Diamond Certified Blog

With Yana Carpenter of Water Heaters Only, Inc.

Water heaters have been around for more than a century, but the past two decades have seen a flurry of technological innovation go into these staple household fixtures. What’s more, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down. We sat down with Yana Carpenter, marketing director at Water Heaters Only, Inc., to discuss what’s driving these advancements in water heater technology, what options are available to homeowners and what further innovations might be on the horizon. Read more

I had a slight case of buyer’s remorse the other day after impulsively buying a mint green cardigan sweater online. After it arrived, I realized it wasn’t the right color for me, the style was all wrong and it was too big. I could have returned it, but I got out of that hassle by selling it to my sister-in-law, who loved it. Read more

Between details like framing style and glass thickness, picking the right windows isn’t as clear-cut an enterprise as it may seem. So, if you’re thinking about installing new windows in your home, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with some industry basics. The following article offers helpful information about windows and window installation, including key terms, energy efficiency tips and frequently asked questions.

Key Terms

Insulated glass: A combination of two or more glass panes with a sealed space between them. Typically, this space is filled with an inert gas such as argon, which increases the window’s insulating properties. Read more

One of the biggest challenges in winter is maintaining a comfortable climate inside the home. While this hinges upon having a properly functioning furnace, another critical aspect is your home’s ability to conserve the heat it generates. Heat is an expert escape artist, so the more escape routes your home contains, the harder your furnace will need to work to replenish that lost heat (and the more money you’ll spend as a result). To help you minimize heat loss in your home, we’ve asked seven Diamond Certified Experts to pinpoint some areas that should be addressed. Read more

Following a longstanding drought, a major rainstorm in late October blindsided the Bay Area, with some regions receiving seven to 10 inches of rain in a single day. During the storm, many residents discovered they had water leaking from their roofs and windows—an occurrence that seemed unthinkable just a week earlier. This event highlights the importance of waterproofing one’s home exterior, even during interminable periods of dry climate. After all, you never know when the weather might turn, and as the saying goes, “when it rains, it pours.” Read more

Termites are different from other pests. While most insects and rodents invade our homes in search of food or shelter, termites go after the wooden structural components of the home itself, which are typically out of sight. This means termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before the homeowner even notices a problem. That’s why it’s imperative to take steps to stop and prevent infestations. Below, we answer some common questions you may have about termite control.  Read more

Happy Halloween! As we celebrate this spookiest of holidays, we’ve asked some of our Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to join in the festive fun by sharing their favorite Halloween costumes from their childhood.

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Have you ever been lured by an ad for a low-priced ticket to a baseball game or concert? How many times have you seen an exceptional price for a hotel room and were motivated to make an online reservation? What may have stopped you in your tracks (or not) were all the hidden fees that weren’t disclosed at the outset. As you get close to completing the transaction, other hidden charges are added: a service fee, a processing fee, a convenience fee, a COVID-cleaning fee, a parking fee, a resort fee, and a fee to use the gym and even the swimming pool. Read more

There are many factors to consider when planning your home’s landscape. You need to determine what varieties of plants will thrive, how the topography of your lot can best be utilized and, of course, what your budget will permit. When imagining a landscaping project, we often envision what the garden will be like during the daytime, but it’s equally important to consider how your property will look at night. Choosing the right exterior lighting will not only enhance your landscape’s beauty, it’ll also make your home safer. Read more

Have you received your free copy of the 2021 Fall Diamond Certified Directory Update in the mail? It provides instant access to hundreds of local, top rated Diamond Certified companies across a wide range of service industries, from auto repair and pest control to eye care and dentistry. Read more