Be SMART Home

Purpose of the Program

The Be SMART Home Program offers innovative financing to improve home energy efficiency through replacement and upgrading of appliances, heating, cooling and ventilation systems and whole house envelope improvements across the state. These changes will save the homeowner money, increase the safety and comfort of the home, and add value to the home.

The Be SMART Home Program offers two types of loans: Be SMART Home ENERGY STAR and Be SMART Home Complete. Through both types of financing, home owners are able to choose their weatherization and energy efficiency professionals from a list of eligible providers whose qualifications have been reviewed by DHCD.

Eligibility

Participants in the Be SMART Home program must be Maryland homeowners who want to make energy efficient improvements to their primary residence and who meet the following eligibility standards:

• Verification of income
• Credit score of 640 or greater
• Debt-to-income ratio of up to 50%

Availability of Funds

Up to $15,000 in financing is available for eligible homeowners.

Types of Financing and Eligible Improvements

The Be SMART Home program offers the following types of financing:

Be SMART Home ENERGY STAR:

Unsecured loans provided through the Be SMART Home ENERGY STAR program may be used for replacement and ENERGY STAR upgrading of appliances and home heating or cooling systems. Loans covering ENERGY STAR improvements are offered at an interest rate of 6.99%. Loan funds can be used for energy efficient heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, insulation, appliances, and other improvements that are ENERGY STAR qualified or meet program standards. Work must be done by a contractor from the Be SMART Eligible contractors list . Qualified ENERGY STAR improvements include, but are not limited to:

• Air Source Heat Pumps
• Central AC Systems
• Boilers (All Fuels)
• Water Heaters
• Refrigerators
• Ceiling Fans
• Programmable Thermostats
• Ventilating Fans
• Windows/Doors

Be SMART Home Complete:

Unsecured loans provided through the Be SMART Home Complete program may be used for weatherization and whole home envelope improvements. Loans covering weatherization and whole home envelope improvements are offered at an interest rate of 4.99%. A home energy audit performed by an auditor from the Be SMART Eligible contractors list  is required to utilize this program and should be included with the application. An energy audit provides insight into potential energy savings improvements for homeowners. Improvement work will be based on the results of the home audit and must also be performed by a contractor from the Be SMART Eligible contractors list . Typical energy savings are in the range of 15–25%, depending on each household’s energy usage profile. Based on the result of a prescribed home energy audit, the following measures may be recommended to improve the efficiency, safety and comfort of a home :

• Air infiltration reduction
• Insulation in the attic, floors, and walls
• Hot water system improvements
• Lighting retrofit
• Furnace cleaning/tuning and burner repair/replacement
• Health and safety items that improve energy efficiency

• Be SMART Home Loan Brochure  
• Be SMART Home Pre-qualification Form 
• Be SMART Home Loan Application  

For More Information, Contact: