Just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your furnace also requires routine maintenance to keep it running efficiently. Schedule annual inspections with a professional HVAC technician to ensure that all components are in good working condition. During these visits, the technician will clean the unit, lubricate moving parts, and identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems.
A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder than necessary and potentially leading to overheating or breakdowns. Make it a habit to check your filter monthly and replace it often, depending on the type of filter you use and the level of dust and allergens in your household. A clean filter not only improves indoor air quality but also helps your furnace operate more efficiently, helping you save money on energy bills in the long run.
Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your home’s air ducts, restricting airflow and making your furnace work harder to heat your home. Schedule professional duct cleaning every few years. In addition to extending the lifespan of your furnace, clean air ducts can also help reduce allergens and improve overall indoor air quality.
A programmable thermostat allows you to set customized heating schedules based on your family’s daily routine, helping you save energy and reducing the wear and tear on your furnace. By automatically adjusting the temperature (lower in the winter, higher in the summer) when you’re away or asleep, you can optimize comfort and minimize energy waste. Some smart thermostats even offer remote access and energy usage tracking, allowing you to monitor and control your heating system from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Blocked or closed vents can prevent proper airflow and cause uneven heating throughout your home, putting unnecessary strain on your furnace. To allow for proper airflow, make sure all vents are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, and curtains. Additionally, periodically check for dust and debris buildup around vents, and clean them as needed to help ensure optimal performance.
By following these five simple tips, you can help your furnace run more efficiently and last longer, saving you money on energy bills and costly repairs. Remember, regular maintenance and preventive care are keys to helping maximize the lifespan of your furnace and ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable for years to come.
Visit us online for more helpful homeowner tips, tricks, and advice!
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
"My stove was fixed on the day of the job. My Magic Chef brand stove is 28 years old, and they had the replacement part in the van for the oven to warm again," said Jim after his recent appointment.
Jim’s experience is a true testament to our commitment to fast and dependable service for our customers. We take pride in being able to address issues promptly, ensuring that homeowners like you can continue using their kitchen appliances without unnecessary delays.
Our Kitchen Essentials Protection Plan is designed to cover a wide range of issues that may come up with your range (oven/stovetop) and refrigerator. Here’s why it’s a must-have for homeowners:
With our protection plan, you can rest easy knowing that these kitchen essentials are covered. From minor repairs to major ones, and even reimbursement toward a replacement if needed, we can handle it. The plan includes coverage for a variety of issues, ensuring that you won’t have to bear the full burden of unexpected repair costs.
Jim’s case is a perfect example of our commitment to providing quick and convenient service. Our technicians come prepared with a well-stocked van, equipped with replacement parts for various brands and models of kitchen appliances. This allows us to address many issues on the spot, minimizing downtime for our customers.
We understand that unexpected appliance issues can strain your budget. That’s why our protection plan can save you money in the long run. Our plan is available for an affordable monthly or annual amount, and when a covered problem occurs, just get in touch with us by phone or chat, and we’ll be there!
Our team of technicians is experienced and has the know-how to handle a wide range of kitchen appliance issues. You can trust that your appliances are in capable hands, and we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of service.
Jim’s testimonial is another example of our commitment to providing top-notch service with our Kitchen Essentials Protection Plan. Don’t let appliance issues disrupt your culinary haven — sign up today and get the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our kitchen protection plan is available where you live. If you have questions about what’s covered with our plan, you can call us anytime or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to speak with a customer service representative during standard business hours.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Billy was happy with his recent furnace and AC installation, highlighting the competence, knowledge, and friendliness of the technicians. At Oncourse Home Solutions, we take pride in our experienced HVAC technicians. These professionals go above and beyond, ensuring that every installation is an experience that leaves our customers happy.
Recognizing that what sets a company apart is not just its services, but also how it treats people, Billy commended Oncourse Home Solutions. “Techs were courteous, friendly, competent, knowledgeable, went over and beyond,” he told us. This sentiment speaks volumes about our company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Oncourse Home Solutions is proactive when it comes to customer care. With regular heating maintenance and cooling maintenance appointments and prompt service, plus repair plan options, our protection plans ensure that your HVAC system remains in top-notch condition throughout the year.
Billy’s comments reflect the essence of Oncourse Home Solutions — a company that cares about its customers’ comfort and well-being. Our dedication to quality service and customer satisfaction is the driving force behind everything we do.
With the unpredictable weather of northern Illinois, it’s critical that you protect your family’s heating and cooling systems in case of an unexpected breakdown. Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see what plans are available where you live. Have questions about what’s covered? Give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of your screen during standard business hours to speak with a customer service representative.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
A clogged sewer service line is a nightmare for any homeowner. It can lead to slow drainage, foul odors coming from your drains, and even sewage backups in your home. The primary culprits for these clogs are accumulated grease, debris, and tree roots invading the pipes. By not flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet, disposing of oil or grease in the sink, or locating trees near your sewer lines, you may help prevent these types of clogs.
A collapsed line is the most severe and costly issue homeowners may face when it comes to their sewer service line. It can occur due to factors like weather extremes and an aging line. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover the repair or replacement costs associated with collapsed sewer service lines — or repairs/replacement of sewer service lines, in general. This is where the Outside Sewer Line Protection Plan from Oncourse Home Solutions comes in handy.
Enrolling in the Outside Sewer Line Protection Plan is a proactive step toward protecting your home from the financial burden of sewer line issues. This affordable plan provides generous coverage limits to address the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged sewer service line, providing you with peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses. Oncourse Home Solutions’ protection plan is specifically designed to address these issues. Don’t wait until a problem occurs; be proactive and invest in the protection your home deserves.
By understanding and preventing a clogged or collapsed sewer service line, and enrolling in the Outside Sewer Line Protection Plan from Oncourse Home Solutions, you can ensure that your family’s home remains a haven of comfort for years to come.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if the plan is available where you live. Have questions about what’s covered? Give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of your screen during standard business hours to speak with a customer service representative.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Not just that, but plumbing problems are known to be — well — expensive to fix. Also, a trusted and reliable plumber with availability to come to your home to diagnose and treat the problem can be tough to find in a pinch. This is where our Plumbing Protection plan can help. When you’re enrolled in this plan and a covered issue occurs, you can just pick up the phone and give us a call. You could also start a chat with one of our customer service representatives by clicking on the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours.
