How we Build Matters.

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Truly affordable housing is well constructed so that homeowners are not forced to spend their disposable income on repairs. Truly affordable housing reduces consumption of resources so that homeowners benefit from reduced utilities costs. Truly af​fordable housing does not pass on environmental costs to future generations.
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​​To ensure that our homes are truly affordable, we take the following measures when we build:

1. We build tight homes

• We utilize advanced framing and building science techniques: Iowa Valley Habitat utilizes a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the building process, such as rectangular design of the home to reduce concrete costs, insulating headers, raised energy heel trusses and California corners. Spacing is 24 inches on center, allowing for one-third less lumber used and more room for insulation. Putting roof trusses directly above wall studs increases the overall strength of the home structure.

• We use soy based Earth Foam insulation: Earth Foam is a spray-in-place polyurethane insulation that is 70% bio based polyurethane. This specially developed product has excellent thermal and acoustical insulation qualities. Earth Foam expands in the wall or the roof cavity to completely fill all spaces and therefore is a highly efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss.​

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• We install high efficiency home heating/cooling systems: We endeavor to install air source heat pumps in as many IVHFH homes as possible. Heat pump technology runs on electricity to efficiently transfer heat from outside air to inside the home. In hot weather, the system efficiently cools the home by working in reverse to transfer hot air inside the home to the exterior. And because the system does not operate by burning fossil fuels, the home reduces the carbon footprint of the entire family. 
  • When unable to install an air source heat pump, we opt for a 96% efficient gas furnace, which combines top-of-the-line performance with bottom-line energy savings.

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2. We focus on electrification and energy efficiency

• We install energy recovery ventilators: Energy recovery ventilators provide a controlled way of ventilating a home of airborne impurities while minimizing energy loss. ERVs also reduce the cost of heating and cooling.   

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• ​​We install efficient shower and faucet heads: Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators reduce home water consumption.

  

• We install electric water heaters: We endeavor to install heat-pump water heaters in IVHFH homes. These units use the same heat pump technology described above to efficiently heat water without burning natural gas. When unable to install electric water heaters, we opt for efficient units that run on natural gas. 

 

• We install LED lighting: An Energy Star-qualified LED light bulb saves approximately $30 over its lifetime and pays for itself in about six months. It uses 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

 

• We install an automatic set-back programmable thermostat: The average household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills — nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.

 

• We install high performance windows: New Energy Star-qualified windows provide 14% more insulation than regular windows and reduce energy bills by up to 15%. In addition, these windows deliver more comfort, create less condensation, and protect furnishings from sun damage better than conventional clear-glass double-paned alternatives. When possible, south-facing windows are built into the design of the home to take advantage of solar heat gains.

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• We install Energy Star Appliances: Energy Star qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.

3. We build solar-ready homes

​Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity has been building solar-ready homes for over a decade. Our houses are constructed with the wiring and infrastructure needed to support solar panels without costly renovations. 

Additionally, through our Solar Energy Fund, we have been able to take the next step. As of June 2026, we have built 15 solar-powered homes and have the funds to continue through the end of the year. 

Click here to support the Solar Energy Fund.



*Are you a frequent traveler? Thanks to Habitat Solar, you can offset your carbon footprint through the Flight Calculator.

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​These efforts help put Habitat for Humanity on the cutting edge of home construction, which is why we are honored by Builder Magazine as 18th on the Builder 100 List.

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​Every customer, donor and volunteer helps us build. Income from the ReStore supports our affordable housing efforts.

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