Take Control of Your Claims

Take Control of Your Claims

Take Control of Your ClaimsYou know it, I know it, and so does everyone else… you hate the idea of filing a claim. But why?

One word: Inconvenience.

Over the years you’ve come to expect long wait times and difficult communication, plus an unknown contractor coming to your house at odd hours (who may not be someone you actually want in your home).

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just file your claim quickly and get a contractor out on YOUR schedule? Better yet, someone you know and trust?

You can with America’s Preferred Home Warranty.

Control the Process

  • Your call will be answered quickly and professionally by our Michigan-based customer service representatives, available 24/7/365 for your convenience. Heater go out at 2 a.m? Christmas Eve oven issues? We’re here, and we take notes.
  • Choose who YOU are comfortable with. Your contractor will be working around your home and family—they should be someone you trust.
  • Schedule for YOUR convenience. No waiting on the warranty company to make an appointment. Your licensed contractor of choice works for YOU, so you set the appointment to suit your schedule.

Control Your Costs

  • Get an immediate decision about coverage. Once we receive your contractor’s diagnosis, you receive an immediate claim decision, so you can decide how to proceed.
  • Use your approved claim money however you see fit. No restrictions on parts, brands, or colors. See a great deal on a newer model? Go for it! It’s your money, use it how and where you need it.

Control How Payments Are Processed

  • Pay up front with quick reimbursement, or we can pay the contractor right over the phone, so your contractor can get right to work and get you back to living in comfort in your home.

Say goodbye to the claims experiences of the past, and say hello to taking back control of your life.

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Microwave Maintenance Tips

Stick a Fork In It! Microwave Oven Maintenance

Microwave Maintenance TipsThanksgiving has passed, and Christmas is on its way. What could this mean except… LEFTOVERS! Seriously, who doesn’t love a good turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, gravy, and cheese melt on rye?

Okay, okay, you might not include ALL of that, but chances are your microwave is getting a workout this holiday season. Don’t forget to give it a little TLC along with those workouts, so it can continue keeping your holiday food warm and satisfying.

Visit How Long Do Microwave Ovens Last: The Lifespan of a Microwave* for some tips and tricks to keep your microwave working as long as possible.

*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with MrAppliance.com in any capacity.

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What Is a Home Warranty? Let's Talk.

What is a Home Warranty? Let’s Talk.

What Is a Home Warranty? Let's Talk.First Things First

Home warranties and homeowners’ insurance are two different things.

Homeowners’ insurance is essentially hazard insurance—it covers damages to your property as a result of external forces (i.e., flooding, fire, etc.). A home warranty, on the other hand, is a service contract—it offers coverage for failures of your major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.

Neither replaces the other, but they can work well together.

Know Your Warranty

It is vital that you thoroughly read and understand the details of your home warranty contract. Reading the terms and conditions will provide crucial information to your decision-making process, creating a better understanding of what to expect from your coverage, and helping you to avoid unmet expectations.

Why APHW?

America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) allows homeowners to Choose Their Own Licensed Contractor. This provides the homeowner with:

  • An unbiased, third-party assessment of the covered item’s failure,
  • The ability to choose someone they know and trust to allow into their homes, and
  • The freedom to schedule their contractor at THEIR convenience.

APHW also provides a 3-step easy claims process with 24/7/365 person-to-person service. Whenever you need us, we are here to help.

Call 888.351.3681 for more information.

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Electrical Maintenance

Are You THAT Kind of Holiday People?

Electrical MaintenanceThere are two types of holiday people: Those who decorate, and those who DECORATE. Either way, lights are involved.

Our question to you is this: When was the last time you really inspected your home’s electrical? Better yet, when was the last time you had it professionally inspected?

Is it safe?

Use your holiday decorating as the perfect excuse to do that inspection. Check out this Home Electrical Safety Checklist* for an in-depth list covering what to look for, and when to call in the professionals.

And for the love of Pete: Don’t overload your sockets this holiday season!

Trust us—the light show isn’t worth burning down your home.

*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical in any capacity.

Don't set your oven on fire this Thanksgiving: Cleaning Tips

Stove & Oven Prep for Thanksgiving

Don't set your oven on fire this Thanksgiving: Cleaning TipsWhen the season means more time in the kitchen, the last thing you need is for your stove or oven to quit on you—or worse, start a fire. Semi-regular maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring they will work when you need them most, like when the whole family is over for Thanksgiving!

Keep a Schedule

You probably clean your stovetop regularly, but when was the last time you cleaned your oven? Make sure to clean it at least two to three times a year; more often if you use it frequently.

Be Aware of Electrical Hazards

There are electrodes behind the knobs on your stove that can be damaged by harsh chemicals, heavy scrubbing, or excess water, causing short outs and possibly even electrocuting you. The same goes for electric ranges with open heating coils, as well as the inner workings of your oven. Always follow this rule of thumb: Careful cleaning around attachments!