That’s precisely what longtime customer Joe A. from Stamford, Conn., did. When he noticed that he had a leaking, malfunctioning water shutoff valve under his bathroom sink, he relied on his Plumbing Protection plan. He called us — at 12:30 a.m. on the weekend — and we were able to have a plumber from our service provider network fix the problem that morning. No more leak, no worries of water damage (and more expensive water bills).
Joe said, “I had a leaking and malfunctioning shutoff valve under a bathroom sink and I called [Oncourse Home Solutions] on a Saturday at 12:30 AM, they took all the information and told me that the plumber would be in touch later that morning. By 11:30 AM on Saturday, the plumber completed the repairs. The work was all covered by the policy. Both [Oncourse Home Solutions] and the plumber provided pleasant and courteous service. I was very pleased with both companies.”
With this plan, you will receive an annual limit of up to $2,000 in repair coverage. The plan covers:
Please view our Customer Agreements for more information about what’s covered with the Plumbing Protection plan.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our plumbing warranty is available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered with our plans, or what billing options may be available? Give us a call or “Click to Chat” with us!
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Leaking water service lines are silent culprits that can wreak havoc over time. Seemingly minor leaks, if left neglected for too long, can lead to damaged property and ever-higher utility bills. The Outside Water Line Protection Plan offers homeowners a safety net, covering the costs associated with detecting and repairing leaks as quickly as possible, preventing minor drips from turning into major financial headaches.
As water lines age, they become vulnerable to cracks, especially in areas with shifting soil or extreme weather conditions. Cracks may compromise water quality, which may lead to your family having dirty water to use for showers, doing laundry, washing dishes, brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, and so on. Oncourse Home Solutions recognizes the importance of addressing these cracks promptly, providing coverage that ensures the functionality and safety of your water lines.
The nightmare scenario of a burst pipe can result in flooding and extensive property damage. Burst pipes may be caused by freezing temperatures, high water pressure, or corrosion. With the Outside Water Line Protection Plan, homeowners gain peace of mind knowing that the costs associated with repairing or replacing burst water service line pipes are covered, sparing them from unexpected financial burdens during emergencies.
Like any other component of your home, the water service line undergoes normal wear and tear over the years. The constant flow of water, temperature fluctuations, and aging can take a toll, leading to diminished performance and potential failures.
Understanding the common problems that your water service line may face is essential for proactive homeownership. Don’t wait until a minor leak becomes a major catastrophe — invest in the longevity of your home’s water infrastructure today. With affordable coverage, you can confidently face the future, knowing that your water service line is protected from the challenges it may encounter, thanks to the trusted support of Oncourse Home Solutions.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if the Outside Water Line Protection Plan is available in your area.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Catalina of Aurora, Ill., is a longtime customer of Oncourse Home Solutions (previously Pivotal Home Solutions) . When she noticed that her home didn’t feel as warm as it should, even with the furnace running, she knew there was a problem. While somebody else may have needed to find a local heating repair company to come to the house to diagnose and treat the problem, Catalina simply called us.
Catalina set up an appointment for the next day. The service technician noticed that the furnace’s blower motor had bad bearings, the circuit board and heat exchanger were both corroded, and the system overall was in terrible shape. Catalina told the technician that the furnace was over 23 years old.
The technician advised her that it would be a good idea to get a replacement furnace installed instead of trying to repair all the issues her current one was facing. After all, her coverage and the additional cost for needed repairs would go a long way toward a brand-new system. Additionally, the technician noted that the customer’s air conditioner was around the same age as the furnace. He recommended having both systems replaced at the same time.
With her Preferred Home Protection Plan coverage, Catalina receives up to $3,000 per year ($1,500 per incident) to repair or replace her heating system, and also up to $3,000 per year ($1,500 per incident) to repair or replace her cooling system.
Catalina agreed with the technician, and an appointment time was set for the two new units’ installation. “The installation crew was phenomenal,” said this satisfied customer after the new units were installed. “Very courteous, arrived on time, and informed us of steps during the several hours of work. We are very pleased.”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our Preferred Home Protection Plan is available in your area. Have questions about billing, or want to know more about what’s covered? Feel free to give us a call any time, or you can click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of our website to speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative during standard business hours.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Your trust is the driving force behind our commitment to excellence. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your home protection journey. As we look back on 2023, we are reminded of the countless stories of how we’ve helped our customers with their service line, appliance, and system repair/replacement or maintenance needs, and it fills us with pride to be a part of so many people’s years.
May this festive season bring you warmth, joy, and moments of togetherness with those closest to you. Here’s to creating lasting memories this holiday season. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of 2024, we’re excited about the continued privilege of serving you and ensuring that your home remains protected with our affordable, trusted coverage.
Thank you for choosing Oncourse Home Solutions. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Warmest regards,
Oncourse Home Solutions
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Remind guests to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Discourage the disposal of wipes, paper towels, or other non-flushable items. Provide a waste bin in the bathroom for these items.
Before guests arrive, inspect your toilet for any leaks or signs of wear. A small issue can quickly escalate with increased usage. If you notice any problems, consider addressing them before the holiday rush.
Accidents happen, and a clogged toilet can be embarrassing. Ensure there’s a plunger in each bathroom so that minor blockages can be swiftly resolved without the need for a plumber.
To prevent hair clogs in your shower drain, invest in hair catchers or strainers. These affordable devices trap hair before it can accumulate in the drain, reducing the risk of blockages.
Encourage guests to take shorter showers to minimize water usage and reduce strain on your plumbing system. This not only helps your pipes but also contributes to water conservation. And it helps ensure there’s enough hot water for everyone who wants a shower.
Set your water heater to an optimal water temperature to prevent scalding and to avoid putting excessive pressure on your water heater. This simple tip can protect both your plumbing and your guests.
Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on pipes and may lead to long-term damage. Instead, use a drain snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a more eco- and plumbing-friendly solution.
Periodically clean your bathroom sink to prevent buildup and ensure proper drainage. A simple mixture of baking soda and hot water poured down the drain can help keep things flowing smoothly.
Before rinsing dishes in the sink, scrape excess food into the trash. This prevents large food particles from clogging the drain and ensures a smoother flow of water.
Remind guests not to pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. These substances can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Use a separate container for grease disposal and throw it away in the trash.
Place a sink strainer over the drain to catch food scraps and debris. Empty it into the garbage regularly to prevent blockages and maintain efficient drainage.
When using the garbage disposal, run cold water simultaneously to help solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to break them down. Avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods down the disposal.
