Liberty House is heated by combining natural and technological strategies. Heat energy is stored through mass and insulation. The floor is an exposed concrete slab fitted with radiant 1/2" PEC hydronic tubing and heated by a propane "on demand" burner. A digital temperature monitoring system facilitates heating efficiency. On sunny days, the southerly sunlight is cast upon the 1.5" stained concrete slab through the southerly-facing window array. The windows are low to the floor to maximize this passive solar strategy. The concrete slab is warmed throughout the day, reducing the necessity to run the radiant system. The mass of the concrete slab retains the heat, which is returned to the radiant tubing. The residents have found that the concrete flooring provides a warmth that is more comfortable than the traditional air-blown heat used in most American homes. On those especially cold Maine nights, a soapstone woodstove located in the living space offers a cozy warmth and ambiance. The woodstove is a traditional example of a mass energy storage system.

One of the easiest ways to identify the heating efficiency of a building is the number and size of the icicles hanging from the roof. Insulation is often not given enough weight in the construction budget because it is hidden and seemingly mundane. However, in this era of diminishing of 'cheap energy,' I promote the "pay more now and payless later" ideology. The ceilings and walls are filled with Corbond II foam insulation. Although more costly than typical fiberglass insulation, the foam provides superior sealing and heat retention. The foam was used in all wall cavities, roof systems, and floor overhang areas to not only reduce energy consumption, but also create a quieter interior environment. Corbond II is the latest blown foam insulation that assures maximum 'R values' and, while being blown, has a lower level of harmful off gassing. By investing more money into this insulation product, the homeowner ultimately saves money by burning less propane and eliminating the need to replace molding fiberglass.