Home Service Glossary

A home service referral network is a curated group of vetted, licensed, and insured home service professionals who receive referrals from homeowners within the network. Unlike lead generation platforms, a referral network is built on trust and personal recommendations. Little Lantern operates as a private referral network in Missouri and Illinois.

A Home Guide is a trusted directory provided to homeowners after completing a project with a Little Lantern member. It features one vetted professional in each trade category, giving homeowners safe, reliable recommendations without the need to search or compare multiple bids.

A vetted contractor is a home service professional who has been thoroughly screened for proper licensing, insurance coverage, customer reviews, and commitment to professionalism. Little Lantern verifies every contractor before they join the network, ensuring homeowners receive only trusted recommendations.

A licensed contractor holds a valid professional license issued by the state or local government authorizing them to perform specific types of work. In Missouri and Illinois, licensing requirements vary by trade. Little Lantern requires all members to maintain current, valid licenses.

Plumbing refers to the system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings installed in a building for the distribution of water and the removal of waterborne waste. Professional plumbing services include pipe repair, water heater installation, drain cleaning, sewer line work, and bathroom or kitchen remodeling.

A water heater is an appliance that heats and stores water for domestic use. Common types include tank water heaters (traditional), tankless (on-demand) water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. Professional installation ensures proper sizing, energy efficiency, and code compliance.

Drain cleaning is the process of removing blockages and buildup from plumbing drain lines. Professional drain cleaning methods include snaking (mechanical auger), hydro-jetting (high-pressure water), and camera inspection to identify the source of clogs.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the technology and systems used to regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. HVAC services include furnace repair, air conditioning installation, heat pump maintenance, ductwork, and indoor air quality solutions.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of an air conditioning system's cooling efficiency over a typical cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy efficiency. As of 2023, the minimum SEER rating for new residential AC units is SEER2 14.3 in the northern United States and SEER2 15.2 in the southern United States.

A heat pump is an HVAC system that transfers heat between indoor and outdoor environments. In winter, it extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it inside. In summer, it reverses the process to cool the home. Heat pumps are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional furnace and AC combinations.

An electrical panel (also called a breaker box or load center) is the main distribution point for electrical circuits in a home. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it to individual circuits. Panel upgrades are common when homes need more electrical capacity for modern appliances, EV chargers, or solar installations.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a safety device that quickly shuts off power when it detects a ground fault or current leak. GFCI outlets are required by code in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor locations. They help prevent electrical shock.

A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Roofing contractors use squares to estimate materials and labor costs. For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof equals 20 roofing squares.

Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in the United States. They consist of a fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years and are available in a wide range of colors and styles.

A solar panel system (also called a photovoltaic or PV system) converts sunlight into electricity for residential use. A typical residential solar installation includes solar panels, an inverter, mounting hardware, and a monitoring system. Solar panels can reduce or eliminate electricity bills and may qualify for federal and state tax credits.

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with solar panels to send excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bill. When the solar system produces more power than the home uses, the meter effectively runs backward. Net metering policies vary by state and utility company.

Foundation repair is the process of fixing structural issues in a building's foundation. Common signs that foundation repair is needed include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick, uneven floors, and gaps between walls and ceilings. Professional repair methods include piering, slabjacking, and wall anchoring.

A pier and beam foundation elevates a home above the ground using concrete piers and wooden beams. This type of foundation provides a crawl space underneath the home, making plumbing and electrical work more accessible. Pier and beam foundations are common in older homes and areas with expansive clay soils.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest control that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods to minimize health and environmental risks. IPM focuses on long-term prevention rather than just treating symptoms.

Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a home as seen from the street. Improving curb appeal through landscaping, painting, and exterior maintenance can increase property value and make a home more inviting. Professional landscaping and painting services are key contributors to curb appeal.

R-value is a measure of a material's resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulating properties. Proper insulation with appropriate R-values helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs. R-value requirements vary by climate zone — Missouri and Illinois typically require R-38 to R-60 in attics.

A warm referral is a recommendation from a trusted source who has personal experience with the service provider. Unlike cold leads from advertising or lead generation platforms, warm referrals carry built-in trust. Little Lantern's entire model is built on warm referrals — homeowners receive recommendations from people who have already worked with and trust the contractor.