| How to Purchase a Home Warranty Posted: 13 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST A home warranty can help you cover the costs of repairing home appliances and maintaining plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. As a homeowner, you may consider a home warranty if you don't want to have to worry about paying out of pocket for normal wear and tear on your home. Start by choosing a home warranty that fits your needs. Then, research home warranty companies to find one that suits your budget. Make sure you review the terms and conditions of the warranty before you buy it so you know exactly what you are paying for. EditDetermining Your Home Warranty Needs - Get a home warranty that covers one specific appliance if it is expensive or old. Appliances like a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a stove, or a garbage disposal may be worth covering with a warranty. Home warranties can also cover appliances like a built-in microwave oven or a washer and dryer. The warranty will cover the costs of repairs, maintenance, and replacing a faulty appliance.[1]
- A home warranty for one appliance may be worthwhile if it is very old and you want to try to offset the cost of replacing it. Keep in mind it will need to pass an inspection by the home warranty company to be insured.
- This type of home warranty is also the least expensive option, costing $100 USD or less a year.
- Go for a home warranty that covers all of your home appliances. If you have several expensive appliances in your home, a home warranty that covers them all may be ideal. Most home warranties will allow you to bundle together all your appliances and pay one fee to cover them all.[2]
- Most home warranties that cover major appliances will cost around $200-$300 USD a year.
- Get a home warranty that includes all appliances and systems for full coverage. Most home warranty companies require you to get your home appliances and home systems like plumbing, electrical, heat and cooling covered in one package. You can decide which systems you want to get covered under the warranty, depending on your needs.[3]
- This type of home warranty is the most expensive option, costing up to $800 USD a year.
- Ask your real estate agent for advice on home warranties. Your real estate agent will likely know a lot about home warranties and can recommend the best one for your needs. They are a great resource as they know the value of your home and can suggest how much coverage you might need.[4]
- If you plan to sell your home in the future, your real estate agent can also tell you how much value a home warranty will add to the sale.
EditFinding the Right Company and Plan - Contact reputable home warranty companies. Search online for home warranty companies in your area. Look on their website for an outline of their pricing and what they cover in their home warranties. Read reviews of the company online to see what other consumers are saying about them. Note if they have a high consumer rating and offer detailed plans.[5]
- You can also call the home warranty companies directly to speak to them about their plans.
- Find out how much the warranty covers in costs. Most home warranty companies will offer a maximum amount of money they are willing to pay for any repairs or replacement parts for 1 year. This can range from $1,000-$1,500 USD for one appliance, depending on the provider and plan you get. They may also provide a maximum of around $7,500 USD for all appliances or systems covered under your plan.[6]
- Go for a plan that covers more than you need or just enough. The plan should provide you with enough coverage so you do not end up paying out of pocket for repairs or replacement parts.
- Look for warranties that have a "repair or replace" policy. This policy means that if the appliance or system cannot be repaired, it must be replaced under the warranty. A "repair or replace" policy may be a good option if you have a lot of appliances that are old or that need a lot of repairs.[7]
- Avoid warranties that have an "obsolete parts" clause, which means the warranty company does not have to repair an appliance or system if the parts are too hard to find.
- Factor in the cost of deductibles. Most home warranty companies will charge a fee for any service calls or maintenance bookings you do through them. The deductibles can range from $50-$100 USD for each visit or service call. Consider this added cost when you review home warranties so you know what you will be charged per repair visit.[8]
- You may opt for a plan with lower deductibles to save money. However, a lower deductible may mean the premium, or overall annual cost of the warranty is higher.
- Read the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you know exactly what is being covered in your warranty. Go through each term and condition. Some warranties will cover only certain parts of an appliance, such as everything but the ice machine in your refrigerator or your hot water tank but not the water tank itself. You should be aware of what is and isn't covered in your warranty before you agree to it.[9]
- Some warranties also have conditions where an appliance is not covered due to a power outage or if it stops working on a particular setting.
- You may also be required to perform regular maintenance on your appliances and systems, and have proof of this, in order to cover them under your warranty.
- Under the conditions of most warranties, you do not have a say on which repair company comes to your home for the service visit. But you will not need to arrange service visits yourself, as the warranty company will usually do it for you.
