How to sign up for a free air conditioner in New York City

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As the days get hotter and summer approaches, New York City wants to keep residents cool by connecting them to the Home Energy Assistance Program's (HEAP) cooling benefit.

In 2023, an estimated 350 vulnerable New York City residents died from a heat-related illness, according to city health data. On Friday, the mayor's Public Engagement Unit partnered with Social Services to help residents of the Bronx access HEAP services.

"As temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves intensify, keeping all New Yorkers safe, healthy, and cool during the summer is critically important," said HRA Administrator Scott French. "HEAP cooling benefits, which help low-income New Yorkers purchase an AC unit or fan, are a key part of protecting those most at-risk during a heat event."

Eligible New Yorkers can get up to $800 in cash for a window or portable air conditioner unit or fan — including installation. Those with an existing wall sleeve unit can get up to $1,000.

Eligibility requirements for free AC:

• The household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table (see below), or you are enrolled in one of the following programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance (TA)
  • Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone)
• You receive a regular benefit equal to or more significant than $21 in the current program year and reside in government-subsidized housing with heat included in your rent.
• The household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat.
• The household contains a vulnerable member based on age (60 years or older or children under age 6), which meets all other component eligibility criteria.
• A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen.
• You currently do not have a working air conditioner, or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older.
• You have not received a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Getting the air conditioner installed:

To access the HEAP Participating Vendor List to obtain the participating Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list, click here. Select your county of residence, "Cooling" as the fuel type, and press "Go." It is your responsibility to maintain the air conditioner. This includes removing, covering, storing, and/or reinstalling the unit or the installation sleeve after vendor installation.

Where to apply for HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefits:

You can apply for benefits in the following ways:

• By phone, find your local district contact here.
• New York City residents can also apply in person at their local district.
• New Yorkers can also apply online here.

Table of gross monthly income guidelines for HEAP assistance: