SHORELINES

Earth-friendly, but actually, physically, good. They have better of his ADT security/home automation system) allows him to air quality and more consistent temperatures throughout. have the temperature at a comfortable level when he arrives. Another feel-good factor: They add to a home's resale value. You don't have to buy a new home to enjoy the benefits of "I can program everything through my iPad or iPhone," he says. "A system like this lets you turn lights on and off, energy efficiency. Any of the above features can be retrofitted check the status of the burglar and fire alarm, and monitor in an older house. And many other easy-to-implement security cameras, from wherever you are." improvements are worth doing, from replacing air filters When he rents the house to vacationers, sensors shut off and closing fireplace dampers to wrapping water heaters in the air conditioning if doors are left open for long. "That insulation and using programmable thermostats, setting really cut my electricity bills," he says. "But most of all, the system provides peace of mind — it's a great idea for houses "This is as close to Color ado as that are sometimes unoccupied." While he likes his lake house's energy-efficient features, I can get to in a reasonable drive." — Smith L ake homeowner L arry Watts what Watts prizes most is its beautiful location on a verdant, hill-framed lake in northern Alabama. "I love Colorado," he says, "and this is as close to Colorado as them a bit higher in summer, a bit lower in winter and at I can get to in a reasonable drive." Happily, he's saving energy-sparing levels when the house is vacant. Ceiling energy as well as gasoline. fans can make a space feel cooler in summer or, rotating in For information on Alabama Power's energy-saving reverse, warmer in winter. LED and compact fluorescent programs: 800-990-APCO or alabamapower.com. bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than old- More on Point William: pointwilliam.com fashioned incandescent bulbs. Alabama Power offers free on-site and online evaluations of home-energy use, including advice on upgrades. The utility also provides financing for new heat pumps and home — By Jeff Book Take a photo tour of these homes. Find more images at Alabama Power's NewsCenter. news.alabamapower.com/ weatherization. "We even offer free water heaters to people building a new home or switching from a gas one," notes Starla Curry-Hilliard, Residential New Market Program Manager at Alabama Power. Technology gives today's lake houses an edge unknown in the past. When Larry Watts isn't managing his New Orleans bed and breakfast, the 1896 O'Malley House, he can be found relaxing at his house on Smith Lake, Cody's Cabin (named for his dog). A remotely controlled thermostat (part Above: Photo by Billy Brown — Point William homes are all-electric with heat pumps for heating and cooling. S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:2 17

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