Frequently Asked Questions

The EBD Direct Install Program provides and installs no-cost home energy upgrades for eligible Californians. This means energy-efficient appliances, energy efficiency measures, and related upgrades go directly to consumers with no upfront costs and nothing to pay back.

The primary goals of the EBD Program are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance energy equity. The EBD Program will also encourage resiliency to extreme heat, air quality improvements, energy affordability, grid reliability, and local workforce opportunities.

To be eligible, you must meet all the following criteria.

• Live in a single-family home, multifamily building, or manufactured/mobile home.
• Be a resident of Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Banos, or Modesto and live in a disadvantaged community or low-income census tract.
• Live in a home built before January 1, 2020.
• Use natural gas, propane, or another fossil fuel as the primary fuel for space heating or water heating. 

In addition, the household must meet the following income criteria. 

• For single-family and manufactured/mobile homes, household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.  
• For multifamily homes, at least 66% of the units within the property must be at or below 80% of the AMI. 

Please note: Full program eligibility will be determined upon review of your in-home assessment.

No. Both homeowners and renters can qualify for the program. Property ownership will be verified during the application process, but program eligibility is based on the income of the household residents, not the property owner.

Yes. Because the retrofit involves installing permanent appliances and equipment, the property owner must provide consent, sign off, and supply documentation of home ownership. Renters will need to coordinate with their landlords. The program also includes tenant protections to help prevent displacement or unfair rent increases.

The program includes tenant protections. For market-rate rentals:

• Rent increases are capped at 3% per year for 5–10 years depending on property size.
• Landlords cannot evict tenants due to project-related renovations​.

If you participate in this program and believe that your rent went up because of the improvements, please contact contactEBD@energycenter.org.

No, there is no cost to participate. The program is fully funded by California Climate Investments and the federal Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program. All equipment, labor, and installation costs are covered, with no hidden fees​.

The program may provide additional funding for remediation measures such as electrical upgrades, asbestos or mold removal, and ventilation work. 

Common upgrades include:

• Heat pump water heaters and heat pump heating and cooling systems.
• Induction ranges and electric clothes dryers.
• Air sealing, insulation, and LED lighting.
• Smart thermostats and air filters.
• Electrical panel and wiring upgrades, when needed. 

These upgrades are designed to improve efficiency, comfort, safety, and indoor air quality​.

The program requires the installation of a heat pump for heating and cooling or heat pump water heater, at a minimum. In addition, at least two of the four end uses (space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying) must be electric after the retrofit. Full electrification is encouraged but not mandatory if it meets program funding eligibility. Your Energy Advisor will develop customized recommendations for your home.

The program will be responsible for the quality of the contractors’ installation work for a minimum of 12 months after project completion, including resolving any deficiencies. Equipment warranties will depend on the specific appliances and devices installed and will be clarified at the time of installation. Should you have any equipment issues, you must contact the manufacturer as instructed in the owner’s manual. If you have an installation issue, you can email support@ebd.franklinenergy.com.

1. Check if your household is eligible
   Use the eligibility calculator and gather the necessary documents to apply.
2. Complete your application. 
   Establish your income eligibility and that you live in a qualifying community. Once we confirm you’re eligible for service, you’ll schedule a complimentary in-home assessment with Franklin Energy.
3. Get a free home energy assessment. 
   An Energy Advisor will visit your home to evaluate your energy end uses and create a customized plan for your home upgrades.
4. Review your upgrade and equipment recommendations
   We’ll explain which upgrades and equipment you qualify for and assist with the paperwork.
5. Get connected with a pre-qualified contractor to finalize your upgrades. 
   The contractor will reach out and provide an estimated timeline.
6. Get your upgrades installed. 
   Once you sign the participation agreement, our trusted contractor will provide an estimated timeline, apply for the necessary permits, and complete your installation.
7. Enjoy your no-cost energy upgrades!
   After your upgrades have been installed, the contractor will inspect to make sure it’s all good to go. 3-6 months after your upgrades are installed you will receive a post installation survey from the team.

Every home project is unique, and the duration of construction depends on the appliances being installed and any additional work needed. For most homes, workers will be in the home for about two days. More involved projects may take several days to a week, but the program is designed to minimize disruption and keep construction time as short as possible.

The contracted installers are responsible for obtaining all required permits and ensuring compliance with state and local codes. You will be responsible for allowing inspectors access to conduct site-inspections.

You’ll receive guidance on how to use and maintain your new equipment, along with contact info for any questions.