New program will help residents become energy efficient

WICHITA, Kansas - Like all states, Kansas is striving to be more energy efficient. On Tuesday, it will take a big step toward that goal thanks to a program funded by $34 million federal stimulus dollars.

The program, Efficiency Kansas, is designed to help both home and small business owners become more energy efficient.

The $34 million will flow to participating banks. Homeowners can receive up to a $20,000 low-interest loan and small business owners can get up to $30,000. Unlike other energy efficiency programs, Efficiency Kansas has no income restrictions.

"We hope that the financing gives them the means to do something that they may not have before," said Jeff Boone.

Boone owns NorthStar Comfort Services. His company and a few others in Wichita will do an energy audit for those who sign up for the program -- a requirement that helps pinpoint the biggest need.

"The audit helps you prioritize," Boone said. "You say, 'okay I need to start with air ceiling,' your furnace is 30 years old, maybe that's the place to start."

Paul Miller does audits for NorthStar. He says in addition to the in-depth check of a home or small business, they'll also find any potential safety hazards.

"If you have a combustion air furnace, water heater, do you have enough room for that to be where it's safe," Miller said.

While Miller says older homes are particularly vulnerable to energy problems, he warns new homes can present them too. But in recent years he's noticed developers being much more energy conscious.

They've really improved on the way that houses are being built," Miller said.

As for the program, which begins Tuesday, the first 1,000 people to sign up will receive $350 off their energy audit.

For more information on the program, click on Newslinks on the left side of our homepage.

See story video at KSN.com

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