Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program

August 07, 2009

Summary

The Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency with special financing and rebates for high-efficiency heating, air conditioning, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and “whole house” improvements. Principally supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Keystone HELP program is administered by AFC First Financial Corporation, a Pennsylvania energy efficiency lender. Pennsylvania homeowners who own and make qualifying improvements to their one- or two-unit primary residence located in the state and whose combined annual household income does not exceed $150,000 are eligible to apply for loans and rebates under this program. Eligible applicants may receive only one rebate or loan during each fiscal year, but they may apply for additional rebates or loans in future years, as long as the additional projects comply with the published guidelines current at the time of application. Rebates are available only for projects completed after February 23, 2009. Loans are available only for projects initiated after February 23, 2009. All installed equipment and material must be new, and work must be performed by a qualifying contractor. A list of qualifying contractors is available on the program web site. The following types of loans are available:

• Energy Star Loans (unsecured) are for the installation of qualifying Energy Star improvements or other improvements that meet program criteria. The loan range is $1,000 - $15,000. The rate is 6.99% (fixed). The term options are 3, 5 or 10 years.
• Advanced Performance Energy Star Loans (unsecured) are for the installation of qualifying improvements that exceed Energy Star standards. The loan range is $1,000 - $15,000. The rate is 5.99% (fixed). The term options are 3, 5 or 10 years.
• Renovate and Repair Energy Star Loans (secured) are for the installation of qualifying improvements that meet Energy Star standards or improvements that meet program criteria. The loan range is $15,000 - $35,000. The rate range is 6.375% - 8.875% (fixed). The term options are 10, 15 or 20 years. (Renovate and Repair Energy Star Loans may be available to homeowners whose income exceeds $150,000.)
• Whole House Improvement Loans (unsecured) are for improvements that make a whole house more energy-efficient, as recommended by an approved energy auditor. The loan range is $1,000 - $15,000. The rate is 4.99% (fixed). The term options are 3, 5 or 10 years.
• Whole House Improvement Loans (secured) are for improvements that make a whole house more energy-efficient, as recommended by an approved energy auditor. The loan range is $5,000 - $35,000. The rate range is 3.875% - 6.375% (fixed). The term options are 10, 15 or 20 years. Whole House Improvement Loans are available for qualifying improvements determined by a comprehensive "whole house" energy audit conducted by a qualifying auditor and the recommended energy improvements presented by the auditor. A post-construction audit is also conducted. Eligible applicants will receive $325 towards the cost of the energy audit from Keystone HELP upon completion of the post-construction audit.

The following types of rebates are available:

• Energy Star Rebates are for the installation of qualifying Energy Star improvements or other improvements that meet program standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $250.
• Advanced Performance Energy Star Rebates are for the installation of qualifying improvements that exceed Energy Star standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $500.

Energy Star Loans and Energy Star rebates are available for the following Energy Star products: air-source heat pumps, central air conditioners, boilers (all fuels), furnaces (all fuels), water heaters, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, ventilating fans, windows and doors. In addition, efficient air sealing and insulation measures are generally eligible. Advanced Performance Energy Star Loans and Rebates are generally available for efficient air-source heat pumps, central air conditioning split systems, central air conditioning package systems, boilers (all fuels), furnaces (all fuels), "alternative energy heating and cooling equipment systems” (excluding solar technologies), closed-loop geothermal heat pumps, air sealing and insulation. For more information, see the program guidelines.