Remove Hard Water Buildup- FAST!

Hard water. We hate it, you hate it, and so do your faucets and shower heads! But for many of us who don’t have water softeners, or live in parts of the country where well water is a way of life, build up is unavoidable. Even with a water softener or filter, deposits will absolutely build up over time.

Getting sprayed in the eye by a clogged showerhead is not the best way to start the day. Luckily, removing magnesium and calcium buildup is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and as inexpensive as can be. Instead of requesting service from Freedom Home Warranty for insufficient water pressure, try this quick tips to get your faucets back to full power!

White vinegar is a godsend when it comes to DIY home cleaning. This acidic agent has a chemical reaction to the compounds in magnesium and calcium, and even manganese, brass, iron or copper. For chrome faucets, shower heads and even your coffee maker, use vinegar to fight the scum. But a word from the wise, DO NOT use undiluted vinegar on nickel or iron fixtures as it is abrasive and may break down the metal. Dilute the vinegar ratio 1:4 with water and apply on a very small area as a test.

Remove hard water buildup with vinegar! It is easy and inexpensive to ensure water pressure.

How It’s Done:

Remove the shower head and faucet aerators periodically and place in a bucket or basin and pour enough vinegar to cover them completely. You’ll see the chemical reaction working, with little bubbles greeting the surface and cleaning the deposits. Soak overnight or for at least half an hour if you need to speed the process. Use an old, soft toothbrush to give a gentle scrub or a toothpick to remove any remaining buildup.

In an even bigger hurry? Heat up the vinegar on your stove so it is hot but not boiling, and then place the faucet head in the vinegar. The heat speeds up the chemical reaction and your faucets will be good as new.

Can’t be bothered with removing your shower head or faucet? Use a plastic bag and a rubber band to secure the vinegar-filled baggie around the shower head for soaking.

You Can Choose Your Own Contractor

A home warranty is designed to save homeowners from the extra costs of home ownership, by protecting the home owner from paying the full cost of repairing appliances and systems in the home. But did you know that not all home warranty companies are built the same? Freedom Home Warranty is one of the few companies that gives you the freedom to choose your own plumber, electrician or appliance repair person, but other home warranty companies want you to use their professionals. Why does it matter? As long as the contractor is licensed, insured and will work with us, Freedom Home Warranty lets you pick who gets the job done.

We understand many people have built relationships with their preferred service contractor, and we are one of the few home warranty companies that allow you to choose your own! When a covered system or appliance breaks down, as you request service you have the option to use your own qualified service contractor. If you don’t have a preference, we will assist you by providing a qualified service contractor. We guarantee you will receive the best possible service for your home repair needs.

While we do have an excellent network of pre-screened, qualified, contractors; we do accept applications for new companies and individuals who want to join our network. Our goal is to reward quality work, responsiveness, professionalism, and cost-effectiveness. If you know of a contractor, or you are one yourself and would like to join our network, fill out this contractor application today!

choose freedom — Freedom To Choose Your Own Contractor, only from Freedom Home Warranty!

How A Home Warranty Saves You on Repairs

With a home warranty plan from Freedom Home Warranty, the cost of your plan ranges, but a service call fee will always be $65. When it comes to repairs, you usually only need to pay the service call fee for covered items. Without the protection a home warranty provides, you’d have to work with a contractor on your own and pay for the trip fee, diagnosis, labor, parts and sometimes removal. This can add up to hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Even if you know the contractor personally and they cut you a deal on the service, it is more money-wise to go through Freedom Home Warranty for that reason. Freedom Home Warranty doesn’t reimburse on repairs made without approval, so call us first, or request service through our website. Enjoy the convenience of using someone you know, but leave the scheduling, stress and costly bills to us.

Remember, Freedom Home Warranty is Here To Protect You!

DIY: Maintain Your Heating System

Winters in the West are brutal, and the inside of your home can feel like a sanctuary of cozy warmth, but only if your heating system is well maintained. Although a home warranty is here to protect against the costly repairs a homeowner may face, systems need to be kept in good order and regularly maintained.

Saving energy while maintaining your heating system is a great way to make the heat in your home last efficiently, and can save you money on your bills in the long run. Let’s look at ways to maintain the system, and taking extra steps to save energy!

Cover Your Drafty Windows

During the cold winter months, if your windows are single-pane, older or drafty, use a heavy-duty clear plastic sheet on the frame. Another tip is to install insulating drapes or shades on windows.

Heating Utah Americas Choice — Winter is here! Have you thought about maintaining your heating system? Use these easy DIY tips to keep your system efficient.

Adjust the Temperature

You can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills when you turn your thermostat down when you’re asleep or out of the house. Turn your thermostat back 10-15 degrees for eight hours. A smart or programmable thermostat can help efficiency.

Lower Your Water Heating Costs

This is a simple tip: turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees, the warm setting. You’ll save energy, money and your skin from being scalded!

Until spring and warmer temperatures arrive, keeping your HVAC system running smoothly is of utmost importance. Here’s a list of maintenance tips.

Visually Inspect Your System

Give your system a visual once over. Are the wires intact, are there signs that pests have chewed through or damaged the system’s wiring? If so, contact us and file a claim so we can get an electrician out there immediately. It may seem like a no-brainer, but the pilot light is one of the most important part of the system, it’s the ignition! Check to see if your pilot light is lit, and refer to your system’s manual or call a professional for assistance.

Clean Your System

Take time to wipe the system down and remove dust and debris, or use a vacuum with a long nozzle to snag the dust in hard-to-reach areas. The fan blower could always use extra attention, as well as the vents and dampers in each room. Replace the filters if they are dirty, and regularly replace them every few months.

Check the Ducts

Your heater won’t operate at peak efficiency if there are leaks in the duct work. Check the seal around the return that feeds into your heater to make sure it’s tight. It can create a backdraft if it’s not. Wrap or calk the joints, and heat-graded foil tape is a cheap and easy fix.

Do a Practice Run

After cleaning and prepping the system, turn it on for 10 minutes and run the furnace. Listen for odd noises, look for soot and smoke and those could indicate a cracked heat exchanger. If the furnace develops a crack, carbon monoxide could leak into your home so be sure your home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. After you feel heat coming from the system, you’ve done your part to endure your system is working good as new when you most need it!