Visit our blog often as we regularly post updates with tips, tricks, and advice for homeowners like you. Have questions about our available coverage in your area? Give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours to speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Learn More
We realize that everything seems to be getting more expensive these days. Grocery costs are higher with each trip to the store. Utility bills also seem to be steadily climbing each month. And there’s never any shortage of surprise expenses that arise with caring for your children, keeping your car running safely, and maintaining your household.
This is why we can’t thank you enough for your continued loyalty, support, and enrollment in our home warranty plans. We hope that our protection programs for vital service lines, systems, and appliances help to give you the peace of mind you deserve — peace of mind is something we’re all looking for these days!
Oncourse Home Solutions hopes that you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with the people in your life you’re close to.
Did you know that this time of year is when most plumbing issues occur in a home? With more people in your home for the holidays, the extra use of your showers, sinks, and toilets could lead to issues. Now more than ever, you need to keep your family’s home (and budget) protected. Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which home warranty programs are available to you!
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Learn More
Tom K. of Plainfield, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, has been our customer since 2013 and is enrolled in multiple coverages with us — Heating and Cooling Repair and Maintenance, Electric Line, Preferred Gas Line, Surge, Outside Water and Outside Sewer Line, and Kitchen Repair plans.
Tom relies on our skilled in-house and network technicians to make sure his heating and cooling systems are kept clean and running as efficiently as possible. And when Tom has a Heating Maintenance appointment, his water heater gets a visual inspection, too, helping ensure that he’ll continue to have hot water for showers, washing dishes and doing laundry.
Tom recently had an appointment to get his furnace tuned-up before brutally cold temperatures arrive — to be sure the furnace will be ready to handle the harsh Chicago winter ahead. After the appointment, he had good things to say about the professional technician who performed the maintenance. “Right on time, very polite, extremely detailed, answered all my questions. I would recommend Home Solutions to everyone,” he told us.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see what home warranty plans are available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered? Feel free to give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of our website. A friendly, knowledgeable customer care expert will be able to answer any questions you may have about purchasing a home warranty.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Learn More
Oncourse Home Solutions would like to help you protect your family’s most important asset — your home. Times are tough, and they’re uncertain for all of us. Everything seems to be getting more expensive, including repair costs for service lines and appliances. To help protect your family’s hard-earned money and get the peace of mind you deserve, consider enrolling in one of our home warranties.
Many people make the mistake of assuming that their homeowners’ insurance policy will cover issues with their water line, sewer line, natural gas line, electric line, with their heating and cooling systems, or kitchen and laundry room appliances. Unfortunately, standard policies typically don’t cover repairs that needed to fix a service line or appliance issue. These types of problems are left to be figured out and resolved by the homeowner.
At Oncourse Home Solutions, however, we offer homeowners a wide variety of protection plans to help safeguard their finances. Better yet, there are no service fees with our plans. If a covered problem occurs in your home, just give us a call or chat with us online and we’ll set up time for an experienced professional from our service provider network to come to your home so they can diagnose and take care of the problem.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which warranties are available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered or want to have a better understanding of how billing works? Give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to speak with a customer service representative.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Learn More
That’s when a home warranty plan from Oncourse Home Solutions can help. When you’re enrolled in one of our protection programs and a covered issue occurs, simply pick up the phone, give us a call, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll find a member of our trusted service provider network who can come to your home at a time that works for you, and get the broken appliance fixed so your family can go back to its normal routine.
The members of our service provider network are pre-qualified, experienced, and reliable professionals. You can count on them to quickly figure out the cause of the problem with your appliance — whether it be your heating system, air conditioner, water heater, or kitchen and laundry room appliances. We’ve got your back. Better yet, you don’t have to pay any service fees or trip charges out of your pocket for the visit. Simply pay the monthly cost of your protection program and you’re covered!
Veronica H. is a satisfied customer of Oncourse Home Solutions. When she needed our help recently for a covered problem in her home, she gave us a call and we quickly sent a service provider to her.
“I've been with [Oncourse] about 12-13 years and they are very good with customer service and have always accommodated my needs. [Oncourse] has always been good to me. Always helpful and understanding and polite!” said this longtime customer.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which protection programs are available in your area. Feel free to give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to speak with a customer service professional regarding any questions you may have about coverage or billing options. We look forward to helping you protect your family’s greatest asset — your home — soon!
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Learn More
We’ve put a list together of the often-overlooked areas to “winterize” around your home so that it’ll be ready when brutally cold temperatures arrive. Check it out!
Have your heating system cleaned and inspected professionally every year. Even if it seemed like the unit was running well last winter, have an expert heating maintenance service provider do a full tune-up on the system to get it ready for “showtime” this upcoming winter. During the maintenance tune-up, the skilled technician will ensure that all components are operating efficiently. If any potential problems are found, they can be taken care of before they result in a breakdown of your system.
Now is also a great time to make sure you have adequate sealing around your window and door frames. If you noticed this past summer that your home felt warmer or more humid than usual (with the AC running), it could be an indication that the weatherstripping material around window and door frames has become weak and is letting outdoor air get inside. Not only does this make your home feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to your HVAC system running more often than it should to maintain the temperature on the thermostat. This extra use could lead to premature wear and tear, and higher energy bills.
Put your lawnmower, weed trimmer, rakes, garden hose, and patio furniture into storage until next spring. If you can, put these items in an enclosed area so they aren’t exposed to snow, ice, and harsh temperatures. These things could lead to irreparable damage and/or rust. If you’ve got a garage, store these items there. If not and if you’ve got room in your basement, that’s your next best bet. Otherwise, cover these items securely with a tarp so they aren’t exposed to the elements.
Nobody wants to drag out a ladder to clean out leaves, pinecones, twigs, and other outdoor debris from their gutters. But it’s something you don’t want to overlook. If you have clogged gutters, moisture from melting snow and ice will be trapped on the roof of your home. This can lead to damaged shingles and roofing panels, ice dams, and issues for your siding if the melting precipitation drips down the side of your home. Now is also the perfect time to trim back branches that may be hanging over your roof. A strong gust of wind could knock a loose limb onto your home and cause serious damage.
Don’t forget to check the functionality of your emergency alarms. If your smoke and CO detectors operate on batteries, now is a great time to replace them. Press the “test” button on the detectors to be sure they make a loud sound that can be heard easily by your family. If any alarm needs to be replaced, they can generally be found at your local hardware or home improvement store, or even some grocery stores.
