1 Rolf and Laura Peterson | 109 Crescent Ave, Decorah
Features: Ducted cold climate air source heat pump, 6kW rooftop solar, heat pump water heater, wood stove, electric range

Come learn how the Petersons cut the gas line on their mid 20th century ranch house. Three years ago the Petersons installed 6kW of rooftop solar and swapped their gas furnace for an LG brand ducted air source heat pump. In the time since they’ve swapped their gas range with an electric equivalent, and replaced the gas water heater with an all-electric heat pump version. By producing their own electricity and swapping appliances with highly efficient electric versions, the Petersons have slashed their utility bills. Come learn from the Petersons and be inspired to do the same at your house!

Street parking available. Map my route.

2. Jim and Karen Martin-Schramm | 104 Spring Street, Decorah
Features: Ductless air source heat pumps, rooftop solar, electric vehicle

How to electrify and green a home that has gas hot water heat? Come to the Martin-Schramm’s and learn how they’ve layered their existing gas hot water system with ductless air source heat pumps. The Martin-Schramm’s recently installed a four-zone cold climate ductless air source heat pump capable of meeting most of their heating needs. And as a bonus, they provide wickedly efficient cooling. This last year the Martin-Schramm’s also installed 4.8 kW of rooftop solar.

Street parking available. Map my route.

3. Rachelle & Mark Branum | 601 Water St, Decorah
Features: Solar car park, electric vehicle, air source heat pump

Perhaps you’ve looked at solar, but given space or shading limitations, it seems to be out of the question. Come to Mark and Rachelle Branum’s and see how they’ve coupled vehicle parking under a solar canopy. Adding to the cool-factor, the Branum’s also electrified their transportation with a Ford F-150 Lightning and a Ford Fusion plug-in hybrid.

Park on Mill Street. Entrance via the alley. Map my route.

4. Jeff & Carly Foster | 109 Rural Ave, Decorah
Features: DIY backyard solar pergola

Back in 2019 Jeff Foster built his own solar pergola in his backyard. This project not only offers renewable power, but is also an attractive shade element to his backyard patio. Stop by and chat with Jeff about why he went solar, why he chose a pergola structure, and how he went about it. Interested in getting into the nuts and bolts of the project? Check out Jeff’s 2019 Energy Lunch presentation on his process (pdf).

Park on Rural Ave and climb stairs. Follow signs to the backyard. For those whom stairs are not accessible, the project is viewable from the back alley, however parking is not available. Map my route.

5. Diane and Peter Scholl, 302 Pleasant Ave, Decorah
Features: Geothermal heat pump, rooftop solar, passive solar design, tight and highly insulated building envelope

Completed in 2016, Peter and Diane Scholl’s highly efficient, sun-filled home features geothermal heating and cooling, passive solar design, a highly insulated concrete form foundation walls and spray foam insulation above grade. The Scholls have installed insulated thermal window and door coverings, and are able to heat and cool the home with minimal effort and expense. Whether a new house is in the cards or not, come learn how the Scholls created a comfortable, sun filled, delightful space.

Street parking available. Map my route.

6. Jesse and Megan Lyon | 2269 Middle Calmar Rd, Decorah
Featuring: Solar, air source heat pump, electric water heating

From the beginning, Jesse and Megan Lyon knew they wanted their new home to be all-electric and powered by the sun. The Lyon’s built their home and large solar array in 2018, and sized the array to offset all energy used within the house. The home features an all-electric air source heat pump (without gas backup) and electric water heating. If you’re considering building new, think about the advantages of rolling solar into your new home financing.

Ample parking available. Map my route.

7. Sweet Season Farm | 2264 200th St, Calmar
Featuring: Triple pane windows, increased insulation, geothermal heat pump, ground mounted solar

Lyle Luzum’s family heritage farm was donated in 2017 to the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust and is now home to Sweet Season Farm. Built in 1906 and doubled in size in 1910, the century-old farmhouse is a mix of old and new. The Luzums have made many energy efficient improvements over the years, including replacement of all windows with triple pane versions, increasing insulation levels, and residing and insulating the exterior with rigid insulation and cement board siding. The fuel oil furnace was swapped with a geothermal heat pump in 2009 and in 2013 the Luzums installed 10.7 kW of ground mounted solar.

Ample parking available. Map my route.