Total Home Guard

A main water shut-off valve controls the flow of water into a home’s plumbing system. The valve typically stays in the open state to ensure the home is constantly supplied with water. A closed valve cuts off the water supply at the source, which is advantageous in the event of a plumbing emergency or when closing up a house for an extended vacancy.

A modern main water valve is a simple and reliable fixture, but various issues can crop up over time. Familiarizing yourself with the causes of the most common shut-off valve problems can better help you identify and execute effective solutions.
 

Nothing is worse than cranking up the heat on a cold day only to feel cold air blowing out of vents when the heat is on. If you’re asking yourself, why is my furnace blowing cold air? don’t worry — you’re not alone.

There are several possible reasons your furnace isn’t producing warm air, and some are easier to fix than you might think. Before you panic and call in the professionals, let’s go through some common causes, troubleshooting steps, and when it’s time to seek furnace repair.
 

Homeownership is exciting and comes with maintenance responsibilities, like cleaning gutters, mowing the lawn, and changing HVAC filters. The latter is what we are going to discuss here today.

With HVAC systems accounting for approximately 40% of the total energy used in commercial buildings and nearly half the energy in residential homes, maintaining clean filters has never been more crucial for both your wallet and the environment. A clogged filter causes systems to use 15 percent more energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, which can significantly impact your utility bills in today's rising energy market.

Putting your home on the market is a big step, but what if the offers just aren’t coming in? If your house isn’t selling, don’t panic. Many factors can affect how quickly a home moves off the market, and with the right adjustments, you can turn things around.

Here are the top reasons homes don't sell—and actionable steps to fix them.
 

If you own a duplex, triplex, or another type of multi-family property, protecting your investment is a top priority. But does a standard home warranty work for these types of homes? And what should you look for when choosing the best home warranty for a duplex or multi-family unit?

Let’s break down how home warranties work for multi-family properties and what options are best for landlords, investors, and owner-occupants alike.
 

A garbage disposal is one of those kitchen appliances you don’t think much about — until it starts leaking. If you’ve noticed water pooling under your sink, chances are your garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, and that’s a problem you don’t want to ignore. 

The good news? You can often diagnose and fix it yourself without calling a plumber. Let’s go over the common causes, how to find the source of the leak, and what you can do to fix it.
 

Your HVAC system is the heartbeat of home comfort, and ductwork is its circulatory system. But when something goes wrong with your air ducts, you might wonder: Is ductwork covered by a home warranty, or should you turn to homeowners' insurance instead?
 

Let’s break down what’s typically covered and how to ensure your ducts stay in good shape.
 

Converting your traditional chlorine pool into a saltwater system can transform your swimming experience. Saltwater pools are known for being gentler on the skin and eyes, lower in maintenance, and more cost-effective in the long run. If you're curious about making the switch, here's everything you need to know to convert your pool to saltwater the right way.
 

Whether you've recently moved into a new home, lost a key, or experienced a security concern, the question often arises: Should you rekey your locks or replace them entirely? Understanding the differences between these two options can help you make the best choice for your home security and budget.
 

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) and American Home Shield (AHS) are among the most recognizable brand names in the home warranty industry, but there are dozens of nuances that separate the two providers and the customers they serve best. Here’s your cheat sheet to compare the two leading home warranty companies, so you can determine a clear winner.

A ceiling fan is a great way to keep a room cool and comfortable, but when it starts creaking, squeaking, or cranking, it can quickly become a source of annoyance. Whether your ceiling fan is making noise when it rotates, hums, or rattles, there are several possible causes — and, luckily, just as many easy fixes. This guide will help you identify why your fan is noisy with step-by-step solutions to restore quiet operation.
 

The whole process of buying a home can be exciting and intimidating. No doubt that the huge responsibility that will come with owning your own home can make you nervous, not to mention the anxiety of having that large debt to repay.

Ants are intelligent, strong, social creatures, but that doesn’t mean you want them in your home. Before you rush to call an exterminator for ants, there are several things you can do to address the problem and make a plan for preventing bigger infestations later. 

We’ve compiled these helpful tips, including how to get rid of ants in your kitchen, one of the most likely places they appear, but these methods can work anywhere in your house. 

Home maintenance costs can be never-ending, so it’s always helpful to know what to expect when you set your budget. The cost of cleaning gutters and downspouts varies based on a number of factors. Do you intend to do it yourself? How long has it been since they were last cleaned? Where do you live and what’s the demand for gutter cleaning in your area?

Now is a great time to assess the efficiency of your windows in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Drafty windows, thin glass, and insufficient window treatments make it easier for the stifling summer heat to find its way into your home, making your AC work that much harder and increasing your energy bill.

We often associate appliance failures with high costs, but that isn't always the case. Sometimes repairing a broken fridge is only a matter of replacing a $50 thermostat. A malfunctioning dryer could be as good as new with a $10 drum belt.

Repairs don't have to be complicated either. Provided that there's no potential for injury or need for special tools, a reasonably handy homeowner can manage an appliance part replacement. And saving on labor costs means you'll spend significantly less than the average appliance repair costs.
 

