/news en angelat@cornerstonead.com Copyright 2013 2013-02-01T02:26:33+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/fire http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/fire#When:00:22:50Z There are not many things that are more comforting during our long, cold U.P. winters than a soft place to land in front of a crackling fire… even if you weren’t before, are you thinking heating your home with fire now? It’s not too late in the winter to install a new fireplace insert or wood stove or upgrade the one you have. 2013-02-12T00:22:50+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/temperature_pressure_relief_valve_inspection http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/temperature_pressure_relief_valve_inspection#When:02:26:33Z Your water heater works with heat and pressure; the temperature pressure relief valve is designed to keep your tank from exploding if either of them exceed safe limits.  The temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve is the main safety feature in every tank-style water heater. 2013-02-01T02:26:33+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/tax_credits_extended_retroactively http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/tax_credits_extended_retroactively#When:00:54:50Z We’re all of differing opinions about the “fiscal cliff” deal that was reached last week, but one thing we do agree on: Reinstating the high-efficiency heating, cooling, ventilation, and water heating tax credits that expired on December 31, 2011 and extending them through the end of 2013 was a great move no matter which political party you align yourself with. 2013-01-11T00:54:50+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/more_green_in_the_new_year http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/more_green_in_the_new_year#When:18:15:24Z Now that we’re starting fresh for 2013, we can start thinking about being “green” in two ways: Becoming just a little bit more energy efficient will save you money and help the environment as well. Small changes can make a big difference. 2013-01-02T18:15:24+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/the_smartest_thermostats http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/the_smartest_thermostats#When:22:11:27Z There aren’t many of us that don’t know that a programmable thermostat can save homeowners quite a bit in utility bills; but have you heard of all the features that have become available lately? 2012-12-19T22:11:27+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keep_your_plumbing_flowing_for_the_holidays http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keep_your_plumbing_flowing_for_the_holidays#When:15:47:04Z You’ve done it again…invited everyone you could think of to attend a holiday party at your home.  Are you sure your plumbing is ready for everything you’re asking of it? 2012-12-10T15:47:04+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/holiday_air_quality http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/holiday_air_quality#When:01:36:43Z Ahhh, the holidays; full of joy, laughter, loved ones…and indoor air pollution?  All of our holiday festivities, guests, and decorations can contribute to lowering the quality of the air in our homes. 2012-12-04T01:36:43+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/beware_of_deadly_carbon_monoxide http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/beware_of_deadly_carbon_monoxide#When:02:17:53Z Carbon monoxide kills 500 Americans every year; is your family safe from this deadly gas? 2012-11-22T02:17:53+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/boilers http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/boilers#When:22:42:33Z Boilers and furnaces heat most homes in the U.S.; how are they different, and which is better for your situation? 2012-11-02T22:42:33+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/nows_the_time_to_install_a_new_furnace http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/nows_the_time_to_install_a_new_furnace#When:02:48:33Z If you’re even considering installing a new furnace in the next few years, especially if your furnace is more than ten years old, now is the time to act; the United States Department of Energy’s new high-efficiency requirements for furnaces  take effect May 1, 2013 and supplies of mid-efficiency furnaces are limited. Waiting to install your new furnace may cost you hundreds of dollars in upgraded equipment and installation costs. Heating and Cooling, 2012-10-24T02:48:33+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/whats_going_on_inside_my_water_heater http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/whats_going_on_inside_my_water_heater#When:15:43:31Z Among the things in your home that you take for granted, a nice hot shower is probably near the top of your list…but how exactly does the water go from chilly to steamy? Water heaters are fairly simple to understand. Plumbing, 2012-10-08T15:43:31+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/fire_prevention_month http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/fire_prevention_month#When:20:52:55Z October is Fire Prevention Month; do you know how to keep your family safe?  Every year, 20,000 people are injured in fires, and 4,000 more are killed.  75% of fires happen in homes; in 2010, a home fire occurred every 85 seconds. 2012-10-03T20:52:55+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/use_your_computer_to_lower_your_utility_bills http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/use_your_computer_to_lower_your_utility_bills#When:15:28:30Z With energy costs rising, all of us are looking for ways to stay comfortable without spending a fortune to do so; but where do you go to find out the best way to go about it?  Everyone’s needs are different; some are living in a cramped downtown loft, some in a large suburban home.  We’ve compiled a list of websites that offer tips and tricks that fit everyone’s needs. 