Lately we have been covering the newest insulation requirements found in the 2021 IECC. Needless to say, some are saying “about time,” while others are left wondering, just when will it stop (aka the law of diminishing returns)? Another twist is the new allowable options for wall insulation & is that really a better option? […]
FAQ: Should I always use the Bathroom Fan when taking a Shower?
I am sure you have heard it all before; start the bathroom exhaust fan before your shower or bath, use a timer, run it for 10/20/30 minutes after… The question though is do I really need to always use the bathroom fan; does anything change based on it being summer or wintertime? Heh, does this […]
FAQ Insulation Values & Comparisons – Metric and Imperial
Have you ever wondered what the insulation requirements are like in other countries? Shoot, are we as behind as some might have you believe? Well before we can start to figure that out, did you know that there are also differing ratings? As one gentleman from down under said “We use metric (SI) units. Not […]
January 12th SEDAC Panel Discussion – Illinois Residential Energy Code
UPDATED: Yes this event has happened – to see video of it: Accolades / In the News » SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC We invite you to come join us January 12th as we take part in the first Illinois Residential Energy Code Panel Discussion presented by SEDAC. Got questions related to Existing Homes […]
Monday Musings: Words, Phrases & Inclusiveness?
Words matter – it is true. What of course isn’t as simple, is how much does a word or a phrase really matter? In some cases you might just look silly, smart, pompous, or maybe even insensitive. Going to the extremes with just one wrong word, you could lose a fortune or even cost someone […]
2021 IECC Insulation vrs PHIUS 2.0 & other programs
In our last post we looked at the newest insulation requirements found in the 2021 version of the IECC. Curious how that stacks up to say an ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Home, or maybe even Passive House (PHIUS)? Well lets do that, but first a quick recap with the full chart showing how the […]
Insulation Requirements & 2021 IECC First Look
One common question many people ask is, just how much insulation should I have or use for XY or Z? This generally gets followed up by what type, is more better, how about diminishing returns, and the list goes on… On the flip side, most of those that have building homes for quite a while […]
FAQ – Help, my water usage doubled?
It seems almost like a monthly occurrence; the water bills come out and someone asks something along the lines of – why did mine jump up so high? Do I have a leak? Did the water main break have something to do with it? Is my meter bad? Did anyone else’s inexplicably double or triple? […]
Tuesday Tip – Check those Batteries
Batteries not included… no worries, I have plenty here in this drawer. Uh oh, are they all dead? Ahh, it must be Christmas time. In today’s tip we are going to show you a quick way to test those batteries because all it takes is for one bad battery in the set to leave you […]
Wacky Weds: Job Security?
As many know, this site was created by & is supported solely by SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC (SLSCBS) as a free resource. Besides SLSCBS focusing on code compliance testing & consulting, we also help homeowners & building owners solve energy, comfort & health problems they may encounter. One might think with all the […]