Simply complete the financial application and submit it to CoastHills Federal Credit Union or Ventura County Credit Union for consideration. Loans of up to $25,000 are being offered.
Homeowners
How do I find out if I qualify for a loan and how much is being loaned per homeowner?
Where do I find out about emPowerSBC program rebates and who pays these rebates?
The rebates are being offered through local utility companies and Energy Upgrade California and will be paid upon completion and approval of the work in your home. For more information visit www.energyupgradeca.org
How do I get a home assessment to see what types of projects or upgrades my home actually needs?
A home assessment is a great place to start! Visit our contractor directory and we will connect you with a qualified contractor that can provide you with the whole home assessment.
How do I find out if I qualify for this program?
That’s easy! If you are a homeowner of a single family home in Santa Barbara County and have already worked with a participating contractor to enroll in Energy Upgrade CA, simply complete the emPowerSBC Home Upgrade Loan application and submit it for consideration. If you meet our lenders’ basic underwriting criteria, you’ll be pre-approved in approximately 20 minutes. Learn more about the 5 step process to complete and finance your upgrade
How do I find out how much my monthly payment will be to repay this loan for my home upgrade projects?
emPowerSBC has a special online payment calculator to help you figure out your monthly payments. It is available at www.emPowerSBC.org and click on the “about the program” page.
What financial institutions are offering these loans and what is the interest rate?
emPowerSBC has teamed up with two financial institutions: CoastHills Federal Credit Union and Ventura County Credit Union. Interest rates start at 5.90%, a desirable rate for unsecured loans, and vary based on creditworthiness. When you are ready to apply, you will be connected to one lender or the other, depending upon your zip code. You can also reach CoastHills Federal Credit Union by phone at 877.893.8816, and Ventura County Credit Union at 805.477.4000 or 800.339.0496.
I live in an incorporated City in Santa Barbara County, can I still participate?
Yes, the program is open to Santa Barbara County homeowners including those living in incorporated cities of the County.
My credit is not very good; can I still qualify for a low interest loan to get my upgrades done through this program?
You may still qualify! emPowerSBC home upgrade loans are designed to be accessible. Please complete the application form and submit it for consideration or call our lenders for more information.
What types of home upgrades are offered in the Basic Upgrade Package?
The Basic Upgrade Package can help you make a 10% energy savings and offers up to $1,000 in rebates and incentives. It includes work such as: air sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing, hot water pipe insulation, thermostatic shut off valve, combustion appliance safety testing, including installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitor and low flow showerhead installation. You may also add solar to this package.
What types of home upgrade projects are offered in the Advanced Upgrade Package?
The Advanced Upgrade Package offers up to $4,000 in energy rebates and incentives and you can achieve up to a 40% energy savings. It includes work such as: all of the basic upgrade package items, replacement of your heating and/or cooling system, whole house air sealing, attic insulation, new ducts, and a 2KW solar electric system. You may also add solar to this package.
