SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. — New technology is making homes more energy-efficient and less costly to power. Lake of the Ozark residents and visitors have a chance to see the latest in “green” home technology firsthand, at the Villages of Shawnee Bend.
A new, energy-efficient home has been constructed at the Villages and is part of the Co-Mo Electric “2013 Dream Green Home Tour.”
Dave Leathers, publisher of Showcase Publishing, saw the concept of green homes in other parts of the country, and worked with Doug Ross, owner of Ross Custom Homes, to bring the innovative idea to the Lake of the Ozarks. Together with Co-Mo Communications, a communication subsidiary of Co-Mo Electric Cooperative, the team has created the first Dream Green Home at the Lake to have Co-Mo’s television, phone, and internet service up and running, according to Leathers. All three services use one fiber-optic line. Leathers said the it is the fastest internet in state of Missouri.
The television capabilities include simultaneous recordings of at least four programs and features Restart TV, the ability to go back to the beginning of any program a viewer has tuned into at any point of the show’s duration, according to a promotional piece published by Co-Mo.
The fiber optic technology is brand new to Lake of the Ozarks and is a big deal, Leathers said. “It is a game changer.”
Leathers said the core to any green home is the HVAC system. Furnace and air systems are where homeowners typically use the most energy. The Dream Green Home uses a ground source heat pump and wells 200-300 feet deep. “That is the source of the heating and cooling,” he said. “There are no outside compressors.”
Leathers said with this type of heating and cooling, a $100 electric bill for a 3,800 square foot home can be expected.
Another interesting aspect to the house is the Nest® Thermostat, Leathers said. “It is the newest, state-of-the-art, and follows patterns of your lifestyle,” he boasted. Leathers explained Nest remembers the pattern of the homeowner’s living, such as when the temperature is turned up or down.
Leathers said his idea of a “green home” starts with energy efficiency. He said this model home was built using energy-efficient framing and insulation, and all the appliances are Energy Star rated. He said the team tried to use as many recycled products as possible, including carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles. “We tried to use paint that was friendly to the environment and a multitude of other things,” Leathers said.
Tours of the home begin today and run through July 28. Tour days are Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cost is $12, payable at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Tri County YMCA.
The home being toured is for sale with a list price of $569,000. It is 3,800 square feet, and is listed by Lynn Farrell with John Farrell Real Estate.
