Articles with household tips for when you need them the most. Find trusted cleaning and maintenance advice for homeowners and renters. Keep your appliances and home systems running like new through proper care. Learn what to look for and what you can do to resolve problems before they occur. DIY troubleshooting guides for refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, toilets, and more.
In the heat of summer, air conditioning care is among the highest priority for homeowners. When the condenser fan in your air conditioner stops working, it can put an unfortunate halt on your summer plans.
Select Home Warranty provides coverage on central cooling and heating systems, providing you with coverage when the condenser fan no longer works... Read more
Trees and natural growth provide wonderfully aesthetic benefits to the home, but can also severely damage your property if not carefully plotted.
Select Home Warranty offers coverage to repair or replace major home systems, including plumbing and septic systems. But when it comes to damage caused by roots, coverage unfortunately does not apply... Read more
Home exhaust fans can accrue a lot of dust and grime. When this area of your home is not routinely cleaned, it can make a surprising difference to the home’s air circulation and may also act as a fire risk.
Select Home Warranty offers coverage on home systems and appliances... Read more
Frozen pipes are among the biggest worries for homeowners during cold months. When temperatures drop, frozen pipes can become a very stressful and costly issue.
Home warranties provide protection against many plumbing issues, but not frozen pipes. Be sure to read your homeowners insurance policy details to learn how costs can be covered... Read more
Boilers are among the most efficient methods of home heating, keeping your home reliably warm through winter months.
There are a few ways you should check up on your boiler to look out for common issues. Servicing a boiler can be dangerous, so be cautious when handling your boiler and don’t hesitate to call on a trained professional... Read more
Sump pumps are the key to setting your home up for success when it comes to water entering the home.
This simple mechanism could mean all the difference between saving your stored belongings and a hefty clean up project. Flooding can also cause foundational damage to your home, making it essential to keep your sump pump operable at all times... Read more
On chilly mornings, there’s nothing better than stepping onto a heated floor. Many homeowners strive for the day they can install and enjoy these delightful heating fixtures.
When your heated floor suddenly stops working, it can quickly feel like a lost cause... Read more
Washers and dryers endure many, many cycles over their lifetime. They handle cleaning everything from your bath towels and sweaters to socks — and even shoes!
It’s important to keep an eye on these appliances, especially for families who would struggle with piling laundry if the washer and dryer experienced a breakdown... Read more
If you find your circuit breaker trips often, you’re not alone. Older homes aren’t built to handle families that use many electrical devices plugged in at once.
This issue may seem like a small inconvenience, but it can lead to serious electrical system issues that require the assistance of a certified technician... Read more
A blown fuse can surprise any homeowner.
You may have just plugged in your microwave, turned on the garage light switch or started the radio. No matter the reason, don’t sit in the dark! A blown fuse can either be very simple to fix or may reveal an underlying electrical problem... Read more
Flooded basements are among every homeowner’s greatest fears. Years of memories could be stored in the basement along with furniture, clothing, holiday decorations, and many other important family possessions.
Most homeowners can take advantage of flood insurance included with their home insurance coverage, however coverage varies and it’s important to reach out to your carrier right away to understand your policy’s limitations... Read more
Weekly chores are difficult enough. When the dryer stops spinning, drying the laundry becomes a whole different task, stealing your attention away from more important home duties.
Unfortunately, issues with a dryer that won’t spin usually require mechanical repair and replacing parts that are worn down... Read more
Dishwashers are underappreciated, until the moment they stop working.
This appliance is a staple for many homes and can become a frustrating issue. When dishes start piling, it’s even more difficult to address what went wrong with the dishwasher.
Sometimes, dishwashers can be fixed with a very quick cleaning, while other times, there could be a mechanical issue to address... Read more
Everyone has their happy place. For some, that place is relaxing on the couch, while for others it’s relaxing in the hot tub.
Your jetted tub or spa requires routine cleaning and maintenance to remain operable. After a long day, no one expects a mishap to occur just as they’re settling down... Read more
One day you might take a shower, and the next you might run the bath. For everyone with a combination shower and bathtub, this is a choice we don’t expect to go wrong.
Life becomes a little tougher when the option is taken away... Read more
Whether you’re routinely cleaning or it’s about time to use some elbow grease, the shower and bathtub take special care.
We use these areas of the home daily, sometimes causing quite a bit of grime to build up. There are steps you can take to lessen the amount of grime built up over time, and there’s also hacks you can try to leave your bathtub and shower good as new... Read more
Garbage disposals are designed to shred food and other waste and keeping your kitchen pipes clean. Read More about 5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Garbage Disposal.
For peace of mind when your garbage disposal acts up, consider getting a home warranty price quote to cover the costs of repair and replacement down the line... Read more
When it comes to enjoying summer, there’s nothing quite like relaxing beside your own pool. That’s why on these bright and sunny days, sitting by a murky pool can be a real downer.
