The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Gas vs Diesel vs Electric: Trucks, SUV’s, Towing & Camping

In the last two pieces we have focused mainly on “regular” gas and electric cars as diesel isn’t even an option in that arena anymore. Now when you get to trucks and SUV’s, diesel is still very much alive and well. Another facet we haven’t explored yet was towing – while we did cover long […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology June 7, 2022 By SLS

Gas vs Diesel vs Electric: Part Deux

Welcome to part two of which option for a vehicle might be better for you – is it gas, electric, or maybe even diesel? In the last piece we looked at a metric to help truly compare fueling costs easily, which looks like an easy win for electric at this point in time. We then […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology March 30, 2022 By SLS

Gas vs Diesel vs Electric Vehicles

Should my next vehicle be gas, diesel, or how about electric? Up until a year… ok, maybe even a few years ago, most “normal” people wouldn’t have really considered that last one even as an option. Now that they are becoming more of a legitimate choice that will work for many, the times have changed […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology March 14, 2022 By SLS

Know thy Numbers: Electricity kWh Cost

Simple rule: In order to predict savings, one must first know their costs. As we have discussed previously in Saving on Heating Related Costs & Energy Savings & Efficiency 101, there are only 3 ways to reduce costs: reduce usage / conserve, improve performance, or change fuel sources. For years most of us would get […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Money Savings February 1, 2022 By SLS

Monday Musings: 2021 IECC – Illinois Commercial Proposals

In the last few articles, we have discussed the timeline for the 2021 IECC adoption process in Illinois and looked at the residential proposals. Normally you might see 10 “commercial” proposals but this year there are a whopping 17 proposals, and I can say a few of them are doozies. It appears that the group […]

Filed Under: Building Codes Tagged With: 2021 ICC, Illinois Energy Code October 11, 2021 By SLS

Monday Musings: 2021 IECC – Illinois Residential Proposals

This adoption cycle is going to be interesting for not only Illinois but also for other states as they consider adopting the latest IECC.  Why might you ask? Well, that is because the same group that threw the code process on its head isn’t done just yet & if this state is any indication… they […]

Filed Under: Building Codes Tagged With: 2021 ICC October 4, 2021 By SLS

Wacky Weds: Roof Ventilation 101

Heh – this doesn’t work folks. Guess where that Powered Attic Ventilator is going to get its exhaust from or the three turtle vents when the PAV isn’t running… Sorry but not only is this a waste of money but so is the alternative solar unit. Ventilate it right, insulate properly, or consider a Hot […]

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged With: Roofing September 29, 2021 By SLS

Wacky Weds: Forgot the board stretcher?

Sometimes all you can say is what the… I can see the framers now – what do you mean you forgot the board stretcher? Ahh no big deal, I am sure everyone else will cover over it & if not at least the gutter will & no one will be the wiser.

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday August 25, 2021 By SLS

Monday Musings: “We need more Ventilation?”

Ahh here we go again… another magazine article, talking head on TV, or post where someone simply goes on about – “We need more Ventilation.” Really? Why are so many people still missing the boat and directing their efforts in the wrong direction? Of course, most then turn around and go “Oh you disagree, what […]

Filed Under: Building Codes Tagged With: Ventilation August 16, 2021 By SLS

Know Thy Numbers: Ice & Water Shield / Barrier

For a mere 162 words, why is there so much confusion on just how much Ice & Water Barrier / Shield (herein called IWS) that needs to be installed? You distill it down to the root and it simply states that said IWS, when required by the … “shall be used in place of normal […]

Filed Under: FAQ's, Acronym’s, & Terminology Tagged With: Roofing August 2, 2021 By SLS

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 88
  • Next Page »

Featured Posts

February – Winter Maintenance Checklist

Ahhh February, we are now in the second full month of winter and many people in the northern states and elsewhere are starting to feel run down from a lack ...

Read More

Getting ready for Spring: Your deck & grill

Hopefully, this last snow storm was it for spring (really?) meaning most of us can start getting ready to grill and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Needless to ...

Read More

Taxes, Record Keeping, & Clearing the Clutter

Taxes, Record Keeping, & Clearing the Clutter

Oh no, it’s April 16th and taxes were due… are due on the 18th? In reality, my taxes were actually filed back in February, but if this were any other ...

Read More

FAQ: Should I close my crawl space vents during winter?

FAQ: Should I close my crawl space vents during winter?

In short the answer is generally yes, they should be closed up during the winter months. If you follow our Monthly Maintenance Schedule, we recommend the month of October as ...

Read More

FAQ: Do I need to change my HVAC filter monthly?

FAQ: Do I need to change my HVAC filter monthly?

If you follow our Monthly Maintenance Program, the first item we have listed is "Change out your HVAC filter." This has brought up a few questions, namely: Do I need ...

Read More

FAQ: Exterior HVAC units - Should I cover my unit, or... fall & wintertime questions

When it comes to the exterior HVAC unit most people wonder about hiding them and reducing the amount of noise. We delved into that topic in our Spring & Summer ...

Read More

FAQ: Ceiling fan direction - summer & winter

One of the biggest questions out there is which direction should my fan be running and how can I tell. You look at the switch and realize it isn't any ...

Read More

The HTRC - Copyright © 2006–2023 by TheHTRC.com & SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC http://SLS-Construction.com