Stylish and Sustainable

The couple incorporated two spacious screened-in porches, where they can sit in the evenings and use the refreshing ocean breezes, instead of the central air, to keep them comfortable. "I always get sad when I have to turn the air-conditioning on," says John.

At least their quiet and energy-efficient Lennox AC unit is supplemented with Hampton Bay ceiling fans designed by the Florida Solar Energy Center that are 40 percent more energy-efficient than conventional fans.