Home Warranty
The age of a home and its systems and appliances will eventually cause you to spend money unless you are covered for the unforeseen.
Have you heard of the "breakdown blues"? If you haven't, let me explain it. It is when it seems as though everything in your home breaks down at one time. It was the winter of 1991. We were living in Nashville, TN with our almost 3 years old daughter. Earlier in the year, the cassette deck went out. That isn't critical or life threatening. However, during those days, I did a lot more singing with my church choir and relied on it to learn my solos. A month or so later, my almost three year old looked at me and said: "Papa the TV don't work." Once again, not critical nor life threatening. Just disappointing to a little girls who loved Sesame Street.
Two weeks later, the compressor went out on the heat pump. It was February when it could be and was freezing. Much to my dismay, every estimate received to repair the heat pump exceeded what I had in savings. The estimates ranged from $1300-$1600. Needless to say, not only did I have an emergency, I had a crisis. My wife was also pregnant with our second daughter. God provided the needed aid through a dear friend's husband who was a maintenance service person at a local apartment complex. He told me where to go and purchase the compressor for $268(more in line with my savings). He came that Saturday and installed it for FREE.
Not to discount God's provision at all, I could have rested more easily if I had a home warranty. Home Warranties are available through several sources. They can be bought specifically for Systems, Appliances ONLY, or Systems and Appliances. The Systems Plan covers such items as A/C including ductwork, Heating including ductwork, Electrical, Plumbing, Water Heater, Garbage Disposal, Smoke Detector, etc. The Appliance Plan covers items such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, range/cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, etc, I chose the Combo Plan which included all of the above. Here is how it works. Once you choose the plan, choose your deductible. Deductibles can range from $75-$125 per visit. Your monthly premium is based on the plan and deductible chosen.
If you have a needed repair you can call the service assistance center 24/7, 365 days a year. They will start the requisition for a local repair service to set up an appointment to come out and do the needed repair. If the item can't be repaired, the warranty covers replacement. When the service person is finished, you owe only the deductible. Over the past 3 years, it has been a life saver for me from the cost of the "breakdown blues". Do you homework and get covered for to avoid the "breakdown blues". There may be an unforeseen emergency. However, it is no longer a crisis if you are covered. I am currently covered by American Home Shield.