EditGetting the Home Warranty - Find out if you need a home inspection to get the warranty. Some home warranty companies will require a detailed inspection of your appliances and your home systems before you can qualify for the warranty. They may assess the current state of your appliances and systems, and decide if they are willing to cover it. Some companies will not offer a warranty for items that are very old or in poor repair.[10]
- Compare quotes from several companies. Most home warranty companies allow you to get a free quote online once you provide your contact information and your property address. Compare quotes from several different companies to find one that covers what you need and fits your budget.[11]
- Some home warranty companies may allow you to negotiate the price for a plan or your deductible rates if you bring competitive quotes from other companies.
- Pay a lump sum or do monthly payments for the warranty. Depending on the cost of the warranty, you may opt to pay the entire amount once a year so you are covered for 12 months. Or you may pay a small amount every month for the warranty as part of your home expenses.[12]
- After 12 months, you can renew your warranty or renegotiate it. You can also switch to a different home warranty company that better suits your needs and budget.
- If you decide to sell your home down the line, include the home warranty in the sale to increase your home's value. You will also be covered by your warranty the entire time your home is listed on the market, beyond the usual 12-month cap.[13]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Have an Easy Labor Posted: 13 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST Giving birth can be an intense, but rewarding experience. You may wonder how you can make your labor less strenuous so you can enjoy it. Do exercises that will strengthen your legs, pelvis, and hips early in your pregnancy so you have the stamina for labor. You can also get support and information on labor from your doctor, midwife, or doula so you know what to expect. Then, when the time comes, focus on staying comfortable and relaxed during labor so your birthing experience goes smoothly. EditExercising and Staying Active - Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Kegel exercises can be done at home when you are sitting in a chair or lying down in bed. Make sure you go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before you do them. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles for 5 seconds. Pretend you are holding in your urine to activate these muscles. Then, release them for 10 seconds.[1]
- Repeat the kegel exercise 10 times.
- Try to do this exercise at least once a day to keep your pelvic floor and vaginal area strong.
- Do this exercise in every trimester of your pregnancy.
- Do pelvic tilt stretches to help position your baby in a good spot for labor. Position yourself on your hands and knees, with your shoulders and hips in line with each other. Inhale as you press your stomach towards the floor, curving your lower back and raising your chin to the ceiling. Then, exhale as you press your back upward, pressing your stomach towards the ceiling and your chin towards the floor. Do these stretches 10 times, once a day.[2]
- Pelvic tilt stretches are good to do during your third trimester, as this is when your baby is the most active. The stretches can help to move your baby into an ideal position for labor.
- Try butterfly stretches to release your lower back and pelvis. These stretches will help to keep your lower back and pelvis relaxed, which can then make labor a bit easier. Sit on your bum and bend your knees to bring your feet together, with your toes touching. Your legs should form a diamond shape. Gently press down on your knees with your elbows or shift side to side.[3]
- You can also do this exercise lying down on your back. Make sure your lower back is flat on the ground as you bring your feet together to form a diamond shape.
- Try to do this exercise in every trimester of your pregnancy.
- Do forward leaning inversions to keep your uterus open and relaxed. This exercise helps to create more room in your uterus, allowing your baby to move around more easily. Kneel on the edge of your bed or your couch. Lower yourself onto your forearms, with your elbows splayed out and your hands flat on the floor. Let your head hang freely. Keep your bottom and hips up in the air. Move your hips side to side and keep your lower back flat.[4]
- Hold this exercise for 3-4 deep breaths and then lower back down onto your hands. Do this exercise 2-4 times, once a day.
- Do not perform this exercise if you are experiencing stomach cramps or have any pain in your stomach or back.
- Be careful when doing this exercise in your third trimester. You may need a spotter to ensure you can do it safely.
- Do supported squats to strengthen your legs. Keep your leg muscles strong with supported squats so you can stay upright during labor, as being upright can make your labor less difficult. Stand with your back to a wall. Place an exercise ball between your lower back and the wall. Move your feet out until you are comfortable and point your toes outward. Inhale as you squat down as low as you can, keeping the exercise ball in place. Exhale as you come back to the starting position.[5]
- Do 3 sets of 15 squats once a day to keep your legs strong.
- When you do this exercise in your third trimester, place a chair behind you for support. You can also ask a partner or friend or act as a spotter.
- Go for daily walks to improve your blood circulation. Walking can help you stay active and balanced. It can also ensure you get your blood circulating and be good practice for when you have to walk or move around during the early stages of labor. Walk in a nearby park or in your neighborhood. Try to walk for at least 20-30 minutes a day.[6]
- Take a weekly prenatal exercise class to stay fit and relaxed. Look for a prenatal yoga class or a prenatal aerobics class at your local gym. Sign up for the class and attend it regularly so you can stay fit.[7]
- Check with your doctor before you take any strenuous prenatal fitness classes, as you do not want to overdo it or put your baby at risk.