2012-09-07T15:28:30+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/spot_that_leak http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/spot_that_leak#When:15:25:05Z A leak can happen anywhere water enters or leaves your home; do you know how to spot them and pinpoint the problem? Some leaks can be solved with basic do-it-yourself techniques but others will require a licensed plumber to fix. Plumbing, 2012-08-27T15:25:05+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/national_air_conditioning_appreciation_week http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/national_air_conditioning_appreciation_week#When:01:38:48Z If there has ever been a summer to appreciate air conditioning, it’s 2012, the hottest summer on record. The third week in August is National Air Conditioning Appreciation Week. Heating and Cooling, 2012-08-21T01:38:48+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_filtration http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_filtration#When:22:59:42Z Filtered water isn’t something that should only come out of a bottle; it should be everywhere in your home. Drinking water should be clean of course, but what about the water you cook with, clean with, and wash your clothes in? 2012-08-09T22:59:42+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_conditioners_and_icicles_dont_mix http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_conditioners_and_icicles_dont_mix#When:01:49:09Z Believe it or not, even during the hottest summer on record, ice can form outside…unfortunately, it’s on your air conditioner. Knowing the causes of a frozen air conditioner and when to call a repairman can keep you from experiencing the wrong kind of cool afternoon breeze. Heating and Cooling, 2012-08-03T01:49:09+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_efficient_toilets http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_efficient_toilets#When:16:06:04Z Toilets: We all use them, but are we using the most water-efficient models possible? Over the years, toilet efficiency has come a long way and a newer, more efficient toilet can pay for itself in the first two years of use, and save hundreds of dollars over its lifespan. Plumbing, 2012-07-27T16:06:04+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/special_summertime_air_quality_issues http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/special_summertime_air_quality_issues#When:16:19:49Z The beautiful summer weather can be harmful to your health due to the amount of pollution in the air you are breathing.  Both indoors and outdoors, ozone, mold, and moisture are more of an issue than they are during cooler months. Air Quality, 2012-07-18T16:19:49+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/specialized_contractor_or_handyman http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/specialized_contractor_or_handyman#When:16:10:53Z When you need a repair in your home, whether it’s plumbing, air conditioning, furnace, or anything else, your first thought is how much the repair will cost; you may want to hire a less-expensive handyman rather than a cost-a few-dollars-more specialist, but that isn’t your best option when it comes to major repairs. A handyman is a great idea for painting your bedroom, but when a mistake in the repair work can cost you thousands of dollars, choose a licensed contractor. 2012-07-11T16:10:53+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/give_your_air_conditioner_a_break http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/give_your_air_conditioner_a_break#When:23:27:39Z It’s not just summer; it’s one of the hottest summers in a century, and your air conditioner is running overtime. Since cooling is the single biggest energy user in your home, that can take a bite out of your budget.  Looking for a way to save money and give the old A/C a break?  You’ve come to the right place. 2012-07-06T23:27:39+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_quality_terminology_what_does_it_all_mean http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_quality_terminology_what_does_it_all_mean#When:00:10:31Z Most of us know that the air quality inside our homes can be of much lower quality than the air outside our homes, and want to know how we can improve it; but what do all those technical terms mean? Here are some simple-to-understand definitions of common terms. Air Quality, 2012-06-22T00:10:31+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/its_home_safety_month http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/its_home_safety_month#When:16:12:13Z The National Safety Council has declared June “Home Safety Month” and it’s a great time to think about things you can do to keep yourself safe from indoor air pollution, fires, and injury due to overconfidence in your do-it-yourself abilities. 2012-06-14T16:12:13+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/know_the_signs_of_air_conditioner_failure http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/know_the_signs_of_air_conditioner_failure#When:20:57:38Z It’s air conditioning season, and June is just the beginning of the summer; your air conditioner can fail at any time if you don’t know the signs that it’s on its last legs. Take a few minutes now to consider what you should be looking for. 2012-06-07T20:57:38+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/moisture_moisture_everywhere http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/moisture_moisture_everywhere#When:18:22:00Z Moisture in your home is a delicate balance; you want just enough so the air isn't dry, but not so much that it provides an opportunity for molds and mildew to flourish. More than likely, your home already has some level of moisture control built in, but there are additional methods that homeowners can employ. Air Quality, 2012-05-25T18:22:00+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_conditioner_air_conditioner_how_do_you_blow http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_conditioner_air_conditioner_how_do_you_blow#When:16:24:39Z It’s getting hot again; an air conditioner is something most of us take for granted, but most people don’t really know how it works.  Believe it or not, an air conditioner doesn’t actually cool the air.  Instead, it uses a process called heat transfer to remove the heat from the air; it’s an important distinction. 2012-05-16T16:24:39+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/manufacturers_warranties http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/manufacturers_warranties#When:23:59:55Z When you pay for a new heating and cooling system, the last thing you want to happen is to find out that it’s not covered under the warranty due to something that you did, or did not, do.  Many of us don’t take the time to read the owner’s manuals or warranty cards, even though we know we should.  While you’re trying to remember where you put your manual, here are some quick tips to help you stay within your manufacturer’s warranty 2012-05-08T23:59:55+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/happy_plumbers_day http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/happy_plumbers_day#When:22:36:02Z April 25 is National Plumber’s Day…but what exactly does a plumber do?  Most people think of toilets and sinks when they think of plumbers, but in reality there is a wide variety of tasks a plumber can be called upon to perform. 2012-04-25T22:36:02+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/happy_earth_day http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/happy_earth_day#When:22:57:49Z Earth Day is April 22; it’s a great day to make small changes that help keep our planet green and clean.  What can you do to help?  The list includes things as small as turning off the water when you brush your teeth and as large as buying energy-efficient appliances. The best thing about going green?  