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We focus on energy efficiency at every stage of the home planning and construction process. We start by encouraging our clients to 'right size' their home. A smaller home is a more energy efficient home. Eliminating seldom used spaces and designing rooms for multiple functions are two of the strategies used by our architectural partners at Robinson Residential Designs.
Next, we focus on creating a well insulated air tight building envelope. SmartCraft Homes build exclusively with Thermapan SIPs (structural insulated panels). Utilizing SIPs for exterior walls gives an extremely well insulated (R-28 or better) and air tight building envelope that out performs stick framed and insulated concrete structures. Windows and doors are the next consideration and we use only double pane windows with low-e coating, argon gas and insulated spacers. These specifications minimize heat transfer through window and door glass and contribute to a well insulated building envelope.
Mechanical systems and appliances are the final consideration in an energy efficient home. With a well insulated, air tight building envelope provided by a SIPs wall system, smaller, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems can be utilized. We encourage customers to consider more efficient heating options such as heated slab foundations, tankless hot water heaters and supplemental solar water heating. An HRV (heat recovery ventilation) system brings fresh air from the outside to the inside of the home, while heating the incoming air with the outgoing air. The result is an energy efficient way to bring fresh air into the home. We also work with clients to help them choose Energy Star appliances. The Energy Star label indicates that an appliance is among the most energy efficient in its class.
