A Passion for Golf Drives the Construction of a New Propane Home
Just down the road in the town of Eugene, the construction of a new propane-powered home is underway on Missouri’s beautiful Redfield Golf Course. Inspired by a passion for golf, homeowner Jay Coakley and his wife Jackie are teed up to build an active Missourian’s dream home, powered by the clean, American energy of propane. In partnership with the Missouri Propane Education & Research Council (MOPERC)’s Propane HomePro program, the home will showcase the many benefits of living the propane lifestyle.
MOPERC’s Propane HomePro program brings the complete home benefits of propane appliances to life in modern and luxurious home construction projects across the state. The program highlights the advantages of building homes powered by propane and the opportunity to live the propane lifestyle, with benefits including superior home performance, efficiency and comfort.
For the Coakleys, propane was an intuitive choice because they have enjoyed the efficiency of propane space and water heating for more than 20 years. As is the case in many rural Missouri communities, natural gas was not an option in the Redfield Golf Course community. However, with an underground propane tank, homeowners can enjoy all the amenities of gas appliances without the requirement of being connected to a gas utility.
When it feels right, it’s right
“It just felt right to build this house,” said Jay. “We were looking for a place where we could enjoy country living in a beautiful place. This home will have it all—a year-round opportunity to play golf and enjoy an active lifestyle with our family and friends.”
Family, friends, golf and an active lifestyle are all important to Jay and Jackie, and this new home will bring these passions together. With an open floor plan, this 2,563 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home will provide a great gathering place for their family and friends, with the option for an afternoon round of golf a few steps away, right out the back door.
Propane amenities will help deliver an ideal way of life—the propane lifestyle. Homes powered by propane deliver superior comfort and efficiency compared with homes powered by other energy sources. Using high-efficiency propane gas appliances for major applications provides optimal energy output and unmatched performance.
For added efficiency, a propane furnace will deliver a warmer, more comfortable heat from the registers, regardless of the outdoor temperature. A propane water heater will efficiently deliver a dependable supply of hot water for family and guests. The Coakleys will be able to cook with the precise temperature control preferred by professional chefs with a propane gas cookstove. Together, they can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace with a real flame, without the hassle of burning wood. Best of all, with a propane-powered backup generator, this home can keep running as usual, even during the event of a power outage.
The benefits of propane as an energy source even extend beyond the interior walls of the home for the Coakleys. A ceiling-mounted propane garage heater will keep the 1,400 sq. ft. 3 car plus 1 golf cart garage warm during cold winter months. Additionally, an outdoor propane grilling and kitchen station will carry the perks of propane out onto the back patio, allowing Jay and Jackie to easily entertain guests with a delicious meal.
Seeing the “green”
Propane will help Jay and Jackie see the “green” in more ways than one. Not only will they have a comfortable home on a golf course where they can walk out the back door for a round of golf, but together they will also enjoy other types of “green”—energy savings from the efficiencies of propane as a source of energy and a reduced carbon footprint. For example, Energy Star propane water heating units save about 13 to 20 percent in annual energy costs compared to electric water heating units. Propane appliances also include the highest Energy Star ratings and can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars in annual energy costs.
The other kind of “green” the Coakleys will enjoy is a reduced carbon footprint. Propane emits far less greenhouse gas than most other energy sources. For example, propane storage tank water heaters reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 1,700 pounds per year, compared with standard electric storage tank units.
Today, propane is powering a cleaner world in many different applications; on the road with propane autogas; at factories and distribution centers with clean and powerful forklifts and delivery vehicles; and in homes through furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, cooktops and backup generators. Propane provides an immediate and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment. It is also a non-poisonous, non-toxic fuel that won’t contaminate soil or groundwater, making it safe to use anywhere.
View the Eugene Golf Course home to explore project details or learn more about becoming a propane homebuilder.