Glossary

Embark on your homeownership journey with confidence, thanks to Liberty Home Guard's user-friendly glossary.

We understand that the abundance of industry terminology can be overwhelming, but worry not! We have put together a comprehensive compilation of commonly used words and phrases related to homeownership, home warranties, real estate, and more.

This easy-to-understand glossary will empower you to navigate through the complexities of the homeowner's world. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a better understanding of home warranties.

Let Liberty Home Guard be your trusted source of knowledge as we simplify the language and help you protect and maintain your beloved home.

Application for Warranty

The formal request or submission to enroll in a home warranty plan.

Appliance Malfunction

One of the main reasons homeowners purchase home warranties is to protect against the cost of appliance malfunctions. Appliances are used daily and are prone to wear and tear, which can lead to unexpected malfunctions. A home warranty can provide peace of

Air Handler

An air handler, often called an air handling unit (AHU),is a device that regulates and circulates air as part of an HVAC system.

Code Violation Corrections

Code Violation Corrections encompass identifying and rectifying deviations from local building codes in structures or installations undergoing repair or replacement.

Commercial-Grade Equipment

Commercial-grade equipment represents the epitome of durability and performance in the world of appliances and machinery.

Cancellation Policy

A cancellation policy is a set of terms and conditions that dictate the circumstances under which a contract or agreement can be terminated.

Claim Denial

A Claim Denial refers to a situation in which a requested repair or replacement is not approved or covered under the terms and conditions of a contract

Coverage Limit

Coverage Limits, as the name suggests, define the maximum amount a home warranty provider will pay for a repair or replacement.

Catastrophe Claim

A catastrophe claim is a lifeline for homeowners—a claim filed in the aftermath of significant, often unforeseen events that cause substantial damage to a property's covered systems or appliances.

Consequential Damage

Consequential damage, also known as indirect or special damage, refers to the additional losses that occur as a result of a primary event. In the context of home warranties, this primary event is typically the failure of a covered appliance or system.

CFC Certification

CFC Certification, or Chlorofluorocarbon Certification, is an essential qualification for professionals working with refrigerants that can deplete the ozone layer.

Depreciation in Homeownership

Depreciation is the gradual decrease in the value of an asset over time. In the context of homeownership, it refers to the reduction in value of various components of a home, including its systems and appliances.

Domestic-Grade

Appliances and systems designed for typical household use rather than heavy commercial usage.

Duplicate Coverage in Home Warranty

Duplicate coverage in the context of a home warranty refers to a situation where the same item or aspect of your home is covered by more than one insurance policy or warranty.

Dwelling Policy

A dwelling policy stands as a specialized insurance offering, meticulously crafted to shield the physical structure of your home.

Effective Date of Warranty

The date from which the coverage provided by the home warranty plan becomes active.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage

Equipment Breakdown Coverage is a type of insurance policy that provides protection for homeowners against the specific costs.

EPA Certification for HVAC

EPA certification for HVAC refers to the credential issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows HVAC technicians to legally handle refrigerants in accordance with federal regulations.

Evaporative Cooler

Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to cool indoor and outdoor spaces.

Fair Market Value

The current cost of replacing an item with one of similar age and functionality, accounting for depreciation.

Financial Protection

Financial protection refers to the safeguarding of a homeowner's financial resources against unexpected and potentially costly repairs.

First Notice of Loss

First Notice of Loss (FNOL) is the initial communication from a policyholder to their insurance or home warranty provider, informing them of a loss or damage that could result in a claim. This notice sets the claims process in motion and is critical for e

Furnace Flame Sensor

A furnace flame sensor is a small yet crucial component in your heating system that ensures safety by detecting the presence of a flame in the furnace burner.

Furnace Pressure Switch

A furnace pressure switch is an essential safety component in modern heating systems, responsible for monitoring the air pressure within the furnace.

Furnace Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger in a furnace is a device that efficiently transfers heat between different fluids or gases, keeping the combustion gases contained while heating the air circulated into your living space.

