ARCOLA - Going green is rapidly catching on.

A one-level, 2,500-square-foot home, with two bedrooms and a two-car garage, is under construction on the outskirts of Arcola as one of the most modern energy-efficient homes.

It's also Don and Shirley Dallmier's retirement home.

Special solar windows line the front family room area to reflect the radiant energy from the sun, and in the winter, the windows radiate energy back into the house.

A heat-saving glass door covering the fireplace in the family room helps keep the air from escaping.

Most importantly, a geothermal heating and cooling system has been installed in the house.

"My son, Carib Martin, is an architect and designed the home with its unique features to be energy-efficient, and it's not costing us any more than having one of those cookie-cutter houses," said Shirley Dallmier, while walking around her new home, which will cost just under $200,000.

On Saturday, people flocked to the Dallmiers' home to take a tour and look at the GeoComfort geothermal system.

It also was an opportunity for two electric cooperatives - Eastern Illini Electric and Coles-Moultrie - to show members in their respective areas on how to be more energy-sufficient and save money on their utility costs.

"We are looking to educate people on ways they can be energy-efficient, especially with new homes and renovations," said Pat Gallahue of Eastern Illini Electric.

Nearly 700 geothermal systems have been installed in homes of members who belong to the co-op, he said.

"Everyone wants to go green, and the geothermal systems are definitely a part of green," said Chris Smith with GeoComfort, based in Greenville and distributor of the systems.

The four-part system includes: a 4-ton square unit, a 50-gallon buffer tank and hot water tank and either a vertical or horizontal polybutylene loop pipe tubing that is placed in the ground and connected to the geothermal unit.

Picture the system operating like a refrigerator.

Water runs through the loop tube that is about 180 feet underground and goes back into the system, becoming cooler or warmer based on the temperature of the ground. The earth's natural energy is free.

"You're looking at having an average bill of $37 to $40 a month, or average of $425 a year," Smith said.

Dennis Ray, marketing specialist with Coles-Moultrie cooperative, said they have been promoting energy-efficiency and geothermal systems for 14 years.

"It's hard to get the word out about the new technology; in today's market, this is the best heating and cooling system," Ray said in about helping showcase the geothermal system near Arcola.

He said the systems are used in residential homes and commercially - Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Lincoln Springs Resort and Lake Land College have them.

However, the geothermal system's installation costs are higher than traditional systems; how much depends on the type of system and the home where it will be installed.

"Energy has been a hot topic over the last two years," Gallahue said. "People have the idea that this is a very expensive system, but you can break even on it in five to seven years."

Besides the geothermal system, the Dallmier's home is having the latest cellulose insulation made from recycled paper installed.

"This energy-efficient insulation doesn't allow air to go through," said Robert High with Olmsted Bros., an installation company in Charleston, who used a model to demonstrate.

Howard Helmuth of Helmuth Builders in Arthur installed high-efficiency garage doors. The doors are important part of keeping the garage insulated, he said.

Gallahue noted that financial institutions are providing loans for these energy-efficient homes.

Steve and Joy Feller, who live outside Tuscola, strolled through the Dallmiers' home.

They have a home that was built in 1965.

"We already put in energy-efficient appliances, use our wood fireplace to offset costs, but we still need to replace our (heating and cooling) unit," said Joy Feller, who seemed impressed by the geothermal system.

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.