Visit our blog often for tips, tricks, and advice for your family’s home. Want information about our affordable protection plans for your outside water and sewer lines, or for your heating and cooling systems? Enter your ZIP Code on our website to get started and see which home warranties are available in your area!
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Repairing VS replacing your furnace...
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If your furnace hasn't been able to keep up with the temperature demands set by your thermostat, you may be wondering if it's time to repair or replace your unit. Here are some tips to help you make your decision.
Learn More
To help you prepare your home for the season, we’ve put together some tips. Check them out in the infographic below.
As you can see, there are a lot of areas around your home that you need to be mindful of when getting things prepared for the colder weather ahead.
Have your home’s heater maintained by a professional each year. During a tune-up appointment, many potential problems can be caught early and taken care of before they result in an untimely (and expensive) breakdown of your entire system. Additionally, the technician inspecting your heater will ensure that everything is operating efficiently and safely. This means that if you have a heater that’s natural gas-powered, they will check for any potential gas leaks. If your heater operates on electricity, the technician will make sure there isn’t any damaged wiring which could result in a fire or other issues for your system.
When it comes to maintaining your heater, have a trained expert do the tune-up work. However, there’s still some maintenance you should be doing yourself. This includes replacing your air filter monthly, perhaps more often if you have pets or smokers in your home. A dirty filter will prevent conditioned air from being dispersed evenly throughout all rooms and levels of your home. Not just that, but a filter that is full of dirt and dust could jeopardize your family’s indoor air quality.
Before cold weather arrives, check for areas of air loss around your windows and doors. As time goes by, the seals around your window and door frames weaken. When this happens, cold air from outside can get in, and conditioned warm air from your heater can get out. This will cause some rooms in your home to feel much colder than they should, even with your thermostat set on the temperature your family finds comfortable this time of year.
To determine which areas will need extra sealant, you can perform this simple hand test: Move your hand around the perimeter of your windows and doors and make note of any spots where you can feel cold air coming through. These are the locations where extra weatherstripping will need to be added.
Now is the time to store your lawnmower, weed trimmer, and other equipment you use to care for your yard. Put them securely in a shed where they’re covered and out of the elements. If you don’t have a garage or shed to use, put these items in your basement if space is available. Worst case scenario, buy a tarp to place over these items so they don’t get damaged when not in use for several months.
In addition to putting lawn gear away, also put away any furniture you have outside. Again, it’s best to store patio furniture outside of the elements so it doesn’t get damaged and become unsightly or unusable when spring is here next year.
Note any areas of your roof with missing or damaged shingles. These will need to get repaired or replaced as soon as possible so that the nearby shingles, and your roofing panels, aren’t damaged by snow and ice in the upcoming months. If you aren’t sure what type of damage to be on the lookout for, work with a roofing expert in your area.
Now is also a great time to be sure your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working as expected. If necessary, replace your alarms’ batteries and test them to be sure they’re functioning properly. Also, replace any outdated fire extinguishers in your home. It’s recommended that you have one in your kitchen, and another next to your water heater and furnace.
You should also use this time — before the weather turns — to have your family practice your emergency evacuation plan. Be sure that everyone in your home understands where to go and who to contact should an emergency such as a fire, tornado (yes, even during this time of the year), earthquake — or any other potential issue — occur.
Visit our blog often. We offer a wide variety of tips, tricks, and advice for homeowners like you to help you care for your service lines, systems, and appliances. Do you have questions about our home warranty plans and what they cover? Feel free to give us a call anytime, or you can chat with a knowledgeable customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page.
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Repairing VS replacing your furnace...
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If your furnace hasn't been able to keep up with the temperature demands set by your thermostat, you may be wondering if it's time to repair or replace your unit. Here are some tips to help you make your decision.
Learn More
While it’s recommended to get your cooling system tuned up at the beginning of the cooling season — in spring — if you haven’t yet had your unit inspected this season, do so NOW so that it will be efficient for the remainder of the summer and will be ready to go for next spring. Consider it something you can already check off your future to-do list for next year!
When it comes to maintaining your AC, don’t leave the work to just anyone. After all, you want to trust that the technician inspecting and cleaning your unit is experienced and knows what to look for when it comes to potential problems. Sure, you could search online for an air conditioner maintenance service provider in your area, but you don’t really know what kind of work they will do. This is why we recommend our Cooling Maintenance Plan for homeowners. When you’re enrolled in our plan, you’re entitled to an annual tune-up appointment for your home’s cooling system. Better yet, all work is performed by skilled, experienced, and prequalified providers from our in-house team or service provider network.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. This is what a satisfied customer — Arnold B. of Wheeling, Ill. — had to say about their recent cooling maintenance appointment: “The service tech came on time, did a check on everything to do with my A/C, cleaned what needed to be cleaned, changed my filter and did a very great job.”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which plans are available in your area. If you have questions about billing, or want more detailed information about what’s covered, give us a call anytime. You may also chat with a customer service representative during standard business hours by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page. We look forward to helping you care for your family’s air conditioning system so you can stay cool and comfortable!
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
Fortunately, there are some warning signs that could be a dead giveaway that your home has sewer line problems. These indicators could let you know ahead of time that you need to call a plumber out to diagnose and treat the problem BEFORE it gets to the point where your family has to live uncomfortably without showers, sinks that drain, or toilets that flush.
Check out the infographic below to see some of the most common warning signs of a sewer line issue.
At Oncourse Home Solutions, we offer homeowners like you the peace of mind they deserve when it comes to safeguarding their family’s budget and their home’s vital service lines – this includes both your water and sewer lines.
It likely comes as no surprise that a service line issue could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to get taken care of. But when you are enrolled in one of our protection plans and a covered issue occurs, just pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll send a professional from our service provider network to your home to treat the problem.
With our Outside Sewer Line Protection plan, you’ll receive up to $8,500 annually in combined coverage that adds up this way: up to $4,000 per year to repair, replace, or clear clogs, blockages and breaks in your outside sewer line; up to $4,000 per year for repairs to a public sidewalk, driveway or road opening resulting from covered work; and up to an additional $500 per year in reimbursement for restoring landscaping damaged as a result of covered work. See your Customer Agreement for more information.
With our Outside Water Line Protection plan, you’ll receive up to $4,000 per year for parts and labor to repair or replace a leaking or broken water line. You’ll also receive up to $1,000 for outside water lines in public sidewalk/driveway/road opening repairs, and up to $500 for landscape restoration reimbursement related to covered water line repairs. See your Customer Agreement for more information.
With our bundled Outside Water and Sewer Line Protection plan, you’ll receive up to $4,000 to repair, replace, or clear clogs and blockages for outside sewer lines. You’ll also receive up to $4,000 to repair leaks or breaks for outside water lines, and also up to $4,000 for outside sewer lines and up to $1,000 for outside water lines in public sidewalk/driveway/road opening repairs. You’ll also get up to $500 per line (up to $1,000 annually for both lines combined) for landscape restoration reimbursement related to covered water or sewer repairs. See your Customer Agreement for more information.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which programs are available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered? Give us a call or click the “Click to Chat” tab to speak with a knowledgeable customer service representative during standard business hours.
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Repairing VS replacing your furnace...
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If your furnace hasn't been able to keep up with the temperature demands set by your thermostat, you may be wondering if it's time to repair or replace your unit. Here are some tips to help you make your decision.
Learn More
This is precisely what Uvonne H. of Broadview, Il. did when she noticed that an outlet in her garage was no longer working as expected. Uvonne has a GFCI outlet in her garage. GFCI outlets are designed to help prevent severe electrical shocks, and sometimes they can even help to prevent or reduce the severity of an electrical fire by interrupting the flow of current to the outlet.
Instead of trying to fix the issue herself (which would be incredibly dangerous and not recommended unless you are a professional electrician), or trying to find an electrician on her own, Uvonne remembered that she’s enrolled in our Electric Line Protection program.
Uvonne picked up the phone and gave us a call. Our team of professional customer care agents were able to find an experienced electrician in Uvonne’s area who could come to her home and diagnose and treat the problem.
When asked about her recent outlet repair with Oncourse Home Solutions, Uvonne had this to say, “Great service, very professional and on time. [The] tech explained everything.”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to get started and see which of our protection programs are available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered? Feel free to call us any time, or you can chat with us by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page.
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
Learn More
When you’re enrolled in the Preferred Home Protection Plan from Oncourse Home Solutions, not only is your washing machine covered in case of a sudden breakdown, but you also receive up to $47,750 of combined annual coverage for 17 different home systems, utility lines and appliances.
Anthony K. of Darien, Ill., has been enrolled in this plan for several years. When he noticed his family’s clothing was no longer getting washed properly, he gave us a call. Anthony spoke with a friendly and knowledgeable member of our customer care team, who connected him with a technician in his area who could diagnose the problem. Unfortunately for Anthony, his washer had seen far better days and it was time for a replacement.
Not a problem. With the coverage provided by the Preferred Home Protection Plan, Anthony receives up to $2,000 per year (and up to $400 per incident) to repair or replace his clothes washer. He was able to get a new model bought and installed quickly. No more stinky clothes.
When asked about working with us, Anthony had this to say about his experiences: “Fast reimbursement on unrepairable appliances. Good claim experience over the last 5 years: replaced air conditioner, hot water heater, dryer, and 2 washers.”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which protection programs are available in your area. Have questions or concerns about coverage or billing options? Give us a call any time, or click the “Click to Chat” tab to speak with a customer service representative during standard business hours.
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to help prevent an unexpected breakdown of your family’s air conditioner. Check out the graphic below to learn more.
As you can see, it’s easy to try and prevent a costly cooling system breakdown while the weather outside is scorching hot. For added peace of mind, consider enrolling in our affordable Cooling Maintenance and Cooling Repair plans. With the Cooling Maintenance plan, you can schedule a tune-up to be performed by a certified professional technician every year — to keep your system running efficiently. And with our Cooling Repair plan, if a covered problem occurs, we’ll send a knowledgeable, professional technician to your home to diagnose and treat the problem — with no hidden service fees or trip costs!
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our AC maintenance and/or AC repair programs are available in your area. If you have questions about the coverage or your billing options, call us anytime, or you can click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to start a conversation with a customer service representative. We look forward to helping you and your family stay cool all summer long!
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
When these problems occur, you may not know what to do or who to turn to for help. You might worry that the required repair for your AC, furnace, water line, sewer line, natural gas line, etc. will be expensive and force you to dip into your family’s savings — which is not what you want to do. After all, you set that money aside for vacation, or braces for the kids, or a car, a new roof, or something else.
To protect your home (and budget) from unexpected breakdowns or issues, enroll in a home warranty plan. At Oncourse Home Solutions, we offer a wide variety of warranty plans, including plans for your water service line, sewer service line, natural gas line, electric line, heating system (including maintenance), cooling system (including maintenance), and more.
Our plans are designed to be affordable, cover what’s needed, and be simple to use. When you have a covered problem, simply pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll work with our network of service providers to locate someone in your area who can diagnose and treat the problem. Best of all, there are no hidden service fees or trip charges!
These are the top three areas of your home that a warranty plan covers (and that standard homeowners insurance may not).
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which home warranty plans are available in your area. Have questions or concerns about what’s covered or want to learn about our available billing options? Simply give us a call any time, or you can chat with a knowledgeable customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page. We look forward to hearing from you soon — and helping you to get your family’s home protected!
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
What happens, though, when this appliance stops working like it should? A simple repair may be all that’s needed to get the cooling system working like normal once again. However, a repair might not be the solution, especially if your air conditioner is over a decade old. According to Energy Star, once your AC hits 10 years old, it no longer operates as efficiently to keep your home cool. This could mean a home that is unevenly cooled, as well as higher summer energy bills.
We were able to help Diane L. of northern Illinois with her home’s aging air conditioner. As a matter of fact, over 78,000 of our customers experienced unexpected heating and cooling challenges in 2022. But we had them covered, paying over $16 million in HVAC claims!
Diane is a longtime customer who’s enrolled in several of our warranty plans, including Preferred Home Protection and Surge Protection. The Preferred Home plan includes coverage of up to $3,000 per year to repair or replace a cooling system. When this homeowner noticed that her home wasn’t feeling as cool as it should, even with the thermostat set to the desired temperature, and she knew her AC unit was over a decade old, she knew to consult with the experts as to what her plan of action should be.
Diane gave us a call and spoke with a friendly, knowledgeable customer care expert who was able to quickly connect her with a cooling technician from our network of service professionals.
After the professional cooling tech inspected Diane’s AC, they determined the best course of action would be to replace it — the unit was old, no longer operating efficiently, and was a drain on Diane’s savings each month due to ever-increasing energy bills.
