This home achieves a five star rating, the highest rating available, on the Michigan Home Energy Rating Scale. The Energy Office offers these home energy ratings which indicate the energy efficiency of a home. SIPs create a sturdier, tighter, super-insulated structure which is faster to build. The calculated R-value for the READ home's walls is 26. SIP panels were used to construct the basement walls as well as the above-grade walls and ceiling.
Home is designed to maximize usable space.
Eave overhangs shade south facing windows and minimize heat gain and reduce cooling load. House is well insulated and air tight - A small ventilation fan provides adequate ventilation air and control of the interior pressure relative to the outside. Interior pressure is controlled by supplying outside air to the cold air return duct for the furnace at a rate of 60 cfm. Energy use is low for the 1,800 ft2 house.