harder to do its job. Your water heater will wear out faster if it has to compensate for build-up. You can drain and flush the water heater on your own or you can call a company that services water heaters to come out and do the yearly maintenance for you. The most important thing is that you get it done in order to make sure that your water heater’s life is extended and in the case the heater does break down, it will be covered under your warranty plan.

Another simple thing you can do to extend the life of your water heater and, thus have full coverage under your home owner warranty, is to check the pressure-relief valve each year and replace it if necessary. A pressure-relief valve that is broken can cause a lot of problems, and may even cause your water heater to explode. The pressure-relief valve is easy to check. It is located on the side or on the top of your water heater. To check it, merely open the valve. If water comes out, the valve is fine and it does not need to be replaced. (Make sure you have a bucket handy to catch any water that may be released.) If no water comes out of the valve, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. You can replace it yourself or call a water heater service company to do the job.

One last tip to extend the life of your water heater is to replace your water heater’s anode rod at least every 4 years. When metal is exposed to water for a long period of time, rust inevitably forms. Since your water heater is metal and has water sitting in it and rushing through it all day, all year, it goes without saying that rust will form. This is where your water heater’s anode rod comes in. The anode rod attracts the rust that forms in your water heater, protecting the rest of the water heater from corrosion. Replacing this rod periodically will protect your water heater, extend its life, and ensure its coverage under your home owner warranty.

Doing regular maintenance, checking the pressure-relief valve, and replacing the anode rod every few years will do a lot to keep your water heater running in excellent condition. Then, in the case that your water heater does break down and needs to be repaired or replaced, you can be assured that your home owners warranty plan will cover the cost.