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Georgia: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Loan Program


|    Loan Features   |    Current Interest Rates   |
|    Eligible Measures   |    How to Apply   |

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Loan Program
Southface Energy Institute
is offering a loan program to help customers finance qualified energy efficient improvements to enhance the energy performance, durability, healthiness, and safety of their home. This program is currently available in the Atlanta area only.

Energy Finance Solutions is offering a loan program to Georgia homeowners. Homeowners in the Atlanta area may finance a number of energy efficient improvements for their home.




Loan Features

Key features of an EFS loan:

  • Residential owner-occupied single-family and duplex homes
  • Unsecured loan (homeowner provides no collateral)
  • Borrowers can finance $2,500 - $20,000
  • Fixed rate loan terms available: 3, 5, 7 and 10 years
  • No fees, points, or closing costs
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Can finance 100% of installation costs
  • Quick approval process - usually 30 minutes or less
Only approved certified contractors who have completed a special training course through Southface Energy Institute are eligible to perform the installation under this program. For a list of approved contractors please check the contractor search page.

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Current Interest Rates

Credit Score Interest Rate Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
640 - 679 16.99% 16.99%
680 - 719 15.99% 15.99%
720+ 14.49% 14.49%
Note: Rates subject to change weekly.

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Eligible Measures

The Southface Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Loan Program is designed to promote the installation of high efficiency measures, making your home more comfortable, durable, safe and energy efficient. Therefore, all measures to be installed must meet minimum efficiency requirements to be eligible for financing.

The following list provides you with the efficiency requirements of all measures eligible for financing. In addition, any measure type from this list that meets ENERGY STAR standards qualifies for financing.

At any time throughout the application process you may call 1.800.583.5869 for assistance.

A) Heating & Cooling Systems
Any costs associated with the installation of the below measures (such as duct work, grills, diffusers, chimney liners, air cleaners, furnace humidifiers, thermostats, and service contracts or warranties) are also eligible for financing.

When fuel switching to natural gas, any associated costs (such as gas main extensions, service laterals, and piping, or removal of existing oil tank) are eligible for financing if high efficiency heating system is installed.

When a heating system is replaced, asbestos abatement or electrical service upgrades necessary to install the new heating unit may be financed.

Service contracts or extended warranties also qualify.

Heating System Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements
Furnace: Natural Gas or LP AFUE 90%
Furnace: Fuel Oil AFUE 84%
Boiler: Hot water or Steam AFUE 80%
Air Source Heat Pump (electric) SEER 10/HSPF 6.8
Air Source Heat Pump (gas-fired) 1.2 COP (h)/1.25 COP (c)
Central Air Conditioner 11 SEER
Room Air Conditioner 10 EER
Whole House Fans Positive air-tight damper on fan

B) Water Heater & Water Conservation
Any costs associated with the installation of a water heater (such as a chimney liner, electric work, or service contracts or warranties) are eligible for financing.

When fuel switching to natural gas, any associated costs (such as gas main extensions, service laterals, and piping) are eligible for financing if a qualifying water heater is installed.

Water Heating System Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements
Natural Gas Water Heaters .58 EF
Electric Water Heaters .90 EF
Oil Tank .60 EF
Indirect-Fired Tank UL Approved
Solar Solar Rating Certification Corp. Certified
Wood Per-Heat Installed to National Plumbing Code
Heat Pump Water Heaters 2.5 COP

C) Building Shell

Building Shell Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements
Insulation (attic, wall, floor, band joist, basement, crawl space) No minimum efficiency requirement
Air Sealing and Duct Sealing Conducted by professional with blower door
Replacement Windows or Glazing ENERGY STAR qualified
(U-value of .35 or less)
Moveable window Insulation R-3
Exterior Doors R-4.4

D) Appliance & Lighting

Appliance Type Minimum Efficiency Requirements
Refrigerator and Clothes Washer All ENERGY STAR models qualify
Heating Recovery Ventilator No minimum efficiency requirement
Heating Recovery Ventilator No minimum efficiency requirement
Ventilation Fans Energy efficient "bath" fan (<45 watts),
centrally-ducted fan system,
or kitchen hood
Photovoltaic systems Components UL listed, or if grid-connected, installed compliant with IEEE standard
Lighting Fixtures Installed in accordance with local &
national codes & standards. ENERGY
STAR qualified for compact fluorescent, or electronic ballast for fluorsecent tubes

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How to Apply

Before you select one of the four options below please download the document, "7 Easy Steps." 7 Easy Steps is a simple step by step instruction guide designed to assist you through the loan process.

Please note: Any homeowner with a credit history involving a foreclosure, bankruptcy, or repossession in the past 7 years will be ineligible for this loan.

At any time throughout the application process you may call 1.877.923.2665 for assistance.

A) Print the application

Click here to download the credit application. Please note the credit application is not a contract for a loan nor does it lock you into any commitment with a contractor. The credit application will allow us to proceed with your request for a loan to finance your improvement(s).

B) Request an application packet by mail

You may request an application packet by mail by calling 1.877.923.2665.

C) Apply online

If you have an accepted bid from an approved contractor and are ready to submit a full application or you have already been pre-approved and would like to complete the application - you can fill out the credit application online.

If you apply online, a loan representative will contact you within a few hours to inform you of the loan decision. You will also be notified by mail.

D) Apply by phone

You may call 1.877.923.2665 to obtain a pre-approval by phone.

In order to fully process your loan, you will need to mail or fax the following information in addition to the Credit Application:

  • Copy of contractor's bid for the eligible home improvements. (The bid needs to be signed by the contractor and homeowner, list the eligible improvements, and indicate the total cost.)
  • If your loan is over $4,000, you may need to provide proof of income. (Recent paystub showing year to date income, or if self-employed, provide a copy of the most recent federal tax returns)
Submit to:
Energy Finance Solutions
431 Charmany Drive
Madison, WI 53719
Fax: 608.249.5788

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