“They did an outstanding job and one of the guys was a gearhead like myself,” Diane said after her replacement air conditioner was installed. “We talked cars while he did a first class install of my AC unit, which works great. Anyone reading this get these guys. [They’re] the best!”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to get started. Have questions or concerns about our protection plan availability in your area? Give us a call anytime or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to speak with a customer service representative during standard business hours. We look forward to helping you protect your family’s most valuable asset — your home!
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that if their air conditioning system seems to be running fine without any issues, then there’s no need to schedule an AC tune-up appointment. Wrong! There are several problems that an air conditioner could face that aren’t necessarily obvious to the untrained (in terms of HVAC knowledge) homeowner.
A well-maintained cooling system is one that runs efficiently and can keep all rooms and levels of your family’s home comfortable — even on the hottest days of the season. When you don’t keep up with annual maintenance for this vital appliance, the unit could become full of dirt and dust, hindering its ability to effectively keep your family cool, and this could cause it to work overtime to try and maintain the temperature set on your thermostat. This extra strain could lead to premature wear and tear on the unit or could cause you to have higher energy bills.
As a matter of fact, according to a recent report from the Real Estate Witch, over 21% of homeowners surveyed were caught off guard by how much they had to pay on their heating and cooling systems. These costs could be associated with repairs needed for an AC or furnace that wasn’t properly maintained.
In addition to running efficiently, a properly cared for air conditioner runs “clean” — not jeopardizing the overall indoor air quality for your home by blowing out dirty, dusty conditioned air. This is great news if anyone in your household suffers from allergies or breathing problems, such as asthma.
Check out the graphic below to learn more about the benefits of routine maintenance appointments for your air conditioning system.
At Oncourse Home Solutions, we offer homeowners like you an affordable Cooling Maintenance Plan. When you’re enrolled in this plan, you’re entitled to an annual tune-up appointment for your family’s air conditioner, performed by a trained and knowledgeable technician.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our cooling maintenance plan is available in your area. If you have questions about what’s covered, give us a call any time. Or you can click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours to speak with a customer service representative.
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Four common cooling system "problems."
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You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the summer months. With your system running nearly non-stop during hot weather, it’s no surprise that it may have problems with efficiency and/or functionality. Check out these common AC problems.
Yearly tune-up appointments help to keep your family’s AC in tip-top shape. A skilled and experienced technician cleans the inside of your system so that it’s clear of any dirt, dust, and outdoor debris (in your condenser — the part of your cooling system outside the home). They also know what to be on the lookout for which may indicate a problem. If a problem is discovered, it can be dealt with early — before resulting in a surprise breakdown during the heat of summer.
Not sure who to turn to for professional air conditioner maintenance in your area?
Jimmie, a resident of Northbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, is enrolled in our Cooling Maintenance Plan. The spring and summer months in the Windy City boast their fair share of hot temperatures and sweltering humidity. Jimmie’s family relies on their AC to stay comfortable, and that’s why he relies on our experts for his annual air conditioning maintenance appointments.
When asked about his recent tune-up, this satisfied customer had this to say about the AC technician sent to his home: “Perfect gentleman. Friendly, explained the procedure, efficient and knowledgeable. He completed [the job] in a timely manner. Thank You.”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see if our Cooling Maintenance Plan is available in your area. Have questions about what’s covered with our AC tune-up plan? Ask us! Give us a call any time or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours to speak with a customer service representative.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
When Joyce W.’s home wasn’t staying at a consistent temperature, she knew to give us a call. This Massachusetts resident is enrolled in our Heating Repair Plan. She double-checked the temperature on her thermostat to be sure it was properly set (it was), and to make sure it wasn’t accidentally switched from “HEAT” to “COOL” or “OFF” (which happens way more often than you’d think).
We dispatched an experienced technician from our service provider network in West Springfield, Mass., to assist this longtime customer with her heating system problem.
“The crew realized there were several issues with my [boiler]; there was a leaky pressure relief valve, the pressure intake valve was stuck, and there was air in my circulated hot water system. They drained the system, replaced both valves, and installed a new tank. They checked both thermostats and replaced the batteries,” said this satisfied customer about her recent experience with us.
Joyce went on to say, “Because of my plan, I received $400 credit towards the total cost of labor and parts. The crew was here for 5 hours and solved many long-standing problems with my [boiler]. They also resolved an electrical issue with my two-zone system that I paid for separately. I am very satisfied with the service and the coverage under my plan!”
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see which home protection plans are available in your area. Have questions about coverage or billing options? Feel free to chat with our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly customer service representatives by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours. We look forward to helping your family stay comfortable year-round! Keep in mind that we also offer Cooling Repair plans in addition to our Heating Repair plans.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
This is where a home protection plan from Oncourse Home Solutions can help. When you’re enrolled in one of our affordable plans and a covered problem occurs in your home, simply pick up the phone and give us a call — any time of the day or night. Our team of knowledgeable and friendly customer care experts will connect you with a member of our service provider network in your area who can help take care of the problem and get your family’s home back in working order once again.
Just how valuable can a protection program from us be when it comes to safeguarding your family’s finances? Check out the infographic below.
Ready to enroll?
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to find out what plans are available in your area. If you have questions about coverage or billing options, call us any time or click the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page to chat with a customer service representative during standard business hours.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
We’re sure you have many wonderful ideas for how you should spend your time now that the weather is finally getting better. But how many of those ideas include taking care of necessary repairs around your home? If you’re like the average homeowner, you don’t even want to think about that growing to-do list now that the temperatures outside are so welcoming. Unfortunately, however, there are some problems that will only get worse the longer they are ignored. And then you’ll be using the funds you intended to go for baseball tickets, cookouts, and vacation on the necessary repairs instead.
These are the repairs that need to be taken care of sooner rather than later — before they get any worse.
Your foundation supports the weight of your entire home. When you have an issue with a settling or shifting foundation, it could cause a variety of issues, including bowed basement walls, cracked interior or exterior walls, floor cracks, slanting chimneys, cabinets separating from the wall, or you may even notice gaps forming between your exterior walls and your window or door frames.
Sounds scary, right? That’s because it’s frightening for any homeowner to have to deal with. And when you’ve got foundation issues, the longer you wait to address the cause of the problem, the worse the problem is going to get, and the more expensive it will likely be to fix. If you’ve noticed foundation problems at your home, contact a local professional for help before the structural integrity of your entire home is jeopardized.
