Category: Household Tips

Keeping your oven clean will help it last longer and run more efficiently. Whether you’re getting your oven prepped for the holidays or just keeping up with routine maintenance, it’s best that you clean it the right way.

Of course, not all ovens are created equal... Read more

When it comes to saving money on your gas or electric bill, few things are more effective than these recommended thermostat settings.

Some homes have multiple thermostats in multiple zones, all with unique settings and features. This guide focuses on the most basic function of all thermostats: temperature control... Read more

Your thermostat acts as the “brain” of your HVAC system, monitoring temperatures and communicating when to heat or cool your house. As a result, a failing thermostat can quickly lead to an uncomfortable living situation and costly energy bills.

Fortunately, there are plenty of thermostat troubleshooting tips you can try to resolve the most common problems... Read more

Your dishwasher puts in a ton of work throughout the year, saving countless hours you’d otherwise spend hand washing dishes. Of course, like most home appliances, dishwashers need routine cleaning and maintenance to keep them running their best.

If you’d rather not go back to washing every plate, bowl, and spoon by hand, read on... Read more

Having an at-home washing machine and clothes dryer is an incredible convenience. It sure beats going to the laundromat!

Of course, with homeownership comes routine maintenance. If you want to keep things working their best, free of mold and mildew, this includes cleaning the same appliances you use to do your laundry... Read more

Without a doubt, toilets are among the most important elements of any home plumbing system. Of course, when there’s a problem with any toilet, this makes it all the more frustrating. When your at-home facilities give you a hard time, try these toilet repair and troubleshooting tips for a DIY fix... Read more

The autumn leaves have fallen, and the air has a bit more bite to it. You know what that means – wintertime! Is your home ready for the colder months ahead?

Whether you’re prepping your primary residence for below-freezing temps or are readying a summer home for the time you’ll be away, we’ve compiled a list of the most important DIY home inspection and maintenance tips to make sure you don’t miss a thing... Read more

A hot tub is the perfect way to relax at the end of a hard day. Of course, when you fire yours up, you don’t want that R&R disrupted by an unexpected breakdown or malfunction.

Just like pools, hot tubs require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly... Read more

Nothing beats a home-cooked meal, a problem with your oven can ruin even the best dinner plans. Your oven is among one of the most important appliances in your home. We’ll show you the most common problems and oven troubleshooting tips for fixing them, plus signs it’s time to call a professional... Read more

When you want some ice, the last thing you need is an ice maker on the fritz. Ice makers are a convenient addition to any refrigerator, with many modern fridges having them installed from the get-go.

Ice maker troubleshooting can save you money in the long run and reduce headaches... Read more

Central vacuum systems are becoming more and more popular in homes. The benefits to a central vacuum system are many, but you should keep maintenance in mind, as well.

Overall, a central vacuum system can increase the resale value of your home and provide a quieter, more convenient cleaning experience... Read more

If you own your home, repairs are inevitable. Fortunately, while not everyone’s suited to handywork, there are plenty of common home repairs you can do yourself. This list includes some of the most frequent home repairs you might encounter that can easily become a money-saving DIY project... Read more

If you’re reading this, odds are summer’s just around the corner or already here. Before you kick back to enjoy the sunny days to come, DIY home inspections and maintenance will ensure your home is ready for the hotter months ahead... Read more

For much of the country, spring is the time of year when you’ll be firing up your lawn sprinkler system for another season of well-maintained greenery.

That’s why it’s essential to check your irrigation system regularly. This allows you to catch any leaks or other issues that might arise before you run it annually... Read more

While some things are best left to professionals, there’s plenty you can do to maintain your own HVAC system. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to get as many years out of it as possible. In fact, the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) considers HVAC maintenance essential... Read more

Spring is in the air! It’s time to put away the snow shovels and get out your gardening spade. But before you tend to your azaleas and bust out the feather duster for some annual spring cleaning, it’s important to check the maintenance items on this list... Read more

When it comes to keeping our homes safe, it’s important to keep the locks functional and unique. Changing or rekeying the locks on your home may be routine or required.

Whether you’ve moved into a new home or feel it’s time to enhance the protection on your home with new locks, rekeying may be your preferred method... Read more

One of the most used appliances in the kitchen is the microwave. For every leftover and quick meal, we rely on this appliance and don’t always give it the attention it deserves.

Select Home Warranty offers home warranty coverage on many critical areas of the home, including built-in microwaves... Read more

Barbeques and the last days of summer are the best times to bring people together. Sometimes when we fire up the grill on these valuable days, we need to troubleshoot the gas grill before getting started.

Select Home Warranty offers home warranty coverage on many critical systems and appliances in the home, including the ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers... Read 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

Your freezer has one job: keep the food cold at a steady, freezing temperature. When your freezer won’t freeze, your food will spoil and water might leak, costing you money, tonight’s dinner and a major headache.

There are a few common issues that could be the reason behind your freezer’s malfunction... 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 an HVAC 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