On a military base in east-central Alaska — where the average winter temperature is 16° F with lows that fall well below minus 50° at times — dependable, low-maintenance winter heating systems are critical for the active-duty military families and Department of Defense civilians who live on the military post.

Built more than 30 years ago on the western shores of Puget Sound, a 15,000 square foot custom-built home sits picturesquely at the tip of a cove.