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America's Preferred Home Warranty Wants to Know: Why Do You Renew?

Why Do You Renew? Tell Us!

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

America's Preferred Home Warranty Wants to Know: Why Do You Renew?Why do you renew? What is it that makes you say, “I’m signing up for that again!” for a service? We’ve had our fair share of renewals here at America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW), but we want to hear from you: Why do you choose to renew with APHW?

Here are some reasons our customers have given us in the past:

  • “It was a huge positive knowing I could renew, especially because it can be a monthly payment instead of having to pay up front. On top of that, APHW is very, very easy to work with. Everyone is so personal and kind. I’ve never had any problems or been put off—I wish everything was this easy!” ~C. McKinch, Michigan
  • “I called at 7 o’ clock on a Friday night, and there’s someone to answer the phone. I didn’t have to wait for a company-approved contractor to come over and tell me what’s what—I can call my own guy to come and look at it and fix it right away. I stick with APHW because it’s great, and I’ll keep renewing it year after year.” ~D. Anaya, Minnesota
  • “It was all just so much faster and smoother than I thought it was going to be. Once we understood the process and how easy it was, we can’t imagine not having a home warranty.” ~C. Perkinson, Alabama

Is it the customer service? The value? Is it the 24/7/365 availability, or that you can choose any licensed contractor for claims? Is it something else entirely?

Tell us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram: Why do you renew with America’s Preferred Home Warranty?

America's Preferred Home Warranty, Happy Independence Day from APHW!

Happy Independence Day from APHW!

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

America's Preferred Home Warranty, Happy Independence Day from APHW!This country is great because of the plethora of differences you can celebrate from one state to the next, or even one home to the next. Where country music and hip-hop merge into whole new styles, and art speaks volumes without a word. Where cobblestone roads and 6-lane highways both lead to incredible destinations. Where mountains, deserts, forests and plains all coexist, and so do we. We Americans fought for independence; we still stand together for a better tomorrow. From all of us at America’s Preferred Home Warranty, Happy Birthday America, and Happy Independence Day!

Call 800.648.5006 ext. 179 or visit APHW.COM today for more information.

America's Preferred Home Warranty COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

America's Preferred Home Warranty COVID-19 UpdateAs everyone around the world navigates around COVID-19, we want to let you know that America’s Preferred Home Warranty is committed to serving all of you, our customers and partners with uninterrupted, first-class service.

Our Homeowners:

  • Even with the protective measures we have taken with our employees, your phone calls are still being answered promptly and in person, 24/7.
  • Since you choose your own licensed contractor for all covered repairs, you can shop around by phone to find a contractor who: is still operating, works within your local community, and services the brands you have in your home.
  • There is no waiting if you start your claim online at https://aphw.com/claim-start.
  • Visit APHW.COM or call us at 800.648.5006 to learn more.

Our Real-Estate Partners:

  • Housingwire.com recently recognized our Real-Pro® app as one of the 2020 HW Tech 100 Winners. Visit: https://bit.ly/2WzAzdK.
  • You can order a warranty in less than one minute using Real-Pro®. Visit: https://bit.ly/2xhMhPi.
  • We are here and ready to handle your homeowner’s claims no matter the situation.

Please stay safe. We look forward to talking with you soon about your Home Warranty needs. Visit APHW.COM or call us at 800.648.5006 if you have any questions.

Month-to-Month Home Warranty

Balancing Your Budget? Go Month-to-Month

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

Month-to-Month Home WarrantyIf you’ve ever had to use a home warranty, you probably get why it’s convenient to have one—help with unexpected expenses is handy. But who has the extra few hundred dollars lying around for another year of coverage? Ah, but did you know America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) also offers a monthly option for new consumers and returning customers?

“We understand that people don’t usually have a big sum of money up front, and other bills to pay besides, but would like the security of coverage,” said Bill Bear, Vice President of Consumer Marketing & Business Insights for APHW. “We offer monthly plans to provide an affordable option to our customers and make it easier to budget.”

There’s also no need for concern about paying more for the convenience. “There are no additional fees for the monthly plans,” Bill said. “It’s the same price as our annual coverage packages, just broken up into monthly payments—and you can cancel at any time.”

Consumer Sales Representative Jared Sexton reaches out to existing customers nearing the end of their contracts, to ensure they know about these options. “A lot of times they’ll actually have issues we could cover and might have forgotten they had the warranty from when they bought their home,” Jared said. “We get them over to customer service to get things taken care of, and it really helps a lot of people out!”

The majority of renewal warranties for APHW are on a month-to-month basis, according to Bill. “It’s very popular!” he said.

For more information about our consumer home warranty or our payment options, call 1.855.519.1495 or email [email protected]. Our consumer sales representatives are available and glad to help.

