Join Arayasun Construction for the 2026 Ark Valley Green Homes Tour in Salida, Colorado on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
This featured Salida remodel transformed an existing home into an all-electric, net-zero residence through thoughtful energy-efficient upgrades, solar power, heat-pump systems, improved insulation, and fresh-air ventilation.
From Home to Net Zero Home
This Salida home was thoughtfully remodeled to improve energy efficiency while preserving the basic layout of the original house.
The project included a new front porch, a sloped roof over the existing flat roof, updates to the kitchen and primary bath, and extensive improvements to the home’s building envelope. Exterior insulation was added, including around the foundation, along with additional insulation beneath the new roof and between the garage and main house.
All of the windows were also replaced. The finished home became very airtight, so an energy recovery ventilator was added to continuously bring fresh air into the house.
Remodel upgrades and changes decreased radon levels from initial values of >10 pCi/L to ~1 pCi/L, well below the recommended limit of <4 pCi/L.
Arayasun Construction insulated around the foundation and did all brick work and flagstone patio upgrades.
The home was converted away from gas appliances. The gas range was replaced with an electric range and induction cooktop, the water heater was replaced with a heat-pump water heater, and the gas boiler was replaced with a heat-pump heating system.
A 10 kW solar array, upgraded electrical service, and an electric-vehicle charger were also added.
Today, the home is net zero and has sent more energy back to the grid than it has drawn from it — even including the energy used to charge the electric vehicle.
Testimonial from Owner:
Sonny is a joy to work with. He is calm and brings thoughtful energy to his work. He has expansive knowledge of all aspects of construction, from permitting, energy efficient design, site preparation, framing and hiring the right sub contractors; to appliance installation and fine finish carpentry. He and his crew are creative problem solvers, attentive to detail and work to the highest standards. We were fortunate to be able to get on his schedule.