Why build a Touchstone Energy Home?

Firelands Electric Cooperative has always placed a high priority on energy efficiency. Right now, energy prices are on everyone’s minds, and rightly so. Would it be great to have a way to reduce the energy costs of your new home and be comfortable as well? You can do that by building to Touchstone Energy Home standards.

And if you build a Touchstone Energy Home, your home can meet ENERGY STAR® guidelines as well. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. A home that earns the ENERGY STAR is significantly more efficient than a standard home.

Touchstone Energy Home Features

• Greater comfort
• Energy efficient heating and cooling equipment
• Efficient building practices and materials
• Low operating costs
• Clean, safe and comfortable environment

Touchstone Energy Home Benefits:

Homeowner/Member -

• Member has a home that is:
  • Well insulated and sealed
  • More durable and comfortable
  • Cleaner and safer
  • More energy efficient, resulting in lower energy costs
• Consider the total cost of home ownership, which includes mortgage and energy
• Lower energy costs means Touchstone Energy Home owners can better afford their new home
• 2-year heating and cooling cost guarantee from Firelands Electric Cooperative (FEC)
• Qualify for FEC load management program rebates and incentives - currently as much as $900
• Touchstone Energy Home owners also receive a $1,000 TSE Home rebate to new homes that meet the TSE Home certification standards and pass the final TSE Home inspection.

Builder/Contractor -

• Receives free training on the Touchstone Energy Home and Energy Star home program specifications, standards and practices
• Listed as an Authorized Contractor to build, insulate, and install heating/cooling systems in certified Touchstone Energy Homes
• Being an authorized Touchstone Energy Home contractor allows builders to differentiate themselves
• Touchstone Energy Home contractors are promoted to FEC members
• Receives blueprint review, two on-site inspections, blower door and duct leakage tests by a third-party certified HERS rater at no cost to the builder
• Receives Touchstone Energy Home / Energy Starhome certifications
• Builders meeting Energy Star 5-star standards can qualify for an Energy Star® IRS Tax Credit in 2009.

The Cooperative -

• Promotes energy efficiency
• Offers a tangible value to members
• Builds partnerships and alliances with local builders and contractors
• Demonstrates commitment to community
• Strengthens the Energy Advisor position

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