Description

The Keystone HELP Program is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency with special financing for high-efficiency heating, air conditioning, insulation, windows, doors, 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. The EnergyWorks Efficiency Loan Program is a special offshoot of Keystone HELP which offers special, lower interest rates to qualifying homeowners in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

Pennsylvania homeowners who own and make qualifying improvements to their one- or two-unit primary residence located within the eligible counties, and whose combined annual household income does not exceed $250,000 are eligible to apply for loans under this program. 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 for energy efficiency improvements:

• Energy Improvements with Air Sealing (CAPP) Loans (unsecured) are for heating, cooling, insulation and other Energy Star qualified improvements that are part of a comprehensive project of blower door directed air sealing and other energy saving measures recommended by a BPI-certified contractor. The loan range is $1,000 – $15,000 with a fixed interest rate of 0.99% on a 3, 5, or 10 year loan term. For home assessments there is also a promotional rate of $150 (a $250 savings) and a further $50 rebate is available if $1,000 or more in energy improvements are made.
• 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 5.99% (fixed). The term options are 3, 5 or 10 years. Note: Cooling and windows are not eligible for the EnergyWorks 5.99% rate, but are eligible for the 8.99% rate under the statewide Keystone HELP program.
• 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 4.99% (fixed). The term options are 3, 5 or 10 years. Note: Cooling is not eligible for the EnergyWorks 4.99% rate, but is eligible for the 7.99% rate under the statewide Keystone HELP program.

Prospective participants should note that each loan offering has distinct list of eligible energy efficiency improvement measures and equipment standards. All loans are unsecured and do not carry any penalties for pre-payment. Residents who qualify for the loans described above also qualify of other loan offerings through the general, Statewide Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan Program. Please see the program web site listed at the top of this page for additional program details.