http://www.ajperri.com/ee/index.php en juliem@cornerstonead.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-07T14:10:32+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/unfortunately_theres_a_lot_to_sneeze_about_this_spring_._ http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/unfortunately_theres_a_lot_to_sneeze_about_this_spring_._#When:14:10:32Z Experts are saying that the spring of 2012 could be the worst season we’ve ever seen for allergies.  "The seasons are getting longer—they're starting earlier and pollens are getting released earlier," says Dr. Stanley Fineman, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and an allergist at the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic. 1 2012-05-07T14:10:32+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/upgrade_your_plumbing_and_add_value_to_your_home http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/upgrade_your_plumbing_and_add_value_to_your_home#When:17:00:07Z Simple changes in your home can have an amazing impact on the look and value without putting a serious dent in your wallet.  Updating the most important rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and doing so on a budget, is the most effective way to add value to your home.  According to 2008 National Statistics, bathroom and kitchen remodels recoup around 84-85% of the cost invested in upgrades. 2012-04-03T17:00:07+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/save_energy_and_a_bit_o_the_green http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/save_energy_and_a_bit_o_the_green#When:00:50:53Z This year create your own pot of gold under the rainbow by making a commitment to saving money by saving energy.  Making simple, everyday changes saves energy and money, while protecting the environment. 2012-02-28T00:50:53+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/a_breath_of_fresh_air http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/a_breath_of_fresh_air#When:14:42:03Z Homes today are built for efficiency, keeping the warm air in during the cold season and the cool air in during the summer months.  This is great for your heating and air conditioning system; however, it doesn’t bring fresh air into your home or remove of stale air. 2012-01-28T14:42:03+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/improve_your_health_and_comfort_this_winter http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/improve_your_health_and_comfort_this_winter#When:14:27:41Z Dry, winter air can wreak havoc on your overall health and comfort; from dry skin, to allergies, to colds and flu.  By adding a whole-house humidifier to your heating and cooling system you can regulate the amount of moisture in the air throughout your home, making a better, healthier and more comfortable environment for your entire family. Air Quality, Heating & Cooling, 2011-12-30T14:27:41+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/put_save_money_on_the_top_of_your_new_years_resolutions http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/put_save_money_on_the_top_of_your_new_years_resolutions#When:20:53:41Z Statistics show that every year 40-45% of adults will make one or more resolutions for the New Year. While a lot of people who make New Year’s resolutions do break them, research shows that making resolutions is useful. People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't do so.  Be one of the ones who attain their goals in 2012. 2011-11-28T20:53:41+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/ease_your_water_heaters_burden_this_holiday_season_conserve_resources_and_s http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/ease_your_water_heaters_burden_this_holiday_season_conserve_resources_and_s#When:21:20:56Z During the holidays you want to be able to guarantee plenty of water, especially hot water, to go around.  Extra loads of laundry and dishes, as well as extra showers and baths for guests, all create added demand on your water heater.  Thankfully, there are simple ways to help lighten your water heater’s load, with the added bonus of saving energy and money. 2011-10-27T21:20:56+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/october_is_fire_safety_month_is_your_home_safe http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/october_is_fire_safety_month_is_your_home_safe#When:19:18:37Z This month we are reminded of the serious fire hazards present in our own homes and how to keep both homes and families safe.  Below are several systems in your home that can be fire and safety hazards, but with regular maintenance will operate safely. Heating & Cooling, Plumbing, 2011-09-30T19:18:37+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/winters_effect_on_indoor_air_quality http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/winters_effect_on_indoor_air_quality#When:14:13:19Z As temperatures cool off outside, mostof us find ourselves spending more time indoors. Looming cooler temps also prompt us to tightly seal any cracks in our homes, preventing cold drafts from entering. Air Quality, 2011-08-31T14:13:19+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/interesting_plumbing_facts http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/interesting_plumbing_facts#When:18:50:35Z Plumbing is the system in our homes consisting of “pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in a building and for the disposal of sewage.” Sounds straightforward enough, however, you might be surprised by how much you don’t know about your plumbing. Plumbing, 2011-08-01T18:50:35+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/cut_costs_stay_cool_this_summer http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/cut_costs_stay_cool_this_summer#When:11:49:02Z As electricity prices are expected to rise along with hot summer temps, it’s causing many to look for ways to cut back on expenses.  Beat the heat this summer, reduce your air conditioning (a/c) usage, while still enjoying savings with these simple tips. Heating & Cooling, 2011-06-30T11:49:02+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/breathe_easier_this_spring http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/breathe_easier_this_spring#When:17:19:29Z For many Americans spring means uncomfortable outdoor allergies. Coughing. Sneezing. Wheezing. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma and allergies strike 1 out of every 4 Americans and are the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. among all age groups.  Air Quality, 2011-04-28T17:19:29+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/spring_clean_your_plumbing http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/spring_clean_your_plumbing#When:14:33:40Z Each season brings its own set of household tasks and spring certainly has its share. While it’s okay to do little plumbing jobs around your home, the big plumbing projects are best left to the professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing, messing around with your plumbing can result in serious damage, expensive repairs, not to mention possible health hazards your family. Plumbing, 2011-04-27T14:33:40+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/if_it_aint_broke_dont_fix_it http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/if_it_aint_broke_dont_fix_it#When:17:42:45Z When things are moving along smoothly in our lives we often don’t pay attention to the details, one of those details being regular maintenance on our heating and cooling system. We figure why fix something that’s not broken, right? 2011-02-23T17:42:45+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/technology_advancements_traditional_vs._variable_speed_furnace http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/technology_advancements_traditional_vs._variable_speed_furnace#When:10:55:30Z Technology has increased greatly in the heating and cooling industry over the last 10, even 5 years. For example, let’s compare a traditional furnace to a variable speed furnace. The difference is like comparing a regular light switch to a dimmer switch. 2011-01-28T10:55:30+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/holiday_overspending_leads_to_long_term_cost_cutting http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/holiday_overspending_leads_to_long_term_cost_cutting#When:11:13:09Z The holidays may be over but saving money is a year-round project.  By using energy efficient heating, cooling and plumbing equipment you can save energy and money for years to come. 2010-12-28T11:13:09+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_peace_of_mind_a_gift_worth_giving http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_peace_of_mind_a_gift_worth_giving#When:13:48:39Z Every year during the holidays, heating service companies experience a large number of “no heat” calls from panicked homeowners whose furnace has broken down when they’re expecting a house full of guests.  It happens every year, but it doesn’t have to. 2010-11-30T13:48:39+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/avoid_the_greasy_stuff http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/avoid_the_greasy_stuff#When:14:56:55Z While preparing your holiday dinner, remember that not everything should go down the drain. Putting the wrong things down the drain can cause serious and expensive damage to your household plumbing system. You also don’t want to spend your holidays trying to contact a plumberto unclog your drain while the dirty dishes pile up! 2010-10-25T14:56:55+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_it_time_to_repair_or_replace http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_it_time_to_repair_or_replace#When:15:04:16Z If your heating and/or air conditioning system fails, you are often faced with a choice, to repair the existing unit by replacing parts and other remedies or by buying a new system. When faced with this decision there are three main factors you should consider: life expectancy, efficiency and current condition of your unit.  2010-09-29T15:04:16+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/warranties_vs._maintenance http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/warranties_vs._maintenance#When:19:11:55Z In the heating, cooling & ventilation (HVAC) industry, we often hear the comments, ”We don’t need planned maintenance, we’re still under warranty.”   Nothing could be further from the truth!  2010-08-23T19:11:55+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/save_water_energy_and_money_with_green_plumbing http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/save_water_energy_and_money_with_green_plumbing#When:20:59:36Z “Going green” is not a new term for most of us, however, it might be as it applies to the plumbing in your home.  Green plumbing is plumbing that is designed to be the most energy efficient and at the same time conserve the most water.  Plumbing, 2010-07-30T20:59:36+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_water_pressure_getting_you_down http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/is_water_pressure_getting_you_down#When:17:51:15Z When you open a faucet in your home most of us take for granted that the water will flow out.  Of course, this is really dependent upon the pressure that water is under.  Water pressure is created by water forcing its way through the distribution system to your tap. Plumbing, 2010-06-16T17:51:15+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/times_have_changed_what_you_might_be_missing_and_not_even_realize http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/times_have_changed_what_you_might_be_missing_and_not_even_realize#When:22:00:23Z If you have an older heating and cooling system, you need to be aware of all of the changes that have occurred over the last 20 years. We have seen a true revolution in heating and cooling equipment. Heating & Cooling, 2010-05-25T22:00:23+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/help_the_environment_go_green_save http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/help_the_environment_go_green_save#When:23:15:10Z Going green is a popular trend these days, and by going green you are helping conserve our natural resources.  