A statewide effort has begun to help Kansans save energy and reduce the costs of heating their homes.
According to an announcement from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the new program will allow homeowners to obtain low-interest loans to purchase energy-efficient heating systems and make other home improvements to conserve energy.
The Kansas Energy Efficiency Program (KEEP) eliminates income requirements, which allows more families to participate.
“KEEP is a great way to keep utility costs down, conserve energy and stay warm over the winter,” said Christine Reimler, KHRC’s home ownership manager.
No interest is charged on the KEEP portions of the loans, Reimler said. The blended interest rate between the bank’s charge and the program’s free interest can lower the normal loan rate appreciably.
The agency also has increased the maximum loan amount that can be received by homeowners. KHRC’s interest-free portion can be half of the loan, up to a maximum of $10,000. Sunflower Bank finances the remainder of the loan, and also determines the total loan amount.
The KEEP program has been funded up to $2 million as part of Governor Sebelius’ Warm Homes Project.
Home improvements that will be allowed include:
- Installing specified “Energy Star” propane furnaces, central air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters and ventilation systems.
- Installing wall and floor insulation, new storm doors and windows, and weather-stripping.
- Air sealing, duct work and the purchase of certain Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, dish washers and programmable thermostats.
For more information about KEEP, call Sunflower Bank at (888) 827-5564 or visit the bank’s Web site, www.sunflowerbank.com.
Certain restrictions apply to KEEP improvements, and those details are on the Web site.