Pa. offers lower-rate energy loans

Pennsylvania is offering rates as low as 2.99 percent on loans to homeowners who make energy-saving improvements.

The program through the State Treasury and the State Department of Environmental Protection has various loan offerings, including one of as much as $15,000, at 2.99 percent interest, for terms up to 10 years.

A home energy audit must be completed first, the state said, before money can be borrowed for such improvements as installation of insulation or Energy Star heating and cooling equipment.

The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program Keystone has helped more than 7,000 homeowners finance more than $45 million in money-saving home improvements.

For more information, go to www.keystonehelp.com or call AFC First, the program administrator, at 1-888-232-3477.    - Inquirer staff