Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the mission of Stitt Energy Systems, Inc.?
A: Our mission statement has been the same since our founding in 1978: To provide energy efficient homes that are environmentally responsible for the satisfaction, health, welfare and happiness of our customers, our employees, our investors and future generations

Q: What does Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. do exactly?
A: Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. helps to conserve energy through the design and construction management of sustainable, healthy and beautiful homes.

Q: What services does your company provide?
A: The short answer to that question is that we provide designs, materials and equipment, construction or construction management for energy efficient homes. But, there is a lot more detail to include with that answer.

Site visit—we will visit your site with you to determine the best location and orientation of your new home on the site. We look at the terrain, the slope of the land, the compass directions, the existing trees and vegetation and discuss ways to work with the natural features of the site, to save as many trees as possible, and to maximize the passive solar characteristics of your home. We take a panorama of photos so we can communicate the site characteristics to others and for our file.
Floor plan—we have plan drawing services available. One of the many plans we have drawn over our Company’s history may be just right for your family’s needs and for your site. We can modify one of our plans for you or we can take your plan and adjust it, if necessary, for special needs. Or, we can draw a custom plan just for you and your site. When the plan is finalized, we then provide a full set of working drawings, written specifications and a job book of related information.
Stake the house—once the plan is agreed upon, we mark where the house will be on your site. Commonly called “staking the house,” this allows you to see the “footprint” of your house on the site. Often, the footprint is moved around to make best use of the sun, the slope, the shade trees or to avoid rock or other natural features that might add expense to construction.
Materials for the “energy envelope” of your home—which may include insulated concrete forms (ICFs), structural insulated panels (SIPs), framed walls with spray foam insulation, doors, windows, trusses, roof decking and felt paper - all energy efficient, of course! If we serve as the general contractor for your home, we provide all materials and mechanical systems.
Construction management services and technical support—we provide assistance to you and your builder throughout the construction process to assure that the materials are used according to the plan we have agreed upon. In some geographic areas, we serve as the general contractor.
Blower door test—as a sort of “mid-term exam,” we test the structure for air leaks so that you or your builder can seal any that are found.
ENERGY STAR rating - when the home is completed, it is tested by an independent third-party home energy rater. We are committed to building 100% ENERGY STAR homes!

Q: Can I use a plan that I have drawn on my computer?
A: Such a plan is a good starting point from which to create a full set of working drawings with sufficient detail to satisfy bankers, code inspectors, builders and subcontractors. Often our Design Team can make suggestions that will improve the energy efficiency of the plan, or save money on materials or site excavation.

Q: Can I use a plan I bought from a magazine?
A: Yes, but the most usable plan is one that is drawn or adapted for your site and for the specific building materials that will be used. Before you purchase a full set of plans, we suggest you talk with our representatives to determine your best option. It may be that we have a design in our plan book packet or in our files that is just what you are looking for.

Q: Does Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. actually build my house?
A: We offer several options to help you complete your new home. We will help you find a builder if you don’t already have one. We will also provide construction management services through the erection and “dry in” of the shell of your home. Or we may contract the home to completion. Our Field Services staff provides consultation and support at various levels depending on your needs.

Q: Do you supply all the materials for my house?
A: Based on your plans, our plans or custom plans we draw, we usually provide the materials, services and equipment that will make your new home more energy efficient, comfortable and healthy. This includes the structure, insulation, caulk and foam for air sealing, ventilation equipment, fireplaces and free-standing stoves and solar systems to heat domestic water. Any other options and choices are available depending on the options you choose. If we serve as the general contractor for your home, we provide all materials and mechancial systems.

Q: How can you be so sure that my new house will have low monthly utility bills?
A: We design it that way. We consider your site, your Family’s needs, and the most energy efficient materials available when creating or modifying your plan. We have a toll-free number to make getting technical assistance easier. Then we perform a diagnostic “blower door test.” We place a fan in an exterior door opening and pull as much air out of the house as possible. When a negative pressure (vacuum) is created inside the house, it pulls outside air in through any cracks or openings. We locate those leaks and then the builder is expected to seal them. If outside air can’t get in to “dilute” the conditioned air—heated in the winter or cooled in the summer—you won’t have to use your heating or cooling system as much. That assures a lower utility bill. After your home is finished, we arrange for it to be inspected and rated by an independent third-party home energy rater. Ours is a “holistic approach”— design and orientation, insulation, air infiltration and mechanical recommendations — all working together for the greater efficiency.

Q: But I’ve heard that a house can be too tight!
A:Indoor air quality (IAQ) can be an issue in a house that is so tightly sealed. We specify and supply an energy recovery ventilator to provide fresh air into the house and to better control moisture in the home. Additionally, we choose and supply materials that are more environmentally healthy regarding indoor air quality.

Q: Everyone is talking about energy efficiency these days. Why is Stitt Energy Systems, Inc. any different from any other company?
A: Since our founding in 1978, our company has designed energy efficient homes. We feel that our history, experience and accomplishments are very important. As new products and technologies come onto the market, we research and test them to determine if they will economically add value to our homes. Additionally, our company has received national recognition through the EnergyValue Housing Awards program. These awards are presented by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Energy. The program and the panel of judges recognize designers, developers and builders who incorporate energy efficiency into all aspects of the design, marketing and construction process. Two of our homes have been named Best Green Home is Kansas City and most recenty one of our homes received a Green Home Building Award from the NAHB. And, we have a lot of happy homeowners living in beautiful homes.

Q: What is R-value?
A: R-value is the resistance of heat to move through a material. Certain materials have R-values of say, 22 or 30. But R-value is not the whole story. If you have a wall with a very high R-value, for example R-38, but you have gaps around the windows so that outside air can leak through, you won’t have a very energy efficient wall. R-value is just one component of having an energy efficient home.

Q: Why is it so important to have glass on the south side of the house?
A: In order to maximize the wintertime solar gain, window glass should be oriented to the south.

Q: But won’t I be hot in the summer with all that sun coming in?
A: You sure would be if we didn’t design wide overhangs or sun control walkways to block the summer sun from entering your home. Remember that the south sun is much higher in the sky in the summer time. Shade trees, too, can provide relief from the sun which is why we like to save or plant as many trees as possible on the site.

Q: But what if the best view is not to the south?
A: We take pride in being able to build an energy efficient house on any site—but depending on your site and views, we will design it differently.

Q: Are all your homes located in Arkansas?
A: By no means. We have homes in 15 states and can probably work with you wherever your site is located.

Q: So, what does it cost? Isn’t it a lot more expensive?
A: The cost of one of our homes compares very favorably with the cost of other high quality custom homes. Plus, you have the added benefit of low utility bills resulting from the designs and materials. You should compare the monthly cost of one of our homes, including principle, interest, taxes, insurance AND ENERGY COSTS with the monthly cost of other homes. The value of your energy efficient home will enhance your comfort and satisfaction.

Q: Sounds too good to be true!
A: Not really. Some of it is common sense, but a lot of it has to do with the experience and knowledge we have gained over the years.

Q: Do you use the sun to generate electricity?
A: Some of our homeowners do use the sun to create electricity and store it in batteries to be used as a supplemental, standby for emergency or as the sole source of power for their household. These are called “off-grid” homes because they are not connected to the utility company’s grid of power lines. Some homeowners use this same system to generate and store electricity but are also hooked into the utility power grid and sell power back to the utility company. This is called “grid connected” and may include “net metering”—the provision to run your meter backwards. Net metering is not yet available in all areas.

Q: How about heating water?
A: One of the options we provide with our homes is a solar water heating system. This system uses the sun to heat the water but has a heating element that takes over if the sun is hidden by clouds for an extended period of time.

Q: Are there other ways to save energy in my new house?
A: There are lots of ways to save energy! Using compact fluorescent lights in place of incandescent bulbs will save significant energy and money. Purchasing appliances with good energy ratings will also save. And good heating and cooling systems can make a big difference. These items have ratings on them much like the miles per gallon rating on cars. It makes it much easier to compare and make a good choice. And don’t forget low-flow water appliances.

Q: So, why bother to save energy? There’s plenty of it.
A: Most of the energy we use is created from fossil fuels. There is a finite supply of this resource and, eventually, we will run out. Scientists believe these sources of energy add pollution to the air and contribute to global warming. If we use less of it now, there will be more of it for future generations. And, if we can find cleaner ways to create energy, our environment will be the long-term beneficiary. A high percentage of the oil we use comes from foreign sources. We believe, for our economy and for our national security, in “American Energy Independence.” Besides, it’s “just the right thing to do.”