Garage Door Opener Maintenance

Open & Shut: Garage Door Opener Maintenance

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

Garage Door Opener MaintenanceOur two-car garage did not include garage door openers when we first moved in. After one horrendous winter without them—pull up the icy driveway, get out without slipping, go into the side door of the garage, unlock and open the garage door from the inside, get back into the car, pull forward, then face the cold once more to shut and lock the garage door—it was clear that automated garage door openers would be in our immediate future.

Whether you had them upon moving in or added them later, regular use will eventually wear down parts and equipment like any other machine. Occasional maintenance (much easier to perform during warmer weather) will keep their convenience at your fingertips longer—and hopefully out of those winter blasts.

Each task listed in the Top 10 Preventive Maintenance Tips for Garage Door Owners by Garaga.com* takes mere minutes to complete, and can save you a lot of headache in the future. Worth it? Just ask our frozen former selves.

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

Humidifier Maintenance

Getting Zapped in Winter? Maintain Your Humidifier Now

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

Humidifier MaintenanceEvery winter in the Midwest, I’m utterly shocked—by static electricity. While this clues me in to go look at my furnace humidifier, you can avoid these sparking revelations with a little upkeep before, during, and after heating season—especially in the Spring. Your semi-glowing pets will thank you.

Your furnace-mounted humidifier maintains your home’s humidity at a comfortable level. There are two common styles of humidifier: Reservoir and Flow-through.

  • The reservoir style has a tank with standing water. A sponge-like pad moves through it and circles up into the furnace heat. While this is a less expensive option, bacteria can build up in the water and it will require more frequent cleanings.
  • A flow-through humidifier has a constant drip of water to supply the humidity in the air. This more expensive option prevents the bacteria build-up and requires less maintenance.

As with any appliance, normal use will cause wear and tear over time. Cleaning and maintaining your humidifier are the best ways to ensure it will last and be effective for as long as possible. Check out these tips* to help you get the most out of yours!

Have tips of your own? Comment on the story on our Facebook page!

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

Water Softener Maintenance

Water Hitting Hard? Maintain Your Softener

Posted on | by Clive Gillett

Water Softener MaintenanceHard water can be a financial pain. You use twice as much soap for the same lather, have higher gas and electricity bills, go through clothing items faster, and have a harder time with appliance & plumbing maintenance—never mind what it does to your hair and skin in the shower. It can add up to hundreds of dollars every year, which is why water softeners are a standard household appliance across much of America. So, show your water softener some love once in a while! Your wallet will thank you.

Know Your Salt Stats

Your user manual will recommend the best salt form and kind to use for your specific machine. Pellet form is the least likely to clog, and there are three kinds of water softener salt on the market:

  • Rock Salt is the cheapest, but it’s also the lowest quality. As the salt dissolves, excess sediment will settle on the bottom of your tank and may lead to clogs in the system. Homeowners who choose this option should clean the tank more frequently.
  • Solar Salt is of medium quality. It has a higher price tag but allows your tank to run more efficiently.
  • Evaporated Salt is the highest quality option. It’s the most expensive, but it has little to no sediment and is least likely to cause unnecessary problems with your unit.

DIY Water Softener MaintenanceDon’t Be a Stranger

Take a peek into your water softener tank at least once a month to check the levels. If your salt is at ¼ tank or less, it’s time to add more. Fill it up to at least half a tank, and the water level should stop about 3 inches below the salt level.

Common Issues

Homeowners face two common issues with water softeners: Salt Bridges and Salt Mushing.

  • A Salt Bridge is when the salt at the top of the pile has hardened into a solid layer, or ‘bridge,’ preventing any new salt from mixing into the water below. Take a broom handle and poke through the bridge down to the bottom of the tank, gently breaking it apart and mixing it with the rest of the salt. If this happens frequently, you may want to use less salt, let it drop lower between refills, or clean your brine tank.
  • Salt Mushing is a more serious problem, when the salt and water at the bottom of the tank have created a sort of salt slush together, causing water to rise above it instead of mixing in. The best fix is to scoop it out and replace the salt, but if you’re looking to save the salt, you could try scooping the salt mush into hot water to dissolve it, and then mixing it back in.

Cleaning & Other Tasks

  • Cleaning: Modern water softeners can typically go between five and ten years in between manual cleanings. You really only need to clean them if your water has turned hard and basic maintenance is not fixing it. Older softeners should be cleaned about once per year, or if you’re experiencing frequent clogs, bridges or mushing. Refer to your user manual for details on how to clean your tank, or take a look at this article. Take care not to dump any waste into your yard—the salt will kill your plants.
  • Water Softener Cleaner: Flush your tank with Water Softener Cleaner once every few months, following the instructions on the label. This will assist with removing excess sediment as well as extending the life of your unit.
  • Bypass Valve: Exercise the bypass valve a few times a year by twisting it to ‘off’ and back to ‘on.’ This ensures that you won’t have to struggle to access it if needed, plus it allows you to check for any leaks or drips. If it does leak or drip, you may need to replace parts.
  • Clean the Valve Between Tanks: Twice a year (or when clogs form), clean the valve between the brine tank and the resin tank. Make sure you follow your manual instructions to the letter for this: Failure to do so could result in parts damage or personal injury.
  • Order a Tune Up: It may be worth having a professional plumber take a look at your water softener once every few years, to ensure it’s working properly and has a good, solid cleaning.

