Swanson Construction

Electronic Waste Round Up!

2009-04-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-03-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

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

Thermostat Setback: Fact vs Fiction

2008-12-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

As the weather starts to chill, and the temperature drops, our once manageable power/gas bills begin to rise. In an earlier post - I addressed a few simple and quick fixes to help stop drafts and the transfer of cold from the outside to the inside. Now is the time for the focus to shift to energy saving tips.

To begin with, we should all be practicing the art of the Thermostat Setback. This is process of "setting back" the thermostat during the times when we are not at home, or we are sleeping. For every "pro" opinion, there is a "con" opinion. I will attempt to tackle a few of the biggies here. (All the following information was borrowed from: http://www.mge.com/home/saving/thermostat.htm)

Fiction: It costs as much or more to heat a home back up after a setback.

Fact: The longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more heat you save.

Fiction: The house will warm up faster the higher the thermostat is raised.

Fact: The thermostat isn't like the gas pedal on a car. It's either calling for heat or not, so setting the thermostat too high may cause you to overshoot the desired temperature.

Fiction: The kids will kick off the covers and get cold.

Fact: Children older than about two weeks can regulate their body temperature just like adults, so they don't need any different temperature than adults. If they kick off the covers, try dressing them in two sets of pajamas with feet or using a sleeping bag.

Also, take into account some of the energy-saving benefits of utilizing the thermostat setback.

By setting back just 3 degrees Fahrenheit, you could save $74 per heating season. Bigger setbacks save even more.
If we all set back our thermostats by 1 degree Fahrenheit this winter, we could save enough gas for 3,100 homes.

In closing, it is important to remember that even the smallest gesture can result in a large impact. To start off by saving a little energy here and there, you are helping to save natural resources and a little money. Start small, continue small, and suddenly you will realize that the savings - both environmentally and fiscally - really do add up.

Congratulations!

2008-11-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jesse Brown on completing the NAHB Green Verifier Training, and passing the NAHB Green Verifier test.

We are excited that Jesse Brown is the first NAHB Green Verifier in Bozeman, and proud to include him as part of our team. Way to go Jesse!

Howling Leaks

2008-11-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

Brr... The weather is finally turning here in our beautiful valley. Snow is in the air, and those intrepid elk hunters will be out in full force this weekend. Along, with the change in the weather, there is a change in the jet stream - yes, the wind is howling.

With the howling wind, comes the inevitable chill in our homes and bones. This makes me think of a few ideas for warding off those chilly moments.

To begin with, take a few minutes to assess your home for drafts and other leaky reminders of how cold it is outside.

Check outlets, switchplates, and cable jacks. If you can feel a brisk breeze, it is time to invest in some insulation. All the home improvement centers carry foam insulators for outlets, switchplates, and cable jacks. The insulators are very inexpensive, and it is pretty amazing how cold air comes through the those particular breaks in the wall insulation.

Check windows and doors for leaks. You don't want to feel air moving through the cracks around your doors or windows. If you do, invest in some weather stripping and caulking. There is not much you can do about the cold that is conducted through the door. As for the cold that seaps through the windows, close your window coverings.

Another area to check - the foundation vents. Have these been properly insulated for our freezing temperatures and howling winds? There is something to be said for allowing your crawl space to retain a little heat. It not only protects pipes from freezing, it also inhibits cold transfer through the floor. Another added bonus to insulating your foundations vents, it makes it a little more difficult for cold critters to get in for the winter. If your foundation vents are exposed, inexpensive styrofoam insulators are available at your local home improvement store. (I have found them at Kenyon Noble.) The styrofoam insulators install from the outside and are easy to install and remove. They are also easy to store - just stack them in the crawl space. (You can also tack up regular insulation from the inside of your crawl space.) Just remember to remove the insulation or insulators in the Spring. You definitely want your crawl space to breathe in the warmer months.

In closing, it is important to remember, that houses need to breathe. So while it might be tempting to completely close off your home to all invasive leaks, one must remember that air movement is essential to good indoor air quality. The main goal is to address the leaks that adversely affect the temperature inside your home.