Being ‘green’ just got a little easier

One of the requirements of Keystone HELP® is that the homeowner must use an approved contractor. To be approved, a contractor must complete a training and be certified by the program.

Loan amounts, interest rates and terms vary based on the type of improvements being made. An unsecured loan to install improvements that are ENERGY STAR® rated can range from $1,000 to $15,000. On the other end of the spectrum, a secured whole house improvement loan (for improvements that make your entire home more energy efficient as recommended by a certified energy audit) can range from $5,000 to $35,000. Homeowners can only receive one loan per year and there is no limit on future applications.

Keystone HELP makes it easy for homeowners to take advantage of the program. You can apply online or call 1-888-232-3477. I was also surprised by how easy it was to find an approved contractor. I entered my zip code and the list was quickly sorted. The amount of contractors that were available within a 15-mile radius was astounding.

So Kermit, it looks like you have to come up with a new catch phrase. “Green” may very well be the “new black.”

Years ago, Kermit the Frog coined the phrase “It’s not easy being green”. Sorry Kermit, but times they are a changing. Pennsylvania has taken many steps to help make “being green” a little easier. One of the new programs, Keystone HELP, provides low interest loans to eligible homeowners to make qualified improvements to their homes to increase energy efficiency. To be eligible you must own a home in Pennsylvania with a household income of $150,000 or less. Qualified improvements are ENERGY STAR® rated or higher.