OKLAHOMA CITY — ClimateMaster Inc. celebrated the completion and dedication of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s 400th home featuring a geothermal heat pump-driven heating and cooling system.

The home, located in the organization’s Faith Landing development in southwest Oklahoma City, represents an ongoing collaborative commitment between ClimateMaster and Habitat for Humanity to construct all homes in the region with geothermal heating and cooling systems. This provides the new homeowners with both an environmentally and economically sustainable residence.

“Thanks to ClimateMaster, LSB Industries, and their continued support, we are one of the most energy-efficient homebuilders in the state of Oklahoma and among the top in the nation, saving families $700-$800 on average per year,” said Ann Felton, president of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. “We value our partnership with ClimateMaster and the ability it gives us in building the highest quality and maintainable houses for the deserving new homeowners.”

According to Felton, since 2006, all 400 geothermal homes constructed by the organization use geothermal heat pumps donated by ClimateMaster. System design, installation, testing, and startup services have been provided, at cost, by Oklahoma City-based geothermal installing contractor ComfortWorks and geothermal driller B&H Construction.

“The completion of the 400th geothermal build by Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity represents the significant economic advantages of these systems and their accessibility in the entry housing market. The addition of geothermal heating and cooling into the affordable housing model provides a real way to minimize future costs, be it utility or maintenance,” said Rick Aldridge, president, ClimateMaster. “We are honored to work alongside an organization such as Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity and to participate in the valuable work they do in aiding and bettering our local community.”

The 400 geothermal homes range in size from 1,050 to 1,400 square feet and feature a 2-ton geothermal heat pump system from ClimateMaster fed by a single 400-foot-deep borehole. Additional features include sprayed-in foam insulation and high-efficiency windows that lessen the burden on HVAC load and further minimize costs and environmental impact.

The majority of the geothermal homes built by Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity are located in the organization’s Hope Crossing development. The five-phase project includes 217 homes with the latest addition to be completed this year.

Publication date: 8/10/2015

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