Mold is a nasty fungus that needs three things to thrive and survive — moisture, humidity, and organic material to feed on. Where are these three things generally found in a home? The bathroom, kitchen, basement, or crawl space.
This fungus doesn’t just look unsightly when it’s growing on your walls, floors, or other surfaces, but its growth could also lead to health problems for you and your loved ones, including respiratory issues, headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue, or skin rashes. The health problems could be even worse in individuals with compromised immune systems, or for anyone who suffers from asthma attacks.
We’re sure you’ve seen mold removal products sold at your local grocery or hardware store. However, these products only mask the issue and don’t treat the root cause of the problem. This is why you will need to work with a mold remediation expert to get the problem taken care of once and for all.
Depending on how well your roof has been taken care of, it could last for 25-50 years. Its lifespan can also, of course, vary depending on where you live, the quality and durability of the materials used, as well as how professionally the installation was performed.
If the time has come to replace your roof and you’re trying to put it off for another year or more, the existing problems aren’t going to get better. Those areas with missing shingles will let moisture in every time there’s a heavy downpour this spring. And next winter when the snow and ice return, and when it starts to melt, it will saturate those areas of missing or damaged shingles and seep right through your roofing panels. This could cause damage to the attic or upper floor of your home, and it may also contribute to dangerous mold growth. Contact a roofing professional in your area for more information about whether roofing replacement is right for you, or if you just need some missing/damaged shingles repaired or replaced.
Have you noticed a drip from a pipe under your kitchen or bathroom sink? Even though this leak may seem small now, it’s going to get worse the longer you wait to get it repaired. Also, if you see this leak, there may be another one in an area you can’t see — like in your kitchen or bathroom walls.
When neglected for too long, this moisture could cause damage to your walls, floors, insulation, and may also lead to mold growth and be quite inviting to unwanted pests, such as termites, when they pick up on the fact that you’ve got water-saturated, rotting wood in your home.
For assistance with the treatment of this problem, contact a plumber in your area. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the leak and take care of it before it gets any worse.
Visit us often as we regularly update our blog library with helpful homeowner tips and tricks. Do you have questions about our home protection programs or want to enroll? Give us a call at any time, or you can chat with a customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours.
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Common Kitchen Appliance Problems You Can Avoid
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If you were asked what the most popular room in your home is, you’d likely say the kitchen. This is where most families spend the majority of their time prepping meals together and enjoying a snack. Check out these tips to prevent common kitchen appliance problems so you can continue to enjoy this space together.
These are all likely issues/tasks that you never had to deal with when you lived with your parents or were renting a residence. Problems seemed to magically get better on their own. Unfortunately, that’s not how things work when you own a home. And when a problem pops up or a routine task needs to be completed, it’s up to you — you can’t rely on a landlord (or your parents) to tackle the issue for you.
The same could be said for other maintenance tasks around the house. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you with caring for your home. Doing so could prevent the need for untimely and expensive repairs.
Unfortunately, many homeowners think that if their furnace or air conditioner is working as expected, then they don’t have any reason to schedule a tune-up appointment. However, even when things seemingly are working just fine, there could be underlying issues that your unit is facing, and you might be waiting to find out about them the hard way — when an unexpected (and expensive) breakdown occurs.
To stay ahead of potential problems, have your heating and cooling units cleaned and inspected by a professional on an annual basis. During a maintenance appointment, a skilled and experienced technician will carefully and thoroughly clean and inspect all working components inside your unit to be sure things are operating safely and efficiently. If a potential problem is discovered, it can be taken of before a costly breakdown occurs.
Additionally, don’t forget to change your air filter monthly. The filter’s job is to trap airborne contaminants before they get pushed out through your ducts and into the air you breathe. When the filter is full of dirt and dust, it could jeopardize your family’s indoor air quality, and trigger your HVAC units to work harder than necessary to keep your home comfortable. This could lead to premature wear and tear, and potentially an expensive breakdown.
When you’re clearing plates after a family dinner, you might think that your garbage disposal can handle grinding up those leftover bones from chicken wings. Or maybe you think that you can put those eggshells down the sink when you’re prepping egg salad for lunch. Wrong. Putting the wrong things down your sink or garbage disposal could lead to an expensive clog.
NEVER put the following items down your drains: eggshells, bones, uncooked pasta, batter, grease/fats/oils, coffee beans, potato peels, onion skin, or nuts.
If you’ve noticed that your garbage disposal has a foul odor coming from it, one simple hack you can do is put orange peel inside of the device and turn it on. Your home will be smelling citrusy fresh in no time!
Along the same vein of not putting certain things down your drains so that you don’t get a clog, there’s also a list of items that you should never flush down your toilet.
NEVER flush the following: flushable wipes (they’re not really flushable!), diapers, cotton swabs/balls, cigarettes, medication, sanitary items, or paper towels.
You might be thinking, “Clean my fridge? But I already do that whenever I bring in new groceries.” While you should be throwing out expired items to make way for new ones whenever you go to the store, you should also be keeping your refrigerator clear of any dirt, dust, and pet hair build-up as part of your routine kitchen appliance maintenance tasks.
Your fridge has condenser coils to help keep its inside nice and cool for your food. When the coils are dirty, air flow is hindered, and it could cause your unit’s compressor to work harder than it needs to. When this happens, you’ve got an expensive repair job on your hands — and a fridge full of spoiled food.
So dust or vacuum the coils on a regular basis. They are often found on the back or underside of a refrigerator. If you have trouble locating them, consult with the manufacturer’s guide that came with the appliance, or you can search online for your specific model.
If you’re like the average homeowner, you probably do laundry more often than you’d like to admit. But clothes have to be clean, and you and your loved ones have to be presentable (at least outside the home).
With all this laundry being done in your home, have you made sure your clothes dryer’s hose is clean? It’s one of the most often overlooked areas when it comes to home maintenance, but it’s also one of the easiest to get taken care of! After you’ve done a load of laundry, always clean the lint trap. Many people are amazed by how much lint is collected after just one drying cycle.
Also, routinely disconnect the hose from the back of your dryer and use your vacuum’s attachments to clean out any build-up of lint. Failure to do so could lead to your dryer not being able to efficiently get your clothes dry after one cycle — you may need to start it again and again. This extra use could lead to premature wear and tear on the unit, and ultimately a breakdown. Not just that, but a clogged dryer hose could also lead to a deadly fire. When you use your dryer, this lint inside the hose heats up to dangerous levels and could cause a fire to develop.