Fortunately for homeowners, the by-product of conserving natural resources is often a reduction in monthly utility bills. Heating & Cooling, 2010-04-30T23:15:10+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/basics_of_air_conditioning http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/basics_of_air_conditioning#When:22:12:32Z Most people don’t realize how their central air conditioner actually works.  They think that an air conditioner functions by pumping cool air into their home. But your air conditioner actually removes warm air and recirculates it as cool air. Heating & Cooling, 2010-03-26T22:12:32+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/why_you_shouldnt_super_size_your_new_heating_and_cooling_system http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/why_you_shouldnt_super_size_your_new_heating_and_cooling_system#When:15:56:15Z We as Americans, think that bigger is better and buy products that are “jumbo”, “extra large”, or “mega” size.  We generally think we are getting a better value and more of what we want.  But when it comes to a home’s heating and cooling needs, super-sizing your system can cost you in both money and comfort. Heating & Cooling, 2010-03-09T15:56:15+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/inside_your_air_ducts http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/inside_your_air_ducts#When:12:53:52Z The air duct system within your home is responsible for distributing air (cold or hot) throughout your home and returning it back to your equipment so that it can be treated, heated or cooled again, and then redistributed.  Clean, maintained and well-installed ductwork enables your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently and maintain consistent temperatures, while providing better overall comfort to you and your family. Air Quality, Heating & Cooling, 2010-02-04T12:53:52+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/instant_hot_water_with_tankless_water_heaters http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/instant_hot_water_with_tankless_water_heaters#When:18:28:58Z The average household spends $400-600 per year on water heating, making it the second largest energy expenditure after heating and cooling. Water heaters have come a long ways in the last 20 years and are now much more efficient. 2009-12-22T18:28:58+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/the_value_of_quality_installation_and_maintenance http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/the_value_of_quality_installation_and_maintenance#When:20:46:50Z These days the internet has become a very valuable tool for making price comparsons when considering purchases, especially major purchases. Everyone uses it. However, if you are considering a new heating and cooling system you need to consider more than just what the best price is and who carries the top brand. The largest factors when buying a heating and cooling system are the installation and maintenance. Heating & Cooling, 2009-11-24T20:46:50+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/plumbing_101 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/plumbing_101#When:21:56:36Z Knowing some basics about the plumbing in your home can help save time and money when you encounter a problem. This knowledge can also save your home from serious damage if you ever have a pipe burst or a leaky fixture. And not least of the reasons, knowing your plumbing system will help you and your family stay safe if you ever have a plumbing emergency. Plumbing, 2009-10-21T21:56:36+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/basics_of_heating http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/basics_of_heating#When:18:21:02Z According to the U.S. Federal Government heating and cooling accounts for around 45% of Americans’ annual energy bills. They estimate that on average homeowners will spend more than $10,000 for heating and cooling over a 10-year period. Heating & Cooling, 2009-09-30T18:21:02+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/the_importance_of_heating_cooling_system_maintenance http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/the_importance_of_heating_cooling_system_maintenance#When:16:53:36Z According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” Most people wouldn’t dream of driving their car without performing regular oil changes and tune-ups. Heating & Cooling, 2009-08-20T16:53:36+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/important_changes_regarding_the_r-22_refrigerant_freon_used_in_air_conditio http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/important_changes_regarding_the_r-22_refrigerant_freon_used_in_air_conditio#When:17:47:15Z As of January 2010, R-22 refrigerant, a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon), will no longer be manufactured. This refrigerant has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for over four decades. Heating & Cooling, 2009-08-13T17:47:15+00:00 http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/problems_of_poor_indoor_air_quality http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/library/article/problems_of_poor_indoor_air_quality#When:17:42:52Z There are a variety of health and environmental effects that are caused by poor air quality. According to the EPA, asthma is a growing public health problem with about 23 million people suffering from asthma, 6.8 million of which are children.   Air Quality, 2009-07-29T17:42:52+00:00