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Service Line Warranties of America Homeowner tips, tricks and troubleshooting Menu Home Home Posting Guidelines / Policy Posting Guidelines / Policy Return to SLWA’s Homepage Return to SLWA’s Homepage 3 signs your sewer line is clogged 3 signs your sewer line is clogged Featured How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home During COVID-19 Spring cleaning is typically the perfect time to sweep out the garage , reorganize the linen closet and wipe down the windows. But in Spring 2020, our cleaning goals are slightly different. While shelter-in-place orders around the country may be giving families plenty of time to tackle those Marie Kondo-inspired tidying-up projects , these guidelines are essential to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Here are some helpful cleaning strategies that may help you keep germs at bay, even if your family is in good health: Protect Yourself Remember to wear disposable gloves when you’re cleaning, and wash your hands before and after to help minimize the spread of germs. It’s also best to work in a well-ventilated space, as disinfecting chemicals can be very strong. Also, never mix cleaning chemicals as this can create toxic off gassing. Clean First, Then Disinfect The CDC explains that cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Cleaning helps remove dirt, debris and other residue, whereas disinfecting helps kill bacteria and pathogens. First, wipe down surfaces with a cleaning towel or soap and water to remove dirt. Then follow up by using an EPA-approved disinfectant or a diluted household bleach solution containing 4 teaspoons of unexpired bleach for each quart of water. Your disinfectant will need to remain on the surface for a certain amount of time, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For a household solution, wait at least 1 minute. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces The CDC also recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces in high-traffic areas. These include bathroom and kitchen surfaces, faucets, doorknobs, hard-backed chairs, lightswitches, game controllers, computer keyboards and mobile devices. Explore Cleaning Guides from HomeServe If you’re like me and have become somewhat obsessive about keeping your house clean and wanting to try to keep the coronavirus at bay, check out the following HomeServe blogs for general cleaning tips and tricks that may help with hard-to-clean spots and surfaces. Don’t forget to bookmark this post so you can come back to these helpful hints when next year’s Spring cleaning season comes around. Cleaning Products to Use Around the House How to use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. How to clean with baking soda. How to clean with only coffee. How to clean around the house with Coca-Cola. How to clean with eco-friendly products. Bathroom Cleaning Guides How to clean a shower head. How to clean shower doors. How to clean tile grout. How to get rid of mold. Kitchen Cleaning Guides How to disinfect sponges in the microwave. How to clean your kitchen and fend off ant invasions. How to clean out a clogged kitchen sink. How to clean stainless steel appliances. How to clean an electric stovetop. How to clean your oven. How to clean out a microwave. How to clean a dishwasher. Living Space Cleaning Guides How to clean an air conditioner. How to clean laundry machines. How to clean hardwood floors. How to clean lighting fixtures. How to clean your thermostat. Prepare for the Unexpected With a Home Repair Plans As you and your family follow shelter-in-place orders and spend more time at home, you’re counting on your essential home systems to stay in working order. Now, more than ever, your home is playing a major role as your living space, office, schoolhouse, play zone, fitness center and more. An unexpected home system breakdown could have consequences for all of these aspects of your life. Being prepared for the unexpected with a repair plan from Service Lines Warranties of America is a good strategy. Share this: Twitter Facebook Email Pinterest Like this: Like Loading... Posted in General Homeowner | Leave a comment Featured What Is the Cost to Install a Water Heater? A few months ago, I wrote about my water heater mishap . (I know I’ll never forget that feeling of a freezing cold shower). I’m glad to report that my new water heater is still providing our family with hot showers and clean laundry – but I’m always on the lookout for the signs it might need maintenance . During the frigid winter months, it’s more important than ever to check in on your water heater. If you do catch a problem early on, or realize you need an entirely new system, you can be proactive in receiving repairs (and won’t be caught in a mid-shower frozen surprise). From my experience, I learned that installing a water heater is half the battle – and the majority of the cost – of purchasing this essential system. Don’t settle for lukewarm showers and half-washed dishes. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost to install a water heater. The tank vs. tankless debate The fact of the matter is, installation costs depend on the type of water heater you need or already have. Home Depot breaks down two of the most popular choices for homeowners: Traditional water heaters: Typically store between 20 and 80 gallons of water heated by gas or electric power. The average total cost for a new traditional water heater and installation is $1,308. Tankless water heaters: Gaining popularity in recent years, these units are also fueled by gas or electricity but only heat water as needed. They’re accepted as being more environmentally friendly, though they come with higher upfront costs. The average total cost for a tankless water heater is around $3,000. Total costs include everything from the unit itself, permits, materials, installation, labor costs and removal of the old unit. Thumbtack.com estimates the national average cost of installing a water heater ranges from $500 to $1,000. What’s your fuel source? Water heater installation costs aren’t just affected by the type of water heater chosen, but also by the fuel sources available. Both traditional and tankless heaters can use gas or electricity to warm up water. A gas water heater may cost $50-100 more to install than an electric tank water heater. Likewise, you can expect to pay $500 more for a gas tankless water heater than an electric water heater. If you need – or want – to switch fuel sources, you’ll most likely need to add some room to your budget. Going from an electric to gas water heater may require the addition of a gas line , that usually costs $500 to install, reports Homewyse.com . Other factors to consider The size, model, home layout and any additional – necessary – work can all contribute to the costs associated with installing a water heater. Traditional water heaters may require expansion tanks to minimize the risk of pressure damage to the plumbing system. TheSpruce.com explains this is mostly needed in closed water supply systems , so always factor that into your water heater costs. While tankless heaters come with higher upfront costs, they can require less maintenance in the long run and families can see energy costs decrease because water is heated on a need-only basis. Both kinds of water heaters have energy-efficient models available for more cost savings. Though each system comes with its own unique costs, installation can also vary based on your needs and wants. Always make sure to do your research before deciding on the best water heater for your home and have a licensed professional install it. See how plans from Service Lines Warranties of America can help with the costs of home repairs. Share this: Twitter Facebook Email Pinterest Like this: Like Loading... Posted in General Homeowner | Leave a comment Featured Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes Better Than the Holiday Meal Remember that episode from Season 5 of Friends” entitled The One With Ross’ Sandwich” where Ross has an actual breakdown after someone steals his Thanksgiving leftovers? (One of...