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APHW Supports Child and Family Charities

APHW Supports Child & Family Charities with Auction Sponsorship, Donation

Posted on | by Clive Gillett
APHW Supports Child and Family Charities

America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) sponsored the auctions at the Child and Family Charities (CFC) annual 2018 Red Nose Ruckus! fundraiser last Friday, December 7th, helping to raise money for foster children, at-risk youth and families in the Mid-Michigan Area. Combined with the events of the evening and an additional APHW donation of $25,000, the total revenue of the fundraiser reached $225,000.

A Close Relationship

APHW has been involved with the charity since 2011, when company president Randy Caltrider met CFC Director of Development Demphna Krikorian at one of their fundraisers. “I had accepted a check from the Women’s Council of Realtors, and I spoke a little bit about the agency. Randy was so impressed that he actually matched that check that day,” Demphna said. “After that APHW has just been growing with their connection with us.”

That growth has included donations, volunteering, company-held events and more. “We literally have hundreds of kids that we get wish lists from during the holidays, and these last two years, they’ve been taking a list of 50 kids and fulfilling it,” Demphna said. She also added that APHW did a bike build event for foster children last year, has plans for another event this year, and has brought many people to CFC events who have supported the mission. “Just having those gaps in our funding filled has been invaluable to our mission and the children, youth and families we serve every year.”

Recognizing Their Support 

CFC presented Randy and his wife Pam with the Extending Our Reach award at the event, recognizing that APHW’s donations have increased over the last few years and that they have become one of CFC’s largest supporters.

“It’s just incredible,” said CFC CEO Julie Thomasma. “There are many people who knowRandy and Pam as ideal neighbors and members of the community, as well asAmerica’s Preferred Home Warranty and their employees. They really care, and they have been amazing partners to us.”

Randy frequently talks about his faith as the motivation behind his giving, according to Julie. “He always talks about how he feels as though it’s important to pass on the blessings he and his company received. APHW and its leadership are such a wonderful testament to God’s work and what God would want,” she said. “We’ll wonder how we’re going to make something happen, and oftentimes America’s Preferred Home Warranty and its employees will come alongside us and make a donation or host a fundraiser to make it happen. We’re so blessed in that way.”

How You Can Help

Visit the Child and Family Charities website to learn how you can contribute to this amazing charity, helping to strengthen and support foster children, at-risk youth and families throughout mid-Michigan. “We help around 7,500 children, youth and families every year, and we’re truly powered by the community,” Julie said. “Every little bit means a lot to us, and anything you can do to get involved goes a long way to help.”

Holidays Checklist Pt III

Handling the Holidays: Part III of III

Posted on | by Clive Gillett
Holidays Checklist Pt III

You’re down to the wire now, but don’t let it overwhelm you! It’s time to complete the last few steps before the big day. Use this final holiday-season checklist to get through it with your mind intact!

Dec. 16 – 22

  • Trim the Tree – This you’ll want to do early this week. It’ll be close enough to your event and/or Christmas to stay fresh and allow you to enjoy it.
  • Clean (the rest of your) House – By now you’ve finished wrapping presents and put up all the decorations, so all that’s left is to get all your living areas presentable. Put on your favorite holiday music, and rock out with that vacuum. Don’t forget to make sure you have the dishware necessary for your guest list!
  • Meal Prep – This is a two-day checkbox: The night before your event, you can save time by preparing the foods that will hold overnight, such as potato dishes or cold dishes. Take care of the rest of the meal starting early in the morning, and try to intermix prep for items that will take a while to cook with prep for items that don’t require the oven or stove, such as sides of cranberry sauce or salads.

Extra Suggestions to Incorporate

  • Wrap As You Go – Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap up the gifts. Save yourself yet another all-nighter (as well as a headache) and wrap your gifts as you bring them home.
  • Addresses to Go – Some stores will wrap and ship gifts directly for you, so make sure your contact list is with you and up to date with addresses, to potentially save yourself a trip to the post office!

Congratulations for making it through, and happy holidays from all of us at America’s Preferred Home Warranty! Want to plan for New Year’s too? Find some awesome ideas on our Pinterest page, or visit our Facebook post to leave your best NYE ideas in the comments!