Elevated Living Meets Small-Town Charm with Upscale Amenities and Boutique Retail

ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DDB Capital Fund, LLC (“DDB Capital”), a leading real estate investment fund located in the Southeast, has secured 124 acres in Athens, Alabama. Known for its rich history, strong community values, and steady growth, Athens offers an exceptional quality of life while preserving its local heritage.

This development aligns with DDB Capital’s mission to introduce “higher living,” creating lasting value for families and strong returns for our fund’s investors. Athens boasts a thriving local economy, top-ranked schools, and a vibrant downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an increasingly desirable destination for homebuyers.

The community plans to feature 300 single-family homes, along with a resort-style pool, gym, pickleball courts, and green spaces. The development features retail spaces and a walking path, fostering a seamlessly integrated community.

Overview

• Location: 14477 Cambridge Lane, Athens, AL 35613
• Development Size: 124 acres
• Residential Units: 300 lots featuring custom-built and move-in-ready homes
• Retail: Curated boutique retail in a village-style setting
• Recreational Amenities: Pickleball courts, pool, gym, green spaces, walking trails
• Timeline: Development begins immediately, with home sales anticipated by mid-2026

About DDB Capital

Our mission is to drive innovation in real estate development while fostering thriving communities and sustainable growth. We are committed to delivering transformative developments that create lasting value for both investors and residents across the Southeast. For more information, visit www.ddbcapital.com.

SOURCE DDB Capital

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(Family Features) If your home uses a conventional heating and cooling system, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage indoor comfort. Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.

All-climate heat pumps are the next generation of heat pump technology built for peak performance, regardless of the outdoor temperature. From the personalized comfort all-climate heat pumps deliver to the energy savings realized, it’s no wonder more homeowners are considering going all-in on all-climate.

If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, read on for some of the benefits of all-climate heat pumps.

Personalized Comfort
Ductless, multi-zone, all-climate heat pump systems are designed to deliver personalized, room-to-room temperature control tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional ducted unitary systems, which typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis, ductless multi-zone solutions provide individualized climate settings for each space. Whether you prefer a warmer living room or a cooler bedroom, the flexibility to adjust each zone offers unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency.

Efficiency
According to a survey of U.S. homeowners commissioned by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), 93% of homeowners surveyed with conventional HVAC systems reported concerns about utility bills. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed also consider energy efficiency always or often when considering home improvements.

Conventional heating and cooling systems run at full capacity to reach set point and then shut off. The start-stop action ultimately wastes energy. With variable-capacity capabilities and inverter-driven technology, all-climate heat pumps can adjust and maintain temperatures, lessening your home’s overall energy demand and driving down cost.

Cost Savings
The cost savings provided by efficient energy usage are evident. Additionally, some states offer rebates for new HVAC systems, and many contractors offer financing options, which make the upfront cost of an all-climate heat pump installation more affordable.

Reliability is another cost-saving factor. All-climate heat pumps are purpose-built with durable materials to perform well in all kinds of weather.

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“We continue to educate homeowners about the advantages all-climate heat pumps have over conventional HVAC systems,” said Mark Kuntz, Chief Executive Officer, METUS. “As homeowners become more knowledgeable about the numerous benefits, including personalized comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings, we believe they will increasingly install these next-generation systems in their homes.”

Learn more about how you can better manage your home’s indoor comfort with all-climate heat pump technology by visiting mitsubishicomfort.com.

SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric

(Family Features) Homeowners may not realize it, but one compound impacts their lives nearly every day: refrigerant. Capable of transforming from liquid to gas and back again, it absorbs and transfers heat as a key part of air conditioning and heat pump systems that keep you comfortable no matter the weather.

As part of your air conditioner or heat pump system, it helps transfer heat and humidity out of your home for cooling or draws heat from outdoor air and brings it inside for heating. However, while concerns about climate change heat up, government leaders are enacting policies that enforce greater control over the anticipated global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is limiting the GWP of refrigerants in equipment starting in 2025. At the same time, the EPA is implementing a phasedown on the supply of existing, higher GWP refrigerants.

The changes include a phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants commonly used in home air conditioning and refrigeration, introduction of alternative refrigerants with lower GWP that maintain efficiency and requiring manufacturers to comply with new standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Despite these policy updates, you may not necessarily need a new air conditioner or heat pump. Here’s what homeowners need to know, courtesy of the experts at Carrier, a world leader in high-technology heating, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions:

Environmental Awareness and the Impact on Existing Home Systems
Transitioning away from high-GWP refrigerants contributes positively toward reducing your carbon footprint. These anticipated changes aim not only at reducing environmental impact but also at promoting technological advancements in heating and cooling solutions that benefit both consumers and the planet over time. If you have an existing system using older refrigerants like R-22 or R-410A, it can still be serviced; however, it’s possible repair costs may increase due to reduced availability.

Maintenance and Servicing
Regular maintenance becomes more crucial as systems age. Ensure your HVAC technician is knowledgeable about the new requirements and safely handling different types of refrigerants.

Considerations for New Purchases
When purchasing a new air conditioner or heat pump, be sure to check for energy efficiency ratings that align with the updated regulations and look for models using low-GWP refrigerants. For example, Puron Advance from Carrier will replace existing refrigerants in all its residential ducted and ductless and light commercial products. This innovative refrigerant, also known as R-454B, not only meets the EPA’s anticipated GWP limits for refrigerants but exceeds the new requirements with a GWP of 466, a 75% reduction compared to R-410A.

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Incentives and Rebates
If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner or heat pump, keep an eye out for government incentives or rebates aimed at encouraging homeowners to upgrade their systems in compliance with new standards.

Consult Professionals
Owning a home is a lot of work on its own, and EPA regulations on your cooling and heating systems may be the furthest thing from your mind. If you believe you’re due for service or a new system, engage HVAC professionals – like the trusted experts at Carrier – who are up to date on regulatory changes. Always check local regulations for specific details applicable in your area since policies can vary by region beyond federal guidelines.

To find more information on the changes or connect with an HVAC professional, visit Carrier.com/Residential.

SOURCE:
Carrier