Freon

Freon is a widely recognized term for refrigerants used in air conditioning (AC) and refrigeration systems.

Furnace Sequencer

A furnace sequencer is an essential component in electric furnaces and some heat pumps that control the timing of electrical circuits.

Furnace Limit Switch

A furnace limit switch, also known as the “limit switch on furnace,” is a device located inside the furnace that monitors the internal temperature.

Furnace Transformer

A furnace transformer is an important component within your furnace system, responsible for regulating and transferring power.

Furnace Vent

When it comes to maintaining a safe and efficient heating system in your home, understanding how a furnace vent works is essential.

Grace Period

Grace Periods in contracts offer crucial flexibility and protection, allowing reasonable delays in meeting obligations.

Garage Door Torsion Spring

A garage door torsion spring is responsible for helping the door open and close smoothly.

Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs allow your garage door to run smoothly and efficiently. Without these components, lifting a heavy garage door manually would be nearly impossible

Garage Door Extension Spring

Garage door extension springs make it possible for you or your automatic garage door opener to lift and lower a heavy garage door with ease.

Home Inspection

A comprehensive evaluation of a property's condition, identifying potential issues and needed repairs.

Home Warranty Contract’s Effective Dates

The period during which the terms and coverage of the home warranty plan are in effect.

Home Warranty Waiting Period

The specified time frame after purchasing a home warranty during which certain coverage may not be active.

Homeowners Insurance

Coverage protecting against unexpected events such as accidents, natural disasters, and theft.

Home Warranty Emergency Service

Understanding the intricate components of Home Warranty Emergency Service is pivotal for homeowners seeking to fortify their homes against unexpected crises.

Home Warranty Claim Limits

In essence, the claim limit is the upper threshold that a home warranty company commits to covering for eligible repairs or replacements within a specified timeframe.

Home Sale Contingency

A cornerstone of real estate transactions, the home sale contingency is a contractual provision designed to safeguard the interests of both buyers and sellers.

Housing Expense Ratio

The Housing Expense Ratio (HER) assumes a pivotal role in the toolkit of lenders and financial experts as they evaluate the affordability of a home.

Homeowners Protection Act

Enacted by Congress in 1998, the Homeowners Protection Act, also known as the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Cancellation Act, is a crucial piece of legislation designed to act as a formidable safeguard for homeowners.

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans offer financial empowerment for homeowners, allowing strategic use of property value for various financial goals and benefits.

Homeowners Warranty

A Homeowners Warranty, also known as a Home Warranty or Home Service Contract, is a contractual agreement designed to cover the repair or replacement costs of major home systems and appliances

Home Owners Warranty

Purchasing a home is a momentous step, and safeguarding this significant investment is a top priority for homeowners.

Home Warranty Claims

A home warranty claim is a formal request made by a homeowner to their home warranty company for the repair or replacement of a covered system or appliance.

Home Dwelling Insurance

Home Dwelling Insurance, often called homeowner's insurance, is a type of property insurance covering a private residence.

Home Warranty Customization

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairing or replacing important home system components and appliances that break down over time. This article will delve into the intricacies of home warranty customization, providing a comprehensive unde

Home Warranty Claim Status

Home warranty claims process: Filing, reviewing, approval/denial, and resolution for covered appliance or system breakdowns.

Home Inspection Contingency

Home Inspection Contingency is a clause in a real estate contract that allows the buyer to thoroughly inspect the property before finalizing the purchase. This clause is designed to protect the buyer from unforeseen issues that may not be immediately appa

Hurricane Deductibles

A hurricane deductible is a specific type of deductible that applies to insurance claims made due to damage caused by hurricanes. Unlike standard home insurance deductibles, typically a fixed dollar amount, hurricane deductibles are often calculated as a

Home Inventory

A home inventory is a comprehensive list of personal belongings within a home, including details about each item, such as description, purchase date, value, and condition. This inventory can include furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, jewelry, a

HVAC Blower

An HVAC blower is a crucial component of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that's responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.

