"Corvallis offers energy-efficiency loans"

If Corvallis residents have a wish list of energy efficiency upgrades they’d like to make before the holidays, now is the time to act. The city of Corvallis has low-interest loans of $2,500 to $10,000 for energy efficiency projects, but the funds are only available through Dec. 31.

Energize Corvallis will host an event on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the First Alternative South Co-op Community Meeting Room, 1007 S.E. Third St., where residents can learn more about the Saving Energy Loan Fund (SELF) and get personalized, one-on-one assistance from a volunteer energy advocate.

Multiple efficiency projects may be bundled into a single loan. Interest rates vary depending on the loan amount, with the loan paid back over five years. Qualifying projects include:

• Weatherization, for example, floor, wall, and ceiling insulation; duct testing and sealing; duct insulation; and air testing and sealing.

• Space heating: high-efficiency heat pumps, or a high-efficiency gas furnace.

•  Water heating: electric heat pump water heater, tankless gas water heater, solar water heating system, dishwasher.

• Solar electric, installed in conjunction with another qualifying project.

The Saving Energy Loan Fund (SELF) is made possible through the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The SELF is being promoted by a team of volunteers in collaboration with the city of Corvallis, the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, and the Corvallis Environmental Center.

For more information, visit EnergizeCorvallis.org or call 541-758-NRGY.