Heating and Cooling Cost Guarantee

For the past several years, groups of Indiana's Electric Cooperatives have brought energy consultants to local towns to hold seminars about home energy efficiency and comfort. The common-sense advice given at these events saves money and energy. Now REMC members can benefit by building an "Energy Smart Home." These homes are built to the specs below and have guaranteed heating and cooling costs for one year.

Requirements of and "Energy Smart Home"

To qualify for the energy Smart Home, the heating and cooling systems must be installed and sized per Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) standards. Sizing must be based on the approved load calculation plus 25 percent or 6,000 btuh, whichever is less. Heat pumps must be 13 SEER or higher. Electric water heaters must be rated at .92 or higher. No dual fuel systems will be accepted. Gas log or wood burning fireplaces are acceptable as long as they are not the primary source of heat. The following standards must be met:

  • Conditioned crawl space must be insulated at R-10 minimum and moisture barrier must be installed.
  • Basement walls are to be insulated at R-10 minimum
  • Insulation must be wet blown cellulose, sprayed foam or equivalent
  • Exterior walls should be insulated at R-19 minimum.
  • Ceiling must be insulated at R-38 minimum.
  • Exterior house wrap must be used.
  • Double-pane, Low-E windows must be used.
  • Ducts must be sealed with mastic duct sealer or equivalent. No duct tape is allowed.
  • If ducts are installed in an unconditioned space, the ducts must be insulated.
  • A blower door test will be performed and the home must test at no more than 5 air changes per hour (ACH).
  • Homes built to these specifications receive a free 50 gallon Marathon water heater that comes with a lifetime warranty (a $690 value). No other rebates apply

Daviess-Martin County REMC
P.O. Box 430 (12628 E 75 N)
Phone: (812) 295-4200 or 1-800-762-7362
Fax: (812) 295-4216
Loogootee, IN 47553