HVAC Filter

An HVAC filter is a component in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems designed to remove particulate matter such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants.

HVAC Compressor

The HVAC compressor is a critical component in any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Insurance to Value

Insurance to Value, in the context of homeownership, is a critical concept that determines the amount of coverage a homeowner's insurance policy provides.

Original Manufacturer's Warranty

An Original Manufacturer's Warranty is a contractual agreement between the manufacturer of a product and the consumer

Proper Operating Condition

The state in which systems and appliances are functioning as intended without defects or malfunctions.

Pre-Existing Condition

Pre-existing conditions, often excluded from home warranty coverage, require homeowner awareness and impact claim approval and costs.

Policy Transfer Fees

When a property changes hands, the existing home warranty can often be transferred to the new owner. However, this process usually involves a transfer fee. This fee is typically required by the warranty company to change the details of the policy holder.

Prorated Warranty

A prorated warranty is a type of service agreement that features tapering coverage over time. In the home services industry, prorated warranties are common for roofs, foundations, HVAC systems, siding, structural elements, and other parts of the home that

Renewal Notice

A renewal notice is a communication from your home warranty provider reminding you to extend your coverage before it expires

Repair and Replacement Coverage

Repair and Replacement Coverage in home warranties covers item repairs or replacements due to normal wear, with terms and limits.

Repair Timeframe

At its core, repair timeframes denote the duration required to complete a repair or maintenance task once identified and initiated.

Repair Timeframes

One of the ever-present hurdles is the unexpected need for repairs, ranging from malfunctioning HVAC systems to leaky roofs.

Replacement Agreement

A Replacement Agreement is a legal contract that outlines the terms and conditions for replacing an item or property.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost (RC) is a term used in the insurance industry to refer to the amount of money that would be required to replace an insured item with a new one of similar kind and quality, without any deduction for depreciation.

Recoverable Depreciation

Recoverable depreciation is a term commonly used in the insurance industry, specifically in the context of homeowners' insurance.

Service Contract

An agreement outlining the terms under which repairs and replacements will be provided for covered items.

State-Licensed Technicians

State-licensed technicians, trained and examined for competency, offer quality, regulated services, and ensure effectiveness.

Service Providers Network

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of important home system components and appliances that typically break down over time.

Structural Defect

Structural defects are issues that affect the integrity of a home. They are not merely cosmetic or surface-level problems. Instead, serious issues can make a home unsafe or unlivable. Structural defects can include problems with the home's foundation, wal

Seller Credit

A seller credit is a type of concession that a seller shares with a homebuyer to offset some of the real estate expenses at closing. Taking advantage of a seller credit at closing can be a way for buyers to save on out-of-pocket expenses without negotiati

Transferable Warranty

A warranty that can be transferred to a new homeowner when the property is sold, offering continued protection.

Trade Service Call Fee

A Trade Service Call Fee, also known as a service call fee or trade call fee, is a fixed charge that homeowners pay when they request a service visit from a technician or contractor covered under their home warranty policy.

Termite Inspection

Termites, while small in size, can cause significant structural damage to homes if left unchecked. Therefore, termite inspections are an essential part of home maintenance. This article will delve into the intricacies of termite inspections, the role they

Tender Loving Care in Real Estate

In the context of real estate, tender loving care—or TLC—refers to the efforts required to repair a distressed property. If a brokerage mentions that a listed house needs TLC, that means the home is in a reasonable state of disrepair. Think of the term as

Warranty Deed

A legal document that confirms ownership and provides assurances regarding the property's title.

Workmanship Guarantee

At its essence, a Workmanship Guarantee, often synonymous with a Workmanship Warranty, represents a commitment from service providers, contractors, or home warranty companies regarding the quality and durability of the work undertaken on a specific projec

Washer Drum

A washing machine’s drum is the core component where your clothes are placed for washing.

Washing Machine Gasket

A washing machine gasket is a crucial component that helps maintain the watertight seal between the door and drum of front-loading washing machines.

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