Home Warranty = Peace of Mind

One thing that keeps first-time home buyers away from older neighborhoods is the fear that once they close on their new home something will break. American Home Shield (AHS) warranty company offers a wide selection of coverage options for single family homes, condominiums and townhomes. Warranties give buyers peace of mind, and they’re surprisingly affordable. Most sellers these days are offering to pay at least one year’s warranty coverage for their buyer at closing. When it’s time to renew the policy the buyer pays the premium monthly or yearly.

At Carolina One Real Estate every listing we take is covered by AHS during the listing period at no cost to the seller. This spring AHS rolled out a new line of products called the FlexPlan® Home Warranty. It covers many things other warranties don’t, such as mismatched systems and improper installations.

I’ve used the warranty service on my home three times in the last 2.5 years, with great results each time. When we have a problem we call AHS, they schedule an appointment with a local contractor, I pay the contractor a flat fee when they arrive, they fix the problem, and it’s over. Call me for more information about home warranties.

AHS suggests these tips to make your systems last longer and work more efficiently:

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING

1. Check and replace filters monthly.
2. Call a licensed heating/cooling contractor every spring for a thorough inspection and maintenance.

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER
Note: Unplug refrigerator before cleaning.

1. Keep the condenser coils clean.
2. Remove the refrigerator drip pan and wash it.
3. Clean and remove mold from door gasket.
4. Clean the inside of the refrigerator.
5. Keep the food compartment temperature between 34 and 40 degrees and the freezer compartment at about 0 degrees.
6. Defrost the freezer at least once a year. (unless self defrost)
7. Clean the freezer drain line.

FURNACE (HOT AIR)
Note: Turn off power to the unit before inspection or maintenance.

1. Inspect and replace furnace filter if necessary.
2. Clean the blower compartment.
3. Clean the burner compartment.
4. Check the blower-fan belt for frayed and worn spots and tension. (This is only required for belt driven fans)
5. Check the ducts for leaks.
6. Lubricate the fan motor and fan bearing with a few drops of oil twice a year. (This is only required on certain units)

WATER HEATER (GAS OR ELECTRIC)

1. Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.
2. Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.

ELECTRIC CLOTHES DRYER

1. Clean the lint screen after every load.
2. Clean the dryer duct at least twice a year with a dryer duct brucsh and a vacuum.
3. Remove and clean the exhaust hose/vent with a vacuum.

WASHING MACHINE

1. Clean tub interiors to eliminate minerals and soap build up. (Use citric acids or any mix containing vitamin C)
2. Cover the end of the water discharge hose with a nylon stocking to prevent lint going into the sink’s drain line. (If the discharge hose drains into a laundry basin)
3. Clean the screen filters located at the end of the hose or on the back of the washing machine’s cold water inlet port. (Only if the cold water shows low pressure)

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

1. Clean the garbage disposal by introducing ice cubes and a cup of white vinegar into the unit and operating it with no running water. When the cubes are gone, start running cold water slowly.
2. You can add baking soda for a deeper cleaning and some citric acid crystals for odor purposes.
3. Always run a strong flow of cold water and start the disposal before you feed any waste into it.

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