Electronic Waste Round Up!

The Crew at Swanson Construction
would like to take this opportunity
to invite you to participate in the
Electronic Waste Round Up
Hosted By: Gallatin County Fairgrounds
Saturday, April 18, 2009 9am - 12pm
Gallatin County Fairgrounds - Building 3

If you have Electronic Waste that you need to get rid of,
and can’t make it to the fairgrounds,
please drop it off at our office between the hours of
9am and 12pm prior to April 16, 2009.
Or Call: 587-8200 – for pick up!

Leather Tile

Leather as a decorative element in the home is most often seen in furniture applications. Most people who choose to use leather, value it for many reasons. It is durable, easy to keep clean, it never goes out of style, and the older it gets the better it looks. Plus, who doesn't love the smell of leather? It is like your favorite pair of jeans - comfortable, nostalgic, and it "just fits".



What about using leather in other applications? Such as in flooring or wall coverings. Leather is surprisingly durable, the patina it acquires as it ages is unmatched in any other material, and it is actually a very green choice.



Why is it green? It is made from the by product of one of our major food sources - beef. The steer hide is saved from being thrown out and left to rot in a landfill. It is then re-purposed into a lasting and beautiful green product. The hides are dyed in America by one of the few remaining factories that has not been shut down by the EPA. ( Meaning not only is the product made in the USA, it is dyed in a factory that meets the strict guidelines that are set forth by the EPA.)

The leather floor and wall tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The applications look cool, and there is a wood and leather combination tile that is absolutely stunning.

Check out the website at:

http://www.interiorsurfaces.com/

PermaFLOW No Pain Drain

Advertised as a the first ever "green" self cleaning drain system, we think the PermaFLOW No Pain Drain is a pretty cool product. Designed to fit existing bathrooms and kitchens, this is an affordable upgrade we can all use!


Here are some points of interest:

• Self Cleaning Design: Increases Turbulence and Propels Debris
  
• Eliminates Build Up: Easy to Rotate Knob - Swipes Build Up


• Safe, Environmentally Friendly: No More Drain Cleaners


• Supports Water Conservation: Efficient Flow Rates


• Ensures Emergency Flow: Upper By-Pass Chamber
  
• Easy Retrieval of Lost Objects: Locate and Lift


• Reduced Frustration: No More Plunging or Snaking


• Fast Diagnostics: Transparent ABS Construction
  
• Universal Installation: Fits Kitchen and Bath Sinks (1-1/2 & 1-1/4)

Starting at $39.95 and easy installation - this is a can't miss product!

Check out the PF Waterworks website at:

http://www.pfwaterworks.net/

Don't forget to watch the video of this drain in action!

HUVCO Solar Attic Fan

While looking at the Parans Optic Skylight from HUVCO, I came across this cool little solar attic fan. It is easy to install, affordable, and a great option for all climate zones. Check it out at:

http://www.huvco.com/products.php?product=atticfan

HUVCO Solar Attic Fan...

"The HUVCO solar powered attic fan is designed to exhaust the hot, stagnant air and moisture from your attic to the outside. Removing this hot air allows the attic to remain cooler. Removing the moisture helps to reduce the chance of mold and mildew. The attic fan combined with the perimeter ventilation allows it to draw cooler air in. A cooler attic helps to extend the life of your shingles and keep the entire house cooler. A cooler house means your air conditioner will not have to work as hard and reduces wear and tear on your equipment.
The solar powered attic fan works by using a 10 watt photovoltaic panel to harness the free energy from the sun. The power from that panel spins the fan which exhausts the hot air out of the attic. The fan is rated at 800 cubic feet per minute, which will serve an attic of a typical 1200 square foot home. The system is easy to install and does not require any expensive electric wiring. All of the roof components are .080 gauge aluminum, with black power coat paint applied. The roof flashing is molded out of one, seamless piece of aluminum. There is an optional thermostat so the fan will only run if it is above 85 degrees. The payback is short because there are no operating expenses. The HUVCO solar powered attic fan is available in four different configurations depending on your roof design.
The HUVCO Solar Powered Attic Fan operates on self-generated power. So there are no operating expenses. It also helps further reduce energy demand by reducing the heat load of the house by keeping the whole house cooler. "

- Info from the HUVCO web site.

In addition to the attic fan, there is also a garage fan - certainly a wonderful option for all of us in the summertime - even if we are in Montana!

Check This Out!

The GE Profile French Door Refrigerator:

20.8 CuFt. Counter Depth

Energy Star

The GE Profile series is a sleek alternative to the more costly commercial grade appliances. All appliances feature contemporary styling, sleek surfaces, and a built in look. This series is a wonderful option for those of us who are looking to upgrade out kitchen appliances to more energy efficient models, without too much expense.

GE Consumer & Industrial is the proud recipient of the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award (2008) from the U. S. Department of Energy and the EPA.

This is a website worth checking out!

http://www.geappliances.com

Is it time for a home energy check up?

The Alliance to Save Energy has a very user friendly

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Check Up.

To Access the Home Energy Check Up, follow the link below:

http://ase.org/section/homeenergycheckup

The Website has a handy form that guides you through

Appliances, Insulation, HVAC equipment, etc.

The feedback is comprehensive, and this is a great way to

execute a quick evaluation of your home's energy consumption.

If you find that your home is consuming too much energy,

please call

Swanson Construction at 406-587-8200.

We would be more than happy to guide you through the check up,

schedule an energy audit, and help you with any resulting projects.

Check out our previous postings for information on

Energy Star, Northwestern Energy - Free Energy Audit,

and the new Energy Saving Tax Breaks!

Spring Is In The Air!

The sun is out, the snow is trying to melt, and the time has changed. March is beginning to "march" on by!

This is the time of year when I begin to get antsy. Spring cleaning is top of the list, the windows need washing, the front deck needs sanding and sealing, and the siding could use a good scrubbing. Aside from the obvious exterior clean up, the guts of my house could use a good check as well. Filters need to be changed, weather sealing needs upgrading, and the vents could all use a good clean out. Luckily, my home is only a few years old, the insulation is great, the windows and furnace are efficient, and most of the seals around my house are tight.

Now would be the perfect time to contact Northwestern Energy for a free energy audit.

http://www.northwesternenergy.com/display.aspx?Page=Home_Audit_MT&Item=102

Your house must be at least 5 years old, and of course, the energy audit is available while funds last. Which is why it makes sense to request it now.

Contact Swanson Construction at 587-8200, we can be on site for the audit and walkthrough. We will gladly answer any questions, and offer additional suggestions.

Now is also a great time to evaluate the "energy saving" projects that may have been placed on the backburner. Beginning January 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2010 are new tax credits geared toward Energy Efficiency. There are tax credits available for existing homes and new homes. A breakdown of the tax credits are as follows:

Existing Homes: 30% of the cost up to $1500

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water Heaters (non solar)
• Biomass Stoves

Existing Homes & New Construction: 30% of the cost

- no upper limit

• Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Solar Panels
• Solar Hot Water Heaters
• Small Wind Energy Systems
• Fuel Cells

A more comprehensive explanation of the

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency can be found at:

https://www.energystar.gov/

Contact Swanson Construction for assistance with planning, budgeting, and executing your Energy Saving projects.

406-587-8200

Tom Swanson: swansonconstruct@bresnan.net

Alison Gendreau: alisong@bresnan.net