Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. presented an award Friday (3/21) to Blair Custom Homes Inc. of Bethlehem to mark the completion of its 1,000th all-electric home.

William Blair began building homes 40 years ago in Atlantic City, N.J. Since moving to the Lehigh Valley 35 years ago, the family- run home construction business has continued to grow and prosper while building mostly all-electric homes. William Blair is now chief executive officer and his son, John, is company president.

"Blair Custom Homes has been a strong supporter of electric heating and cooling systems, quality construction and home energy efficiency for many years," said Robert A. Boyer, manager of the new construction market segment for PP&L.

He said it is fitting that Blair's 1,000th all-electric home is in Allentown's Springwood Hills development, which is the Lehigh Valley's first residential development to offer lots with heat-exchange loops for geothermal heating and cooling systems already installed.

"Geothermal systems represent the latest advancements in clean and efficient electric heating and cooling technology, which Blair Custom Homes has long supported," Boyer said.

"I have always been sold on electric heat," said William Blair. "It is clean. It is efficient. With heat pumps, your installation costs are less because you don't have separate systems for heating and air conditioning."

Blair Custom Homes was one of the first area builders to focus on energy efficiency in new home construction. Since 1993, the Lehigh Valley Home Builders Association has given an award for excellence in energy efficiency. Blair has won the award every year.

"We believe in energy efficiency because it's the right way to build a home," William Blair said. "We test every home we build for air leaks. We also make sure the home has good indoor air quality. We deliver the most energy-efficient and healthiest home a customer can buy."

Energy-efficient homes have lower operating costs and higher resale value, he noted. They also may qualify home buyers for more mortgage money.

"Blair Custom Homes has been satisfying Lehigh Valley home buyers for decades because of its focus on the customer's needs," Boyer said. "The completion of its 1,000th all-electric home is proof of the Blairs' success. PP&L is proud to honor them on this occasion."