Depending on where you live in America, you may need an air conditioner in the summer time. Some states get so hot during the summer that there can be heat waves that lead to people getting sick or dying. Yet not everyone can afford to purchase an air conditioner. The good news is that there are some ways you can get a free or low cost air conditioner.
For those who need an air conditioner, but lack the funds to buy one, it is important that they know where to turn to get help obtaining one. When you have that information you are prepared to ensure that your family is able to get the cooling unit that you need, even if you don’t have the money to buy one.
Finding an air conditioner that is free or low cost is going to be the best route for many people to find a way to cool their home or apartment. While central air conditioning is expensive, because the units are costly, there are more affordable options that people can consider. If you need an air conditioner and don’t have a lot of money to spend on one it is important to know your options.
Free and Low Cost Air Conditioners
There are numerous places you can look for free and low cost air conditioners. You will have to be proactive and creative in reaching out to places to see if you can score some freebies or deals on them. But it does happen and this is how many people who don’t have a lot of money are able to get a unit to keep them cool.
Window Units – Places like Walmart offer window air conditioners for around $150. That is a low cost air conditioner that will help keep a smaller area cool. You can put this in your living room or bedroom to keep the place cooler. They work well, are easy to install in the window, and affordable to purchase. Check your local department and hardware type stores to see what the cheapest air conditioners they have are. Also, be sure to ask them if they have any that are open box, which will be offered at a cheaper rate.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that is tasked with helping people with housing issues. Depending on where you live and your financial situation, you may qualify for a free air conditioner. Especially if people live in areas that get hot and they have a low income they may be able to qualify for a free unit. There is a HUD office in every state. You can contact the one in your state to ask them about this issue and see how to go about getting help. If you already have a unit that is not working, they may also be willing to pay for the repair. To get more information and find your state’s HUD office, click here.
Utility Assistance Providers – Contact your utility assistance provider to inquire about obtaining a free or low cost air conditioner. Many of them have programs that will help you with this. They can provide you with information and referrals to programs that may be able to assist you with this issue.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is available around the country. It is funded by the federal government, and helps people pay for their energy expenses. Depending on where you live and what your financial circumstances are you may be able to get a free or low cost air conditioner through this program. This program can also help you pay for the energy bills once you have an air conditioner, if you qualify. To qualify you have to have a low income. To get more information, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call for assistance with things you need and cannot afford to purchase. They will use their database to see if there are referrals they can provide you with. The service is provided through the organization The United Way. It is free and open to anyone in the country. To get more information, click here.
National Council on Aging – Those who are seniors or older adults can contact the National Council on Aging to get information about programs that help with providing an air conditioner. They will help elderly people who need assistance and have a low income. You can also contact a local council on aging office. Many cities have a local office that will provide helpful services to older people in the area. To get more information, click here.
Community Organizations – Check with some of the helpful community organizations in your area, such as Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, to see if they can help. Some may be willing to help you purchase an affordable unit. There are helpful community organizations around the country and in most cities.
Churches – There are many churches around the country and they are great places to contact when you need assistance. Contact churches in your area to see if they could help you obtain an air conditioner. They may ask members of their congregation to donate money to purchase a small unit for you.
Thrift Stores – Thrift stores are great places to find used items, including being able to find low cost air conditioners that have been donated to the store. They may have window air conditioners that were donated to them that they are selling or would be willing to give away for free to someone in need. Call or visit them to see what is available.
Habitat for Humanity – This organization runs a thrift store chain that offers housing items at low cost. Call the ones in your area to see if they have any free or low cost air conditioners that you would able to obtain. They offer stores around the country. To get more information and find one near you, click here.
