Note: The eligible technologies listed above are only examples of some improvements that might be supported under this program. Other improvements may be eligible.

Under the Be SMART Homes program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers loans to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofit projects and installing ENERGY STAR products in their primary residence. The program offers unsecured loans of up to $25,000 at 4.99% interest rate for terms of 3, 5, or 10 years. Loans are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Participants must work with a program-approved weatherization contractor to install energy efficiency improvements and weatherization. In addition, in order to qualify for a loan, residents must have a credit score of at least 640, a debt-to-income ratio of 50% or less, and have their income level verified.

The applicants must submit pre-qualification form to the Housing and Community Development  (DHCD). After approval, the participants must then select from a list of program approved contractors who will perform energy audit of the home and provide estimate of the project costs.  The installation must be completed within 90 days after the loan is approved by DHCD.

List of energy efficiency measures that qualify for the program, but not limited to include:

• Insulation in the attic, floors, and walls
• Hot water system improvements
• Lighting retrofit
• Furnace cleaning/tuning and burner repair/replacement
• Renewable energy systems including solar and geothermal
• Health and safety items that improve energy efficiency

Qualified ENERGY STAR improvements include, but not limited to

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

Separate energy efficiency loan programs exist under the Be SMART initiative for energy efficiency in multi-family buildings and business properties. Please see the program web site for additional details.

This program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.