Energy.gov

Kentucky offers ENERGY STAR Home Performance rebates and loans for residential energy efficiency improvements meant to meet the need for incentives and financing to middle or upper income residents not served by the Weatherization Assistance Programs. The program gives rebates for certified contractors to evaluate homes and allow owners to decide which improvements should be made. Homeowners can receive rebates of the following amounts instead of loans: Whole-house-test: $150; Home-Owner Energy Efficient Improvements: 25% of cost; Contractor Incentives: 80% of training or equipment cost for becoming a Kentucky Home Performance contractors.

First, participants fill out the free online self assessment, then apply for the onsite test. Minimum standards for participants' homes include air sealing, carbon monoxide detectors, and insulation (ceiling to R-38 if currently below R-19; floor to R-19 if below R-11). Other qualifying improvements like HVAC and gas heating equipment can be added to these envelope improvements, and unspecified improvements like electrical and indoor air quality improvements can be included if approved by program contractors. The whole-house-test and free evaluation must be performed by a participating KY Home Performance BPI-certified (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst. All equipment must be ENERGY STAR listed.

For homeowners that do not have the up-front funds for improvements, below market 6.99% loans are available for up to ten years and $20,000. 100% of the work can be financed as long as 85% of work is for qualifying home improvements. The unsecured loans (minimum credits score of 640) are offered in lieu of rebates to single family dwelling participating in the KY Home Performance program.