- Q. Why do I have to get an energy audit?
- Q. Where does the Efficiency Kansas loan money come from?
- Q. How much can I borrow?
- Q. How do I know if I'm eligible for Efficiency Kansas?
- Q. Can I choose anyone to audit my home?
- Q. How much does an energy audit cost?
- Q. What happens after I've had the audit?
- Q. How does the financing work?
- Q. Can I use the program and still claim federal tax credits for energy efficiency?
- Q. Why must contractor bids be final? Why no change orders?
- Q. Are energy savings guaranteed?
- Q. What if both my gas and electric utility are Partner Utilities?
- Q. What if the post-retrofit audit indicates that my home needs additional work?
- Q. What if the Partner Bank says I'm not creditworthy?
- Q. What happens when the $34 million is spent?
- Q. How long does the approval process take?
- Q. When do contractors get paid?
- Q. Instead of hiring contractors, can I do my own work?
Q. Why do I have to get an energy audit?
A. The energy audit ensures that the improvements you make are not only appropriate for your home, but are also cost-effective. The Efficiency Kansas energy audit is a thorough inspection by a building science professional, trained to analyze your home’s energy use and energy loss. The information acquired during the audit not only allows the auditor to identify improvements that will generate enough estimated energy (and dollar) savings to cover the cost over the term of the loan (15 years or less).
Q. Where does the Efficiency Kansas loan money come from?
A. The revolving loan fund was originally established by the Energy Division at the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), using $37 million in federal funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Because Recovery Act funds needed to be fully expended by April 1, 2012, the decision was made to reallocate the bulk of the funding to other projects. The Energy Division remains committed to the original objectives of Efficiency Kansas and is seeking additional funding.
Q. How much can I borrow?
A. For approved energy-efficiency improvements in residential structures, the maximum loan is $20,000 and $30,000 for small businesses. However, we expect many projects will be under $10,000.
Q. How do I know if I'm eligible for Efficiency Kansas?
A. All Kansas residents may participate in the program, provided (1) their home or small business is located within the state of Kansas, (2) they are deemed creditworthy by participating utilities or banks, and (3) the home is in need of energy conservation and efficiency improvements (proposed improvements must meet program guidelines).
Q. Can I choose anyone to audit my home?
A. No, you must use one of the auditors listed on our website, who have been qualified to perform audits for Efficiency Kansas.
Q. How much does an energy audit cost?
A. The cost of an energy audit will vary based on the different market conditions across the state. Promotional programs expire on October 1, 2011. The auditor fees can be rolled into the loan.
Q. What happens after I've had the audit?
A. The energy auditor provides you with a detailed report–essentially a diagnosis of the current status of your home or small business, along with a prescription for improving its energy efficiency and safety. We call this the Energy Conservation Plan, and it will include a prioritized list of recommended upgrades, beginning with the one that will produce the greatest savings. You might choose not to do everything recommened, but to be approved for Effciency Kansas finaning, your project must include items in the order prescribed. After discussing the plan with the auditor, you decide on the scope of the project, and get bids from contractors (the plan also includes bid packages with specifications for each part of your project). The audit findings will be valid for one year.
Q. How does the financing work?
A. Eligible Kansans will have two ways to access the Efficiency Kansas financing–through our partner lenders or utilities. Lenders throughout the state offer Efficiency Kansas loans. For Kansans whose electric and/or natural gas utility is an Efficiency Kansas partner, the improvements can be financed through the utility (with loan payments made on the utility bill).
Loans are processed on a first-come, first-served basis are and subject to funding availability.
Q. Can I use the program and still claim federal tax credits for energy efficiency?
A. Yes. Participating in Efficiency Kansas does not disqualify you from participating in the federal tax credits.
Q. Why must contractor bids be final? Why no change orders?
A. Final bids are necessary to ensure that project costs can be covered by the estimated savings. Without this information, KCC Energy Division staff will not be able to approve the project for financing. Any costs in excess of the bids will not be covered by Efficiency Kansas and are the customer's responsibility.
Q. Are energy savings guaranteed?
A. No. Energy savings are estimated based on a detailed analysis of your home or small business. Many other factors can affect your utility bill, including lifestyle changes, new electronics, and changes in utility rates.
Q. What if both my gas and electric utility are Partner Utilities?
A. Utility customers can only use one utility to access Efficiency Kansas financing; you can't apply for financing through both your natural gas and electric utility.
Q. What if the post-retrofit audit indicates that my home needs additional work?
A. Energy auditors are trained to verify that the improvements were properly installed. In the unlikely event the improvements were not installed properly and additional work is necessary, the auditor will provide the customer detailed information about the errors so the customer can have this corrected by their contractors. None of this additional work will be financed by the Efficiency Kansas loan program.
Q. What if the Partner Bank says I'm not creditworthy?
A. If your utility provider is an Efficiency Kansas partner, you may be eligible for their program. You may also be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program, operated by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
Q. What happens when the Recovery Act money is spent?
A. Because Efficiency Kansas is a revolving loan program, as principal payments are received, the fund replenishes and money can be loaned out again.
Q. How long does the approval process take?
A. The KCC Energy Division will do its part to ensure that the process is smooth and efficient. In order to ensure accurate savings projections, each audit is thoroughly examined by Efficiency Kansas staff, and revisions may be required.
Q. When do contractors get paid?
A. This will vary based on the customer's agreement with the partner lender or utility. Contractors should inquire about a payment schedule prior to beginning work.
Q. Instead of hiring contractors, can I do my own work?
A. You may be able to purchase and install some of the materials in your Efficiency Kansas project, though certain rules and regulations apply. If you are interested in doing some of the work yourself, you should inform your energy auditor when making arrangements for the audit. See Program Manual for more details.
