Grand Rapids is a city in the state of Michigan. Grand Rapids has a humid continental climate with very warm and humid summers, cold and snowy winters, and short and mild springs and autumns. A humid climate with cold winters means extended use of Grand Rapids home systems and appliances like the central A/C unit, central heating, and electrical system. Long-term use of appliances and systems in homes can be a risk for normal wear and tear causing unexpected mechanical breakdowns. For this reason, it is recommended that all homeowners sign up for home service agreements in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids averages 75 inches of snow a year, making it one of the snowiest major cities in the United States. March, April, October and November are transitional months and the weather can vary wildly. March has experienced a record high of 87°F and record low of −8°F. Summers are warm or hot, and heat waves with severe weather outbreaks are common during a typical summer. A humid continental climate means extra wear and tear on home appliances and systems. If your central heating system, central A/C unit, or electrical system experiences a mechanical failure due to normal wear and tear, having protection from an expensive repair or replacement is essential because a delay can make living conditions in the home very uncomfortable for everyone, and even unsafe.

One of the best ways to protect home appliances and systems is to have a Home Service Agreement, available to Grand Rapids residents, from a trusted home service agreement provider such as American Residential Warranty. A home service agreement provides protection against unexpected repair costs for your covered appliances and systems, which would NOT normally be covered under homeowner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance usually just protects you against losses due to natural disasters, theft or vandalism but would NOT normally cover costs to repair appliances or systems when they breakdown due to normal wear and tear.

Customers in Grand Rapids with an American Residential Warranty Home Services Agreement, receive excellent customer service, available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. We also provide immediate service for emergency issues and we will respond to a request for service within 24-48 hours. American Residential Warranty customers can select their own service providers or use a technician from ARW’s larger network of licensed, pre-screened and pre-qualified service technicians. By having such an appliance service agreement, it will ensure that when a problem arises due to normal wear and tear on a covered system or appliance, it can be properly and quickly resolved without causing financial distress. For covered repairs the homeowner will only have to pay a service fee of $55 in most cases.

Home & Lifestyle in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan, and the largest city in West Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. In 2016, Grand Rapids had an estimated population of about 196,000.

Grand Rapids has a diversified economy. Spectrum Health, headquartered in the city is the largest employer in West Michigan. Spectrum Health's Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, and Butterworth Hospital are located on the Grand Rapids Medical Mile, which has world-class facilities focusing on the health sciences. Grand Rapids has long been a center for furniture manufacturing. The area is also known for its automobile and aviation manufacturing industries, with GE Aviation Systems having a location in the city. The area is home to a number of well-known companies that include: Alticor/Amway, Bissell, Highlight Industries, SpartanNash, Foremost Insurance Company, Meijer, GE Aviation, Wolverine World Wide, MC Sports Inc., Universal Forest Products, and Schuler Books & Music. The surrounding area is known for its fruit production. Due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan, the climate is considered prime for apple, peach, and blueberry farming.

There is much to see and do in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Heritage Hill, a neighborhood directly east of downtown, is one of the largest urban historic districts in the country. Along the Grand River are reconstructed earthwork burial mounds, which were constructed by the prehistoric HopeWell Tribe, a fish ladder, and a riverwalk. On the city’s outskirts, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has a tropical conservatory and multiple gardens. Downtown, the Grand Rapids Art Museum spotlights Michigan artists in its rotating shows. The city is also known for its many breweries. Grand Rapids is the home of John Ball Zoological Garden, Belknap Hill, and the Gerald R. Ford Museum. The city has many theatres and stages, including the newly reconstructed Civic Theatre, DeVos Hall, and the convertible Van Andel Arena. The historic Wealthy Theatre is located further east of downtown. The first megaplex in the US, Studio 28, is located in the city. Grand Rapids has a number of popular concert venues in which many bands have performed. As well, The Grand Rapids Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in the city.

Commercial air service for Grand Rapids is provided by Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Amtrak train at the Grand Rapids station provides direct train service to Chicago from the passenger station via the Pere Marquette line.

Local utility companies serve Grand Rapids’ energy needs. The Office of Energy and Sustainability coordinates the City's efforts in energy efficiency, sustainability, conservation and renewable energy. In 2016, coal-fired power plants provided 36% of Michigan's electricity generation; 2 years earlier, they had provided 50% of the state's electricity. In 2016, Michigan’s three nuclear power plants, with four reactor units, provided 28% of the state's net electricity generation. Biomass energy from landfill gas, municipal solid waste, and wood and wood waste fueled 34% of Michigan's non-hydroelectric renewable net electricity generation in 2016.

You could be losing thousands on home repairs without a home warranty plan. Customize your plan with ARW today.