Spring is a great time to get outside and do an inspection of your home’s concrete surfaces. This includes your driveway, sidewalk, stairs, patio, and even the pool deck (if you have one). If you live in an area that has brutal winters, you already know what kind of damage snow and ice can do to these surfaces.
Make note of any areas where you can see cracking or sinking. These are the problem spots that will need to get taken care of sooner rather than later. Failure to do so will only lead to the issue getting worse and more costly to get repaired. Not just that, but when you have uneven or cracked concrete, it poses a tripping hazard to visitors (and to your own family members).
Please visit us again soon as we regularly update our blog archive with helpful homeowner tips and tricks. Do you have questions about our home protection programs or want to enroll? Give us a call at any time, or you can chat with a customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours.
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Common Kitchen Appliance Problems You Can Avoid
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If you were asked what the most popular room in your home is, you’d likely say the kitchen. This is where most families spend the majority of their time prepping meals together and enjoying a snack. Check out these tips to prevent common kitchen appliance problems so you can continue to enjoy this space together.
Since it’s nearly the end of the heating season, you may be thinking that you can just coast into warmer weather and ignore the problem until next fall. As tempting as that may be to do, it’s not the best idea. You don’t want your family to suffer in a cold home. Also, if you ignore the problem in your furnace for its “off-season,” then it may just get worse — and ultimately cost you more money and time to get fixed in the future.
To protect your heater (and your budget) from this type of problem, it’s smart to enroll in the Oncourse Home Solutions Heating Repair Plan before you need it. When you’re enrolled in the plan and a covered problem occurs with your furnace, all you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of customer care experts will locate a technician who’s in our service provider network and local to your area. An appointment that fits with your family’s busy life will be scheduled so that the necessary diagnostic and repair work can be completed.
Addie J. of Westchester, Ill., is enrolled in our affordable furnace repair program. When her heater stopped warming her home like it should, she gave us a call and we took care of the rest! We sent a professional heating repair technician to her home, and they were quickly able to determine the problem (a weakened blower cap) and take care of it in a timely manner.
“No problems, knowledgeable and quite courteous techs! All positive experiences!” said this satisfied northern Illinoisian.
Visit us online and enter your ZIP code to see what programs and pricing are available to you in your area. If you have questions about billing or about what’s covered with the Heating Repair Plan, feel free to give us a call at any time, or you can chat with a customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours.
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Is Your Home Eligible for a Home Warranty?
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Many people who live in older homes may wonder whether their home qualifies for a home warranty. The good news is that — yes — no matter the age of your home, you likely are eligible to enroll in a home protection plan.
With all this time in the kitchen, it’s no surprise that your family depends heavily on your cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and garbage disposal every day. When these appliances aren’t working like they should, you may have food that’s gone bad in a warm fridge, meals that can’t be prepared on your stove, dishes that can’t be washed in your dishwasher, or scraps that can’t be pushed through into the garbage disposal.
Fortunately, the average homeowner can help prevent many of the most common kitchen appliance problems your family may face. Read on to learn more.
When a meal is finished, many people scrape leftover food from plates into the garbage disposal. When this appliance is working like it should, all you have to do is flip the switch, and leftover food debris gets ground up and doesn’t take up space in your kitchen trashcan (or make it smelly). When the device isn’t working like it should, you have a problem on your hands.
The most common garbage disposal problem involves a clogged/obstructed device. To be sure this problem doesn’t happen in your home, never put the following items into your disposal: eggshells, coffee grounds, cooked pasta, batter, oils/fats/grease, bones, onion peels, nuts, or potato peels.
Every homeowner fears it — a fridge that’s no longer keeping their food cold. If this has happened to you, it may have been right after you stocked up on milk, eggs, meat, and frozen foods.
To make sure your fridge continues to keep your foods safe and cold, first be sure that you’re using the correct temperature setting. If you’ve got young children in your home, you already know how curious they can be, especially when trying to peek into the fridge to see what yummy treats there may be. Make it a routine to check the temperature often to be sure it’s properly set and hasn’t been tampered with by little hands.
Additionally, be sure that you aren’t blocking the circulation vents in the fridge. If you’ve got any food items inside that are big and bulky — e.g., boxes of soda cans — be sure they’re placed in the fridge in a way that doesn’t block air flow to and from the vents. A blocked vent could cause your fridge to be too warm inside.
As a bonus tip, be sure to regularly clean the fridge’s condenser coils so they aren’t covered in dust, dirt, or pet hair. When these coils are coated in grime, they can prevent the unit from cooling properly inside. The coils are found underneath or on the back of the fridge.
When your cooktop isn’t heating up, you can’t prepare your meals and may have to resort to ordering food (which isn’t cheap and doesn’t fit into anyone’s budget these days). One of the most common problems with a natural gas cooktop is that the burners aren’t firing up.
If you have a natural gas range and can hear the igniter clicking when you turn the knob, the problem could be as simple as making sure there isn’t any residue left over from a pot that boiled over, or from food that dried on the cooktop.
If you have an electric range and have a burner that isn’t heating up, this could be the result of a frayed wire inside of the unit. This is something that will require the assistance of an electrician or professional appliance repair tech to resolve.
Who has the time to wash their pots, pans, plates, and cutlery by hand? Nobody! So when your dishwasher isn’t draining like it should, you know it’s a problem that needs to be resolved sooner rather than later.
If you’ve noticed that there’s standing water inside your dishwasher, the first thing to do is cut off power to the unit via your circuit breaker. Next, remove the dishes from the appliance and use a large bowl or scoop to try remove the water so you can determine the cause of the clog/obstruction. Once the water is out, you may find that food scraps have blocked the drain. If you find them, remove them.
If this doesn’t take care of the problem, then the issue may be with your garbage disposal. Often, the drain line may have a backup inside, but running your disposal will push it through and help the water inside the dishwasher to empty.
To avoid this issue altogether, make sure your family is carefully clearing their plates and cookware before putting them into the dishwasher.
Check back often as we frequently update our blog library with helpful homeowner tips and tricks. Do you have questions about our home protection programs? Give us a call at any time, or you can chat with a customer service representative by clicking the “Click to Chat” tab on the right side of the page during standard business hours.
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Tips for Tackling Frustrating Home Repairs
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Any time a problem occurs in your home that you must quickly address, it causes a lot of stress and aggravation for you and your family. We’ve put together some tips to help you handle some of the most frustrating home repairs.