Energy-efficiency financing for Washington home and small business owners
In Washington, Avista residential and small business customers in owner-occupied homes and buildings can access zero-down, low-interest energy-efficiency project financing through our partner, Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union. For your convenience, loan repayment can be added to your Avista bill, making it easier to tackle the energy-saving upgrades you’ve been considering.
Get financing in three easy steps:
- Choose an energy-saving measure – anything from heating and cooling, to windows and doors, to insulation and lighting. Or even an ENERGY STAR certified appliance. See eligible equipment list below.
- Finance your project with a zero-down, low-interest loan from Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union.
- The loan is automatically added to your monthly Avista bill.
Loan details
| Loan amount |
$1,000-$30,000 for residential customers $5,000-$75,000 for small business customers |
| Interest rate |
Up to 5% APR* |
| Term |
Up to 20 years |
| Recording fee |
$445 (UCC filing fee) |
| Example |
$15,000 loan at 5.00% APR 180 payments $118.62 per month |
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Loan availability, terms and conditions current as of 10/01/2021 and are subject to change. All loan applications are subject to credit and project approval.
How it works
Bid and loan application: Have your contractor send their completed bid to PSCCU. If your contractor isn't familiar with our program, please refer them to Avista or PSCCU. At the same time, apply for your loan online. (Paper applications are available, upon request.)
Review: PSCCU will review both the bid and the loan application.
Approval: Within three business days, PSCCU will let you know about the credit and project decision. For upcoming projects, customers can also request pre-approval.
Loan documents: PSCCU will send your loan documents to you for signature electronically or via postal mail, based upon your preference.
Project begins: PSCCU will notify your contractor when the loan is ready for funding and work may begin. With your permission, a partial payment of the total loan amount may be deposited with your contractor.
Project completed: Your contractor will install your upgrade(s) and submit your signed final invoice to PSCCU.
Final payment: PSCCU will distribute the remaining loan balance to your contractor. If applicable, you can also apply directly with Avista for energy-efficiency rebates.
Billing: Your first loan payment will appear on your Avista bill within 30–60 days.
All loans subject to approval by PSCCU.
All measures/equipment you are financing must have an existing natural gas or electric service as appropriate (e.g. if you are applying for a loan on new natural gas furnace, you must be an Avista natural gas customer). All projects must be completed by a licensed contractor. Program not available for new construction or to refinance an existing loan or prior purchase.
What it covers for homeowners
As long as your project meets minimum energy-efficiency standards, the Energy-Smart Loan program can help finance it. Some equipment may even qualify for Avista rebates.*
- Ductless heat pump: 9.0 HSPF 14 SEER or better with current AHRI certification
- Air source heat pump: 9.0 HSPF 14 SEER or better with current AHRI certification for matched systems (indoor and outdoor units must be designed for, and tested as, a system)
- Geothermal heat pump: ENERGY STAR certified or a minimum COP 3.2 with current AHRI certification
- CO2 heat pump heating system: with current AHRI certification
Can include a smart thermostat and duct work upgrades or additions.
- Furnace or boiler: 90% AFUE or better with current AHRI certification
- Wall furnace: 90% AFUE or better with current AHRI certification
- Integrated space and water heat: 95% AFUE or better with current AHRI certification
Can include a smart thermostat and duct work upgrades or additions.
- Split system: 14.5 SEER and 12 EER or better with current AHRI certification
- Single package system: 14 SEER and 11 EER or better with current AHRI certification
- Whole house fans: ENERGY STAR certified
- Heat pump water heater: 1.8 UEF or better with current AHRI certification
- Storage tank water heater: .94 UEF or better with current AHRI certification
- CO2 heat pump water heater
Can include a circulation pump, a water heater blanket, and pipe insulation.
- Tankless water heater: 0.82 UEF or better and AHRI certified
- Storage tank water heater: 0.65 UEF or higher and AHRI certified
Can include a circulation pump, a water heater blanket, and pipe insulation.
- Attic: R49 or better
- Wall: R11 or better
- Floor: R19 or better
Can include air sealing.
- Windows: U-factor of 0.29 or lower and ENERGY STAR certified
- Storm windows: ENERGY STAR certified
- Skylights, doors: ENERGY STAR certified
- Clothes washers: ENERGY STAR certified
- Clothes dryers: ENERGY STAR certified
- Refrigerators: ENERGY STAR certified
- Freezers: ENERGY STAR certified
- Dishwashers: ENERGY STAR certified
- LED lamps: ENERGY STAR certified
- LED fixtures: ENERGY STAR certified
- Ceiling fans: ENERGY STAR certified
- Windows – U‐factor of .29 or lower and ENERGY STAR certified
- Storm windows – ENERGY STAR certified
- Skylights and doors – ENERGY STAR certified
*See all of our residential rebates at myavista.com/getrebates.
Other programs may be available for income-qualified customers.
What it covers for small businesses
Washington customers who own small businesses can use an Energy-Smart Loan for measures more specific to their needs. Businesses must own and occupy the building where energy efficiency upgrades are being made and projects must qualify for Avista’s commercial rebates to be eligible.