Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor air quality
Provide a mechanical ventilation system
In cold climates, use a heat recovery ventilator; you’ll save energy, and the incoming air will be tempered for comfort
In hot, humid climates, an “energy recovery ventilator” is best: these systems take humidity out of the incoming air and transfer it to the exhaust stream, reducing the load on your air conditioner and improving your comfort
Control indoor humidity. High humidity levels can be unhealthy and can damage your building
Set your ventilation system to keep indoor humidity around 40%
Install exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to expel moist air as needed
DON'T
Install or use unvented combustion equipment. “Ventfree” gas logs, fireplaces, or heaters are not appropriate for an airtight SIP house
Use just passive ventilation; you will need a mechanical system to pull air through, as the building should be airtight
Let your humidity get too high without airflow; any airtight house with high humidity and low airflow will create mold
Hang up extremely heavy objects onto the wall without spreading anchors or additional reinforcement. Cabinets, for example, will likely need an additional sheet of plywood added to the SIP wall before installing