Using energy-efficient products can save about 30% on energy costs ($400 per year for the average family), while also helping the environment. 2012-04-19T22:57:49+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/whats_that_smell http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/whats_that_smell#When:00:48:18Z Everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, along with pets, cigarette smoke, and stale indoor air, can all contribute to unpleasant odors throughout your home.  What steps can you take to ensure your home smells clean and fresh? The answer is not found in a spray can with flowers printed on it. For fresh, clean air, the odors in your home need to be neutralized and cleaned instead of covered up by potentially toxic scented deodorizers and air fresheners. Air Quality, 2012-04-11T00:48:18+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/spring_cleaning_for_your_appliances http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/spring_cleaning_for_your_appliances#When:03:46:26Z Every spring we all try and tackle a spring cleaning list; those hardworking machines that make our lives so much easier deserve a top spot. One or two afternoons are all you should need to check everything off your list and relax knowing you’ve made your home more energy efficient, with the added bonus of extending the lifespan of your appliances. General, 2012-04-03T03:46:26+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_heaters_a_hot_topic http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/water_heaters_a_hot_topic#When:21:51:50Z The three most popular types of water heaters here in the Upper Peninsula are tankless, traditional and water maker; if you’re in the market for a new water heater, you should become familiar with all of your options. Plumbing, 2012-03-27T21:51:50+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/its_fix_a_leak_week http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/its_fix_a_leak_week#When:00:26:34Z Leaks in American homes account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of wasted per home ever year; that’s why WaterSense, a division of the Environmental Protection Agency, promotes Fix a Leak Week every year to remind Americans to check their fixtures for leaks. This year, Fix a Leak Week is March 12-18. Plumbing, 2012-03-14T00:26:34+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_purifiers_help_you_breathe_easy http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/air_purifiers_help_you_breathe_easy#When:18:45:54Z “The air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities,”  according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); installing a whole-house air purification system can help keep your indoor air cleaner. 2012-03-08T18:45:54+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/are_maintenance_agreements_worth_it http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/are_maintenance_agreements_worth_it#When:18:26:10Z Everyone knows that their furnace, air conditioner, plumbing, and water heater all need annual maintenance, but not everyone knows that they can ensure the necessary maintenance is done—without having to worry about remembering to schedule it—by having a maintenance agreement with a reputable, licensed contractor like Swick. Even without the convenience factor, maintenance agreements have a number of benefits. 2012-02-23T18:26:10+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_kitchen_drain_flowing1 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_kitchen_drain_flowing1#When:18:22:13Z Your kitchen sink is the hardest-working drain in your house but if you put the wrong things down there, it’s a recipe for disaster. Drain enemy number one: grease. And he’ll bring along his friends stringy vegetables, egg shells, and coffee grounds, not to mention a host of lesser offenders. 2012-02-15T18:22:13+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_kitchen_drain_flowing http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_kitchen_drain_flowing#When:15:12:51Z Your kitchen sink is the hardest-working drain in your house but if you put the wrong things down there, it’s a recipe for disaster. Plumbing, 2012-02-15T15:12:51+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keep_those_boilers_boiling http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keep_those_boilers_boiling#When:18:00:08Z Boilers do the same basic job as furnaces, but when you’re heating the air in your home using water or steam there’s a whole different set of things that you need to keep an eye on. With all their working parts, some are more likely to wear out and need maintenance than others. Heating and Cooling, 2012-02-07T18:00:08+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_furnace_working_one_part_at_a_time http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/keeping_your_furnace_working_one_part_at_a_time#When:18:04:47Z Just like your car and every other hardworking machine that you rely on, a furnace has parts that are going to wear out.  It’s just the nature of machines.  And, much like being left on the side of the road for a major problem that could have been avoided with a minor repair, you want to make sure that these wear-and-tear parts won’t leave you cold this winter. 2012-02-01T18:04:47+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/program_your_way_to_savings_and_comfort http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/program_your_way_to_savings_and_comfort#When:18:07:40Z A programmable thermostat can save you about 10% of your energy costs per year by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature when you are home, asleep, or at work. After the initial installation, you’ll spend just a few minutes twice a year changing the temperature settings. For an average savings of about $200, that’s a pretty good payoff. 2012-01-22T18:07:40+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/the_effects_of_caustic_drain_cleaners http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/the_effects_of_caustic_drain_cleaners#When:18:18:02Z Anyone who uses chemicals on clogs, from toilet to sink to shower, should know the effects the chemicals have on pipes and the environment, as well as the danger to humans. 2012-01-15T18:18:02+00:00 http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/woof_meow_chirpcough_sneeze http://www.swickph.com/blog/article/woof_meow_chirpcough_sneeze#When:18:12:30Z Fido, Whiskers, and Tweety are your three favorite companions, but you worry about the effect that they may have on your indoor air quality; how can an animal lover have the pets they adore and cleaner indoor air? By cleaning the air, cleaning the house, and giving your pet his own space, you can lessen the impact that your furry and feathered friends have on the way you breathe. Air Quality, 2012-01-09T18:12:30+00:00