About 20% of washing machine failures are caused by drainage issues, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). But pooling water in your washing machine's drum doesn't necessarily mean that you're about to be soaked by appliance repair costs.

Finding water sitting in your washing machine after a cycle can be concerning, but this problem can have more than one cause, and it's often easy for the average homeowner to diagnose and fix without calling in an expensive professional.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll run through washing machine troubleshooting tips to help you determine the reason for your washing machine's drainage problem after a spin cycle. In the process, we'll also review how to remove water from washing machine drum basins and prevent this issue from recurring in the future.
 

If you own a garbage disposal, you know that cleaning it is a tedious, but essential, part of keeping it running. Homeownership can be a never-ending to-do list, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. We’ve created this all-in-one guide for garbage disposal cleaning, so you have an easy reference and some new tricks, whether it’s the first or the hundredth time you’ve done it. 
 

Garage door keypads provide a convenient way to open and close your garage door without needing a physical key. However, like any mechanical device, garage door keypads can develop issues over time, leaving you unable to enter your garage. There are many reasons why a garage door keypad may stop working, including dead batteries, faulty wiring, and even weather-related issues. In this blog, we will discuss some common garage door keypad issues and what you can do to troubleshoot and fix them.

In the contemporary era of rapid technological advancements, the integration of smart home devices has become an essential aspect of modern living. Among these innovative devices, the smart thermostat stands out as a popular choice, not only for its convenience but also for its significant contribution to energy efficiency. In this extensive guide, we will delve into the intricate details of installing a smart thermostat, ensuring that you harness the full potential of this cutting-edge technology for a more comfortable, intelligent, and sustainable living environment.

Buying a home is a major milestone, but it’s also a complex financial transaction filled with expenses many first-time buyers don’t anticipate. Beyond the sale price, there are dozens of hidden costs of buying a home that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
 

It’s easy to take our home heating systems for granted. We set the thermostat to a preferred temperature and expect that our homes will be cozy and comfortable. But without some simple preventive maintenance, a breakdown somewhere in the heating system is possible — even probable — and that’s the last thing we want when that polar vortex hits in the middle of winter.

Climate control isn’t the sole function of an HVAC system. Your home’s ductwork facilitates airflow to mitigate the concentration of gases, pollutants, dust, pollen, and odors. Over time, dust and other airborne particulates settle in your vents and ducts, so cleaning is occasionally necessary.

Food disposals and garbage disposals are handy machines because they usually reduce the likelihood that your kitchen sink will clog up from leftover food scraps. Every now and then, however, exasperated homeowners may discover a clog even in a sink fitted with a garbage disposal. This could be due to an unusually large amount of debris, a faulty disposal, or some other problem.

Along with plumbing and electrical, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of a home’s most critical infrastructural components. The effects of a failing HVAC system can be more severe than just discomfort in the heat or cold. An improperly ventilated or climate-controlled house can stress building materials, promote mold and dust, and prematurely wear home appliances and systems.

A swimming pool is a dynamic system, and the pool pump is at the heart of it. The pump keeps the water circulating to better distribute chemicals throughout the pool, remove debris, and inhibit algae growth. If the pump fails, the water can become stagnant, leading to poor water quality and sending the pool into a potential state of disrepair.

A home warranty can be a wise investment that saves homeowners money on home maintenance and repair, but consumers need to find the right plan to maximize their savings. Part of determining the best plan is having a thorough understanding of all the costs associated with a given policy.

Home warranties can be a nebulous concept if you don’t know the ins and outs. We sat down with three experts, a building material supplier, a real estate agent, and an experienced roofer to demystify your questions about home warranties.

We asked each expert the same set of questions, giving them free reign to share as much information as possible. Our goal was to reduce the confusion around home warranties, help homeowners more confidently use their policies, and understand exactly what to expect.

A home inspection should be a part of every homebuyer’s due diligence when investing in residential real estate. Though an added expense, an inspection arms buyers with the information they need to avoid stumbling into a money pit.

The cost of new home inspection walkthroughs and documentation is dependent on several factors. Home size, location, and inspection specializations all come into play, so home inspections cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more.
 

Any home appliance is subject to failure, but some are more liable to break down than others. Major kitchen and laundry appliances are particularly prone to malfunction, largely because of frequent use and exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture.

Home warranties can be polarizing, especially if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with. These contentions and confusions feed a lot of common home warranty myths. In this article, we’ll set them straight, so you can purchase a plan that aligns with your needs. 

Maintaining the right temperature in your refrigerator can mean the difference between fresh, safe-to-eat food and spoiled groceries. But what exactly is the ideal refrigerator temperature, and how can you be sure yours is set correctly? In this guide, we’ll explain the optimal temperature settings, offer troubleshooting tips for common issues, and explore whether a home warranty can help cover unexpected refrigerator repairs.
 

Gas stoves and ovens undergo a lot of wear and tear from everyday use. Quality appliances are built to last, but frequent exposure to high temperatures means even the most reliable appliances require regular maintenance.

There are some telltale warning signs that suggest when gas appliance repair service or maintenance is required. This article will review what you should watch out for.

Maybe your freezer isn’t freezing ice cubes properly, or ice and frost is accumulating inside, or the whole appliance is making a racket that you can hear from another room. Most of us have encountered freezer issues before. Here are some of the most common, along with some freeze

A garage door that won’t open or close properly can throw off your entire day, from delaying your commute to creating a safety risk for your home. Here’s the good news: Most problems have common, easy-to-identify causes. Blocked sensors, power issues, broken springs, or misaligned tracks are often the culprits behind a stuck or unresponsive garage door. Understanding these issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save you time and money.
 

Wondering what to do about that puddle collecting near your washing machine? Your washer is a complex and frequently used appliance, so there will be issues with it from time to time. Fortunately, there are ways to find the source of the problem and easily fix some issues. There are several different reasons that can lead to your washing machine leaking, and they do not all require a contractor to fix. Here’s our comprehensive list of what causes a washer to leak and some DIY fixes for them.

Though it’s easy to forget in the bustle of day-to-day life, we depend on all kinds of home systems and appliances to keep our homes safe and comfortable. Our lives would be very difficult without reliable plumbing or electricity, or without a functioning refrigerator or stovetop.

Even the cleanest homes with carpet can develop a smell of their own, but sometimes it interferes with your relaxation, ability to entertain, and your health and safety. When carpet odors become too much, you need to know how to eliminate them completely or you’re going to be fighting a losing battle. Let’s tackle the issue at the source, so you can enjoy your space to its full potential. 

Real estate transactions are complicated and stressful, and buyers and sellers eagerly anticipate the closing date stipulated in their contract. It is wise to temper your expectations, however. If you’re buying or selling a home, you may find your closing date delayed for any number of reasons.

This article will review some potential causes for real estate closing delays. If you’re aware of the obstacles you could encounter, you’re less likely to be taken by surprise. 

Fridge condensation is a common issue that many people experience in their homes. It can be frustrating to see water droplets forming inside your fridge, and in some cases, it can lead to more severe problems like mold growth, food spoilage, and even damage to the appliance. Understanding the causes of fridge condensation and how to troubleshoot it is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your fridge. In this blog, we'll explore the common causes of fridge condensation, how to diagnose the problem, and provide tips and tricks to prevent and fix fridge condensation issues.

Your refrigerator is central to daily life; think about it. Many households rely on their refrigerators to store essential medications, perishable items, and pet food, so long-term malfunction without it could lead to a major loss. The typical refrigerator should last you well beyond a decade, but how do you know exactly when it’s reached the end of its life? How do you know whether to repair or replace your refrigerator?
 

We understand that homeowners encounter various problems with their houses, and water stains on the ceiling are among the most common issues. If you're reading this, you're probably dealing with this problem and are looking for a solution. Look no further as we have got you covered.

Water stains on the ceiling can result from several issues, such as leaky roofs, overflowing gutters, burst pipes, or condensation from your AC unit. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your home.

Looking to transform your living space this year? The latest home renovation apps make managing your remodeling projects simpler and more intuitive than ever. Whether you're planning a complete house remodel or just updating a single room, these innovative tools help streamline every aspect of your renovation journey. Here's our carefully curated selection of the best home renovation apps for 2025, including both premium and free options that make home improvement accessible to everyone.

HVAC maintenance costs are one of the less fun parts of homeownership, but the extra attention pays off. Your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable all year long, making it one of the most used and essential items in your life. Since you already spend a lot on energy costs to run your system, it’s doubly important to maintain it if you want to avoid unexpected repairs down the line. 
 

Often, the most important and frequently used resources in our homes are the ones we take most for granted. We rely on fresh, potable water for countless daily activities. We need it to drink, cook, bathe, brush our teeth, wash our hands, clean our homes, launder our clothes—the list goes o

Some home appliance breakdowns are obvious, but others can sneak up on you. If your water softener starts to malfunction, for instance, you may not notice the problem right away. After all, it’s easy to neglect an appliance in the basement or other infrequently visited space.

You might take your bathroom’s exhaust fan for granted, but it’s essential in mitigating the humidity in your bathroom to keep mold, mildew, and water damage at bay. The heart of the exhaust fan is the motor—when the motor fails, the entire appliance ceases to function. 

A backed-up toilet is one of those nightmare scenarios. Homeowners who have flushed the toilet only to watch the water rise understand what true panic feels like. Even if you’re spared the horror of an overflow, having an unusable toilet in the house is a major inconvenience.

Homeowners who are new to the home warranty space understandably have a lot of questions about the terminology they are bound to encounter in their policy materials and correspondence with warranty providers and contractors. On the subject of denial of coverage, homeowners might be confused about the difference between a voided warranty and a denied claim.

Preventive maintenance is part and parcel of homeownership. Think of how essential regular maintenance is for your car. You need to keep the gas tank full, regularly change the oil, periodically rotate the tires and replace the brake pads, or else you risk breaking down on the side of the road. The same logic applies to your home and all of its systems and appliances. Neglecting your home maintenance plan will inevitably lead to inconvenient breakdowns, malfunctions, and expensive repairs.