SHORELINES

detailed traditional exteriors and rustic-contemporary insulation of R-11 or greater, and floor insulation of interiors that feature open-plan living areas, plank walls and R-19 or better over unheated basements or crawl spaces. bands of windows and French doors facing the lake. Possible sources of leaks in the building envelope should "All the windows and doors have insulated, double-pane be eliminated using caulking, weatherstripping or other glass," Hagefstration notes. "The houses have 10 inches materials. Ductwork should be insulated and sealed. The of blown-in R-30 insulation in the ceilings, with R-13 dominant source of heating and cooling should be a long- insulation in the exterior walls. The houses are all-electric, lasting electric heat pump, including geothermal and with heat pumps for heating and cooling." (Electric heat piggyback types (the latter uses additional heating or cooling pumps extract heat in the summer and add it in the winter.) as a backup system). Ground floors are embedded in the sloping site, insulated by New-homebuyers can also take advantage of Alabama the earth that flanks them on one or more sides. Shade from Power's EarthCents program. Homes that earn the the plentiful trees keeps the homes cooler in summer. EarthCents credential feature high-efficiency water heaters Savvy builders — and buyers — favor energy-efficient and heat pumps (15+ SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency measures like those found at Point William. Among Ratio), Energy Star lighting and appliances, airtight walls Alabama Power's recommendations for newly constructed and ducts, and other energy-efficient qualities. homes are double-pane, storm or low-E windows, insulated or storm doors, attic insulation of R-30 or greater, wall Beyond saving kilowatts and money, well-insulated, energy-efficient homes help us feel good — not just for being Previous page centerfold: Photo by Joe DeScoise — Sabrina Baker wakeboards on Lake Harris. Above: Photo by Billy Brown — John Hagefstration's home offers majestic views of Smith Lake. 16 S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:2

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