EditGetting Support and Information on Labor - Discuss your birth plan with your doctor several weeks before your due date. Your birth plan should outline who you want with you during your labor, such as your partner or your children. It should also discuss if you want to be mobile and walk around, especially during the early stages of your labor. Decide how you want to manage pain during labor and if you want to take medication. Your doctor should help you determine the key points in your birth plan.[8]
- You can also decide how you want the environment to be set up for the birth, such as lighting, music, or calming scents.
- If you decide to do a home birth or use a birthing pool, note this in your birth plan.
- Share the birth plan with your partner so you both know what to expect. Let your partner know the details of your birth plan, especially if you want them to be in the room with you during your labor. Allow them to add things to the birth plan and get their feedback so they feel they are part of the process. They can then support your wishes and make sure the labor goes as you'd like it to.[9]
- You can also share your birth plan with any family members or close friends who are involved in your pregnancy or labor.
- Hire a doula as part of your birth plan. A doula is trained to support you during your pregnancy and your labor. They often act as labor coaches and can show you how to make your labor easier. Doulas can be expensive, charging per service or a flat-fee. But they have been shown to help make labor less difficult.[10]
- Your insurance provider may not cover the cost of a doula. Find out if your doula offers a payment plan or a sliding scale of costs. You can also ask for donations towards hiring a doula at your baby shower.
- Take a birthing class to learn more about labor and what to expect. Look for birthing classes at your local hospital or community center. Many family health clinics and centers will also offer birthing classes. Bring your partner with you to the class so they can get a sense of what to expect during your labor.[11]
- Birthing classes that focus on breathing techniques, pushing techniques, and relaxation strategies during labor are good options.
- Look for birthing classes that discuss the Lamaze technique, the Bradley method, or the Alexander technique, as they focus on how to make labor easier.[12]
- If you cannot find a birthing class in your area, look for online tutorial and guides.
EditStaying Comfortable and Relaxed during Early Labor - Stay home until your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart. Avoid rushing to the hospital once you start to feel contractions. Going to the hospital too early can make you more stressed out. Instead, stay home and time your contractions.[13]
- Download an App on your phone that times contractions for you so you do not have to do this yourself.
- If you feel any sharp pains or you start to bleed from your vagina, go to the hospital right away.
- If your water breaks even through your contractions are still far apart, go to the hospital so you are not at risk of infection.
- Use a hot compress on your lower back or belly. Applying heat to sensitive areas can help make your labor less painful, especially in the early stages. Put a hot compress on your lower back or your stomach for 10 minutes at a time to reduce any pain or irritation in these areas.[14]
- If these areas are particularly sensitive, ask your partner to give you a massage. Massage can be a great way for you to stay calm and relaxed during labor.
- Stay mobile and upright. Walking and pacing around can help the baby get into position for the birth. Move around in your home or go for a walk in your neighborhood. Go to the grocery store and walk around to distract yourself and stay mobile.[15]
- You can also sit on a large exercise ball and bounce around to stay active.
- Drink lots of water and snack on pasta, crackers, or dry toast. Stay hydrated by sipping water often during early labor. You can also have a light snack high in carbohydrates so you have enough energy when your labor really gets going.[16]
- Avoid eating heavy or greasy food, as this can cause stomach upset and make your labor more difficult.
- Take a bath or shower to stay relaxed. Soak in a bath of warm water to ease any soreness or pain. If the tub has jets, turn them on so you can get a relaxing massage while you soak. A warm shower, where you stand upright and lean against the shower wall, can also be good for easing pain and discomfort.[17]
EditHaving a Positive Late Labor Experience - Bring an overnight bag with you. Once your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart, or once your water breaks, head to the hospital or to your birthing center. Bring a bag with light, loose clothing, a robe, thick socks, maternity bras, non-perishable snacks, and a full water bottle. You should also pack photo identification and your healthcare information so you have it on hand.[18]
- Pack the bag a few weeks before your due date so it is ready to go. Let your partner know where it is so they can bring it for you to the hospital or birthing center, as needed.
- Check in with your doctor or midwife. Let your doctor or midwife know you are at the hospital or birthing center. The staff at the hospital or center will give you a hospital gown to put on and set you up in a room or area. The doctor or midwife will then check in on your regularly to see how your labor is progressing.[19]
- If you have a doula, let them know you are in full labor so they can be there to support you.
