Jeff Ralston sought to build homes that were not only energy efficient, but also durable enough to withstand the extreme Iowa climate. Partnering with builder Todd Richardson, the goal was to build a comfortable home with the capability to achieve total energy independence if desired. The floor plans and products used would still be accessible to the average contractor.

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Setting the bar high, Ralston Eco Homes has achieved Net Zero Energy Ready certification as set by the U.S. Department of Energy. This sets the standard for home efficiency in Cedar Rapids and the majority of eastern Iowa. 

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Using one of Todd's existing floor plans, Jeff and Todd partnered with Mike Nolan of Horizon Original Architecture to draw up plans to achieve DOE Net Zero Energy Ready certification. Modeling the ventilation, heating and cooling methods necessary, the plan was presented to The Element Group for further analysis. 

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With a solid plan in place, the next steps were consulting with local HVAC specialists at Colony Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning to identify the equipment necessary to reach DOE standards. The final specs include specialized insulation, heat pumps, plumbing, windows and doors. The home is ready for a solar array + battery and includes an electric car charging port in the garage.

 

The first Ralson Eco Home was built in 2022 and has since hit a remarkably low HERS rating of 38. When combined with a solar array, this debut home is estimated to save as much as $2,667 per year in energy costs vs. a traditional home - all without sacrificing comfort or style. Below you can read about more about the specific steps taken to reach these benchmarks.