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The Home Services Buying Guide is a website created by Contractor Excellence Consulting & Coaching for the purpose of educating homeowners on how the home services industry works and what they need to know when it comes to hiring home service contractors.
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Protect your home from power surges with a whole house surge protector. ⚡️ Installed at your electrical panel, it diverts excess electricity, safeguarding all appliances from internal and external surges (like lightning). Benefits: comprehensive protection, extended appliance life, peace of mind.
Unsure about plumber pricing? This guide clarifies flat rate vs. time and material. Flat rate offers upfront costs and predictability. Time and material charges by the hour plus parts, potentially costing less for simple jobs but risking unknown totals. Choose based on job complexity and your comfort.
A TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) regulates refrigerant flow in HVAC systems, ensuring efficient heating/cooling. Signs of failure include poor performance, frozen coils, and short cycling. Replacement costs typically range from $500-$1,000.
Going on vacation? Should you turn off your water heater? For short trips, convenience usually outweighs minimal savings. For longer breaks (3+ weeks), turning it off (electric) or using vacation mode (gas/oil) can save energy. Always consider freezing pipes and shutting off your main water supply!
Ceiling fans don't cool rooms, but create a wind chill effect, making you feel cooler. Use them with AC to raise thermostat ~4°F, saving energy. Run counter-clockwise in summer and turn off when leaving. Proper sizing and ENERGY STAR fans maximize savings.
Tackle 5 common kitchen sink problems: clogs, leaky faucets, low pressure, broken disposal, and under-sink leaks.
HVAC maintenance plans offer scheduled tune-ups, priority service, and repair discounts, often saving money if all benefits are used. Regular maintenance is vital for efficiency and longevity. Be wary of "loss leader" tune-ups potentially leading to upsells. Monthly payment options make plans financially manageable.
An aging HVAC system can be a financial worry. Home warranties cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear, often replacing units regardless of age, up to policy limits. While offering peace of mind and potential savings on costly repairs, consider the annual premiums, service fees, and coverage caps.
Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water and save space but have higher upfront costs and require annual descaling . They're energy-efficient, last 15-20+ years, and reduce leak risks, making them ideal for high-demand homes seeking long-term savings.