Oven Cleaning Conundrums

Is it self-cleaning? What does that even mean? Here’s the short version: A self-cleaning oven has a cycle that will superheat the oven over a period of time to incinerate any food particles inside. If you choose to use this function, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s suggested procedure. After it is complete and fully cooled, wipe down the inside to remove any remaining residue.

If you choose to clean a self-cleaning oven manually, make sure you use a cleaner designed specifically for self-cleaning ovens, as the wrong cleaner can cause more harm than good.

It’s also a good idea to unplug your oven prior to cleaning manually inside, to eliminate any risk of electrocution.

Don’t Be a Turkey

In the end, a little elbow-grease will go a long way toward increasing the lifetime of your range. Keep it up, and have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!

APHW Sponsors 2 Teams for the JA of the Michigan Edge Crazy Bowl

APHW Sponsors 2 Teams for JA ‘Crazy Bowl’ 2019

APHW Sponsors 2 Teams for the JA of the Michigan Edge Crazy BowlAmerica’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) proudly sponsored two bowling teams for the Junior Achievement (JA) of the Michigan Edge ‘Crazy Bowl’ held Saturday, Nov. 9 at Hillside Lanes in Hillsdale, Michigan. JA received 25 team sponsorships in total (including 10 youth teams).

In between bowling with their feet, spinning in circles, and skipping hand in hand, individual participants also contributed through personal donations as well as purchases of 50/50 and prize drawing tickets. Altogether, JA raised more than $9,000 through the event, which goes toward JA youth programs.

“We had an awesome time on Saturday,” said JA of the Michigan Edge President Connie Poisson. “And I thank APHW for pulling together their teams and sharing in the fun!”

Winterize Your AC

How to Winterize Your HVAC A/C Unit

Winterize Your ACMost of the northern states are already covered in snow, but we’re expecting a warm-up to melt it all away by next week. Take advantage of that melt-off and winterize your HVAC air conditioner, if you haven’t already.

Why winterize it?

Simply put, preparing your unit for winter can save you money in repairs.

It will:
  • Prevent debris from getting caught inside (creating jams)
  • Prevent small woodland creatures from nesting inside
  • Prevent the unit from starting up on a warmer winter day
    • (Allow melting ice and snow to melt and drip inside the unit, refreezing and causing damage)
  • Protect your piping

Want to know how?

Visit “Time to Winterize Your Central Air Conditioner”* for a step by step checklist.

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*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with FrostKing.com in any capacity.

String of Jack-o-Lantern lights w/ Title: Is Your Yard Safe for Trick or Treaters?

Keep Your Holidays ‘Safely’ Electrified

String of Jack-o-Lantern lights w/ Title: Is Your Yard Safe for Trick or Treaters?When do you start getting into the ‘holiday’ season? November 1 is commonly accepted, though Halloween enthusiasts might disagree. Regardless, there’s a common thread between all of them: Electrical decorations.

Who doesn’t want a giant inflatable jack-o-lantern/turkey/snowman in their yard? Besides the big stuff, well-lit walkways and candle alternatives are important for the safety of visitors; especially when dozens of children are likely to stop by.

Keep your family and loved ones safe this holiday season (plus save some change on the bills) with these tips in “Halloween Decorations – LED Halloween Lights & Safety”.*

Did you know America’s Preferred Home Warranty can help financially in the event of some electrical failures? Call 800.648.5006 or visit APHW.com for more information.

*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with ElectricityPlans.com in any capacity.

Recommendation to Real Estate professionals to try using fresh baked pumpkin pie at open houses

Open House? Pumpkin Pie!

Recommendation to Real Estate professionals to try using fresh baked pumpkin pie at open housesSometimes coming up with new ideas for an open house can leave you with a ‘been there done that’ feeling. You’ve done the fresh baked cookie smell enough to start hating cookies.

Why not mix it up?

Try catering your ‘fresh baked’ concept to the season with Pumpkin Pie Bites from SugarApron.com*. These mini-pumpkin pie bites are small enough to carry on a napkin and nibble as they walk through the house—and just big enough to get that homemade taste and feeling.

Plus, if you throw another batch in after the first one has cooled, you get that ‘baking’ scent filling the house too! (Or you could just light a pumpkin spice candle nearby.)

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bites*
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24

*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with SugarApron.com in any capacity.

Man fixing roof while onlooker comments from below, "Not what I meant by Ventilation, honey."

There are Holes in Your Roof!

Man fixing roof while onlooker comments from below, "Not what I meant by Ventilation, honey."Okay, okay, the TECHNICAL term might be ‘ventilation.’ But there are multiple reasons why you should take a look at your roof anyway (or have a professional do it) before the snow starts flying:

  • Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and water damage
  • Shaded areas may have streaking (fungus, moss, mildew, or algae growth)
  • Overhanging branches could damage shingles
  • Insufficient ventilation may lead to dry rot

And that’s just the tip of the shingle (ha ha).

Your roof is literally THE most important part of your home: It protects everything else. Give it some TLC with these 10 Roofing Maintenance Tips for Lasting Roofline Results.*

*America’s Preferred Home Warranty is not affiliated with and has not collaborated with Great Day Improvements LLC in any capacity.