Keeping your pool open all summer long is no easy task... Read more
Whether you rent an apartment or own your home, hot weather is the great equalizer. Everyone worries about when it might be time to repair or replace the air conditioning system.
While nothing lasts forever, few home system breakdowns are more devastating than losing your air conditioning... Read more
Don’t worry, a clogged drain isn’t a reason to use your home warranty unless you notice these troubling signs. We’ll walk you through how to clear a clogged drain in no time.
Whether there’s a tough clog in your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub drain or toilet, use these tips to have your pipes running again... Read more
When it comes to summertime, our refrigerators work incredibly hard. We often worry about the AC keeping the house cool but forget another appliance which keeps its contents ice cold 24/7. Without the fridge, families have lots of trouble keeping order in the home... Read more
When you gaze across your lawn, the thought might occur: “Is it time to water my grass a better way?”
For those of us who invest in our homes, the outside can be just as important as the inside. Sprinkler systems make a big impact on the aesthetic around your home, especially if you’ve planted fresh flowers and laid down grass seed... Read more
Breakdowns around the home are alarming, but some issues in your home are silent until it’s too late. When it comes to mold, termites and radon, these problems can slowly cause damage and ruin your peace of mind.
Home warranties are here to shield your wallet and your home from costly mechanical repairs... Read more
An automatic garage door opener is a wonderful luxury that makes it easy to stow your car away during unpleasant weather conditions. But when your garage door opener is on the fritz – or simply isn’t working at all – that convenience quickly turns to annoyance... Read more
Simple, yet essential, gutters are among the most important and cost-effective means for preventing home water damage. Of course, while gutters have a relatively long life expectancy – ranging from ten to twenty years – nothing lasts forever. Even with proper maintenance, all gutters eventually require replacement... Read more
When it comes to snow days, there’s a distinct polarity between the experience of adults and children. While kids eagerly anticipate school delays and cancellations, adults are left pining for a time when a blizzard meant snowmen and igloos – not hours of cleanup and pricey household maintenance... Read more
The warmth of a home is much more than just the temperature. In the winter, there are some decorations that can make a home feel more welcoming and comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.
Of course, if you are experiencing an issue with your heating system, place a claim today or get your free quote for home warranty coverage... Read more
In the midst of cold weather, we often worry about keeping our homes warm. Depending on how well you take care of it, the average life expectancy of a home heating system is between 15 and 20 years. Alternatively, the average HVAC repair runs between $70 and $800, so it’s a good idea to keep this system in tip-top shape... Read more
Are you feeling uncomfortable due to a draft in your home? Are you always cold, even though your heat is running around the clock? When we get chills, we often bundle up or crank the thermostat, but both options have downsides... Read more
This time of year becomes expensive for many families. With the holidays approaching, so does colder weather, and that’s why it’s important to save money where you can.
There are many creative ways to save around this time of year, such as deciding to sell your unused gadgets, but the ways we have detailed below apply to all homes – and they really add up... Read more
The moment November hits, there’s only one thing on the minds of every family – Turkey Day! Thanksgiving is all about seeing your loved ones to rejoice over a delicious home cooked meal. In the midst of planning, your oven is surely front and center, but that’s not all... Read more
As the season shifts from summer to fall, your home will start to need special attention. Colder weather tends to sneak up on us after we’ve adjusted to the summer months, especially once we start losing day light. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a shifting priority list with fewer hours to get it all done... Read more
Air conditioning units require special attention as warm weather draws to a close. These are fickle appliances, and when something goes wrong, most of the time you’ll need an expert to fix it. The best way to avoid an issue with your AC is to properly maintain it and to have a home warranty plan that covers the appliance as a backup... Read more
During the summer, we use our appliances a lot. We tend to throw more parties during warm weather, and your home works very hard to keep up.
As the summer comes to a close, it’s important to check on the areas around your house that have experienced the most usage... Read more
Nothing beats the relief of walking into a cool home on a sweltering day. But did you know that how you maintain air conditioner performance directly affects both your comfort and your wallet? A neglected AC works harder than it should, leading to higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns... Read more
One of the top challenges homeowners face when taking care of a house is simply organizing it. For many, appliance maintenance is hidden behind a mountain of other tasks. Start your to-do list with de-cluttering the busiest parts of your home... Read more
Working 24/7 to keep your food and drinks preserved, the refrigerator is among the most-used appliances in nearly every American home. That’s why it’s essential that you clean and care for your refrigerator to ensure it’s always operating at its best – especially if you want your food to stay as fresh as possible... Read more
Depending on the size of your family, you may use your washer and dryer anywhere from a few times a week to multiple times a day. So when your washer and dryer aren’t working, it can be a real problem.
Look for these four signs when your washer and dryer should be replaced and get them taken care of before you have to waste any of your time or money at the coin-op laundromat... Read more