- Do breathing exercises to reduce pain and stress. Start with slow breathing when your contractions become close together and more intense. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth, letting air out with a sigh. Keep your body limp and release any tension as you exhale.[20]
- Do light accelerated breathing as your labor becomes more active. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, breathing in and out rapidly. Keep your breathing shallow and follow a breath pattern of one breath per second.
- When you start to feel overwhelmed or exhausted during labor, do "pant-pant-blow" or "hee-hee-who" breathing. Inhale quickly through your nose or mouth and let out a longer exhalation through your mouth. Make a "who" or "puh" sound as you exhale to release stress and tension.
- Communicate with your doctor or midwife once it comes time to push. Change positions to find a comfortable one for you as you push during late-stage labor. Lean on your doctor, midwife, doula, or partner to support you as you push.[21]
- Consider taking medication to help reduce the pain and keep you relaxed. Your doctor or midwife can discuss this option with you and offer it to you as you push during the final stages of labor.
- Make sure you get at least 8 hours of quality sleep a night during your pregnancy to ensure you have the energy and stamina for labor.[22]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Block Promoted Tweets on Twitter on iPhone or iPad Posted: 13 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST This wikiHow teaches you how to block promotional tweets on the Twitter app for the iPhone and iPad. Promoted tweets are paid advertisement tweets and while it's not possible to block all ads in the official Twitter app, you can hide specific individual tweets, block accounts that promote tweets, as well as opt out of personalized ads. Opting-out of personalized ads won't remove ads from Twitter, but it will prevent Twitter from collecting data to target you with personalized ads. The only way to block all Twitter ads is to use a third-party app that doesn't contain ads—but most of those apps aren't free. - Open Twitter. It's the light-blue app with a white bird.
- Log in with your email, phone number, or username and password, if you aren't logged in automatically.
- Tap on the tweet. It's located in the top-right corner of the tweet. Promoted tweets have a "Promoted" tag at the bottom.
- Tap at the top of the list. This will remove the tweet from your timeline. Information will be sent to Twitter that will help them target you with better ads.
- Tap Undo immediately to unhide the ad.
- Open Twitter. It's the light-blue app with a white bird.
- Log in with your email, phone number, or username and password, if you aren't logged in automatically.
- Tap on the tweet. It's located in the top-right corner of the tweet. Promoted tweets have a "Promoted" tag at the bottom.
- Tap . Instead of "account", this will display the twitter account of the company or service that promoted the tweet. This will open a pop-up window asking you to confirm.
- Tap to confirm. Blocked accounts will not be able to follow or message you and their tweets and ads will not appear in your timeline.
- Tap Undo in the bar at the bottom to immediate unblock the Twitter account.
- You can always unblock a Twitter account later at any time.
EditOpt-Out of Personalized Ads - Open Twitter. It's the light-blue app with a white bird.
- Log in with your email, phone number, or username and password, if you aren't logged in automatically.
- Tap your profile image. It's located in the top-left corner.
- Tap . It's near the bottom, above the "Help Center" option.
- Tap . It's the second option from the top, below "Account".
- Scroll down and tap . It's at the very bottom of the page.
- Tap the switch for "Personalized ads" to the 'OFF' position. The switch will turn white when it's in the off position.
- Alternatively, you can turn off Personalization and data at the top to disable all data sharing and personalization.
- Open the App Store . It's the blue app with a white "A" on it usually found on your home screen.
- Tap Search. It's the magnifying glass icon at the bottom-right of the screen. This opens the search page.
- Type into the search bar and press . It's the gray search bar at the top of the screen. This will return a list of apps that are related to Twitter.
- Scroll down past the official Twitter app. The first few results are the official Twitter app, the Twitter company profile, and Periscope, which is a live video app owned by Twitter. Scroll past these to see some of the alternative options available.
- Research an alternative app. Tap on any of the third-party Twitter apps to view their features. Many of the apps that don't contain ads, like Tweetbot, cost money but offer really useful features not found in the official Twitter app. Many of the free apps, like Twitterrific, don't charge for the app but offer an option to remove ads for a one-time fee.
- Consider the star rating of each app as well as the number of reviews listed just below the app's title.
- Tap or the app's price. This will start the download or ask you to verify your purchase with a fingerprint or passcode.
- After the app has finished installing, tap Open to launch the app.
- Sign in with your Twitter account. Follow the prompts and sign in with your email, phone number, or username and password. Then press Authorize App. You will be signed in to your Twitter account in the new app.
- Tap the checkbox for Remember Me before you log in if you want the app to keep you signed in.
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