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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Brennan |
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Keystone Help: Get help improving your home energy efficiency
By state Rep. Joe Brennan
As we all look for ways to save money, I want to inform you of a newly expanded state program designed to provide special financing and rebates for making energy-efficiency improvements to your home – helping you to save energy and money down the road.
The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program helps eligible homeowners by providing special financing and rebates for ENERGY STAR-rated and high-efficiency heating, air conditioning, air sealing, insulation, windows, doors, geothermal and "whole house" improvements.
ENERGY STAR products help businesses and individuals protect the environment by promoting energy efficiency. Using appliances that have been approved by ENERGY STAR can help families and consumers save up to a third on their energy bill while reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by the same amount.
"Whole house" energy audits can be performed to assess how much energy is consumed in your home and where improvements can be made. These audits provide recommendations on how upgrading all of your appliance systems can produce a more cost-efficient and energy-efficient home.
With Keystone HELP, most Pennsylvania homeowners who meet the program's eligibility guidelines can get a low-cost loan or a rebate for energy-saving improvements installed by a Keystone HELP-approved contractor.
Eligible homeowners include those who have a combined annual income of $150,000 or less, are making qualifying improvements to their primary residence and meet the program's credit standards.
Eligible projects include installation of ENERGY STAR-rated equipment and systems such as air source heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, geothermal heat pumps, boilers and furnaces, whole house energy audits and other recommended energy improvements. Full funding can be given if at least 75 percent of the project consists of qualifying improvements.
There are two ways to apply for the Keystone HELP financing. You can call 888-AFC-FIRSTor you can visit the Web site, www.keystonehelp.com. The full list of eligible projects is available on the site.
The deadline to apply is June 30.
The program funding is just one component of a $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund created by the General Assembly last year. More programs to help businesses of all sizes and households increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs will be coming online soon. More information can be found at the state Department of Environmental Protection Web site, www.depweb.state.pa.us.