Pennsylvania Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Pennsylvania's Special Loan Program for Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Financing for ENERGY STAR qualified and high efficiency home improvements and "whole-house" improvements with a Certified Energy Audit - only for work performed by an Approved Contractor

With the Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan Program, most Pennsylvania homeowners who meet the program's eligibility guidelines can get a low cost loan for energy-saving eligible impovements installed by a Keystone HELP Approved Contractor.

- Heating & Cooling
- Windows & Doors
- Air Sealing & Insulation
- Whole House Energy Improvements (Recommended by a Certified Energy Audit)
- Other Qualifying Improvements

Who Can Perform the Work?

Only Keystone HELP Approved Contractors may perform work under the program.  Keystone HELP Approved Contractors are also apporved to perform work for all other AFC First EnergyLoan residential and commercial financing programs.

Approved Contractors have been reviewed for financial and ethical stability and are currently authorized to perform work under all loan programs except the "Whole House Improvement Loan" programs.

Trained Contractors are Approved Contractors who are not BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified or accredited but have undergone additional training on building science and "Whole House" energy improvements (including RESNET certification or satisfactory completion of the Keystone HELP sponsored "Home Performance 101" course) and are currently authorized to perform work under all loan programs.  If they are performing work under the "Whole House Improvement Loan" program, they must be working under a Certified Auditor who provides on-site oversight of their work.

Certified Contractors are Approved Contractors who have acheived BPI (Building Performance Institute) certification or accreditation.  BPI is the nationally recognized designation for building and energy professionals who have undergone rigorous training on "Whole House" energy improvements.  Certified Contractors are authorized to perform work under all loan programs.

Certified Auditors are Approved Contractors certified by both BPI (Building Performance Institute) and RESNET to conduct home energy audits AND must have a HERS rater number, be operating under a HERS provider, or be an approved audit provider under the PA Home Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.  You must have an audit performed by a Certified Auditor to utilize the "Whole Home Improvement Loan" Program. Certified Auditors may work independently from your contractor or they may be Certified Contractors who have also met the qualifications to perform as Certified Auditors

Who is Eligible?

Pennsylvania Homeowners who:

- Own and are making qualifying improvements to their primary residence located in Pennsylvania and;
- Whose combined annual household income is $150,000 or less are eligible to apply for a loan under the Keystone HELP program. Other financing programs may be available for homeowners whose income exceeds $150,000 - please contact us for details
- Improvements must be made to 1 to 2 under owner-occupied dwellings.  Work under the secured "Whole House Improvement Loan" or Renovate and Repair ENERGY STAR Loan programs must be done on a 1-2 unit owner occupied, deeded property.

In addition, applicats applying for financing under the Keystone HELP program, must meet the credit eligibilty standards of the program.

What Improvements are Eligible?

This is a summary of eligible improvements. A complete list with detailed installation specifications can be obtained at keystonehelp.com or by called (888) 232-3477.  Loans are available only for projects iniated after the programs effective date of February 23, 2009. All work can be financed is at least 75% of the project consists of qualifying improvements as follows:

ENERGY STAR Eligible Improvements - Work under this category may be performed by an Approved Contractor, Trained Contractor, or a Certified Contractor

ENERGY STAR Air Source Heat Pumps
ENERGY STAR Central AC Systems
ENERGY STAR Boilers (All Fuels), ENERGY STAR Furnaces (All Fuels) - Must be ENERGY STAR certified except for indoor solid fuel burning furnaces (wood, coal, etc.) which must have a minimum 78% AFUE
ENERGY STAR Water Heaters
ENERGY STAR Windows/Doors
Air Sealing and Insulation
ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fans
ENERGY STAR Programmable Thermostats
ENERGY STAR Ventilating Fans

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE Eligible Improvements - Work under this category may be performed Approved Contractor, Trained Contractor, or a Certified Contractor. Improvements under this category must be both Energy Star rated (except insulation) and also meet the Advanced Performance standards of the program. See additional specifications for Alternative Energy Equipment at keystonehelp.com.

Air Source Heat Pump - SEER >= 15.0, EER >= 13.0, HSPF >= 9.0
Central AC System Split Systems - SEER >= 15.0, EER >= 21.5
Central AC Package Systems - SEER >= 14.0, EER >= 12.0
Boilers (All Fuels) - AFUE >= 95
Furnaces (All Fuels) - AFUE >= 95
Geothermal Heat Pumps - CLOSED LOOP GEO-EXCHANGE SYSTEMS ONLY, EER >= 14.1, COP >= 3.3
Air Sealing and Insulation
Alternative Energy Heating and Cooling Equipment or Systems - Excluding solar technologies

WHOLE HOUSE IMPROVEMENT With Certified Energy Audit - Work under this category must be performed by a Certified Contractor, or a Trained Contractor under the on-site oversight of a Certified Auditor

Qualifying Improvements consist of the comprehensive "Whole House" energy audit conducted by a Certified Auditor AND the recommended energy improvements presented by the Certified Auditor as a result of the audit.  Minimum predicted energy savings of 15% to 25% are required, depending on your home's energy profile.

Keystone HELP, principally supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Treasury Department, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, now has lower rates and expanded programs as a result of the Commonwealth's Alternative Energy Investment Fund Act (Act 1). Keystone HELP is administered by ARF First Financial Corporation, a Pennsylvania energy efficiency lender.

Please visit www.keystonehelp.com for complete program information and guidelines

Keystone HELP Approved Contractors are also approved to perform work for all other AFC First EnergyLoan residential and commercial financing programs