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When you think about energy efficiency, you might picture complex upgrades—new heat pump water heaters, insulation, advanced HVAC systems. And while those measures are essential for long-term energy savings, they’re not where the story begins.

For many financially constrained households, the first step toward energy efficiency isn’t a major home retrofit, it’s something much simpler and more tangible: an energy efficiency kit.

Meeting People Where They Are

Franklin Energy’s latest report, Optimizing Modern Energy Programs for Financially Constrained Households, confirmed something that’s long been true but rarely centered in program design: for low-income families, accessibility and immediacy matter most.

Eighty-four percent of participants reported needing home repairs before qualifying for traditional programs. Roof leaks, unsafe wiring, or pest issues often stand in the way. Kits can play a role in bridging that gap while serving as steppingstones for future program engagement by putting savings tools directly into their hands—no contractor, no waiting period, no landlord approval required.