You may be able to get a free air conditioner from the government or local nonprofits this year. Even though LIHEAP funding is being cut in many areas, we have found several local government programs and nonprofits who are still assisting with this critical need.
Let’s dive in!
Government Programs
Since January 2025, there have been radical changes made to many of the critical government programs that help low income Americans get free air conditioners and fans. We are tracking the changes here.
Weatherization Assistance Program: This program can help you repair and improve the weatherization of your home. My family once received help from this program, and they provided us with a free ductless heat pump that helped keep our home cool in the summer. To qualify, you typically need to have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (or 60% of the Area Median Income). Some states will consider you automatically eligible if you already receive SSI or TANF. Contact your local Community Action Agency for assistance.
LIHEAP: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding is in jeopardy. Although the federal government has released funds to provide cooling help in Summer 2025, the future of the program is uncertain. As a result, some states like Pennsylvania have announced they will not be using LIHEAP funds to provide free air conditioners this year.
Medicaid: Some states were able to use Medicaid funds to provide free air conditioners for people who have health conditions that are worsened by heat. However, recent press releases from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services indicate that these programs are being discouraged and may not be available going forward.
Even as these programs are scaling back, there are other government programs that may be able to help you with cooling services, fans and A/C units. Try calling your local Health & Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, city or county social services offices, and disability orgnaizations for extra support.
Nonprofit Programs
Even though the government programs that used to offer free air conditioners are scaling back, many nonprofits are stepping up to fill the gap. If you need help coping with high heat, I recommend reaching out to these nonprofits for assistance.
Please bear in mind that many of these big nationwide organizations have services that vary by location. The services that are available in the deep south may not be available in the Pacific Northwest, for example. You will always need to contact your local organization for details.
Catholic Charities offers free air conditioners in many areas. In researching these government programs, I found that Catholic Charities works with towns in New Jersey, Texas and others to provide essential cooling support to low income people.
Salvation Army does not have a nationwide free air conditioner program but sometimes local branches participate in programs that distribute them. You’ll have to contact your local Salvation Army for details.
St. Vincent de Paul has several branches that offer free air conditioners for those who qualify. For example, they have the Summer Breeze Program in Northern Kentucky that distributes free units to people with life-threatening medical conditions. Fans are available to anyone who has a need.
United Way chapters sometimes participate in campaigns that help people get A/C units. At the very least, their 211 hotline can help you find programs in your area that may be able to help.
Many of these programs specifically serve seniors or children, so I would recommend reaching out to your Area Agency on Aging or Administration for Children & Family Services to see if they can refer you to a program that offers free air conditioners in your area.
Many groups in our free home repair grants directory will also help with cooling if you qualify for their services. After all, we found that Rebuilding Together has helped people in Las Vegas get air conditioners.
Free Air Conditioners Near You
In some states, there are even more ways to get a free air conditioner from the government. These programs are less common but we frequently update this list as we find them.
Missouri residents in the Kansas City metro area may be able to get a free air conditioner from ElderCool. This program supports seniors, people with heart conditions and people with respiratory disabilities. The program runs from June to August each year. Apply with the Bishop Sullivan Center.
Nebraska has a LIHEAP program that can provide up to $750 to help you repair or replace a central air conditioner. They may also be able to help you get a window air conditioner if you don’t have one already. Get the details from Nebraska DHHS.
Ohio is still offering free air conditioners through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) this year. You can also get help paying your electric bill or making repairs to a central air conditioning unit. You need to have a gross income that is at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify (unless you have nine or more family members, in which case the income limit is 60% of the State Median Income). You can apply online.
Oklahoma seniors in Barltesville may be able to borrow a free air conditioner from The Cool Room Project at Elder Care. The units are loaned out in June and returned at the end of September when temperatures cool. You need to call them to request a unit.
Oregon residents who live in Portland, may also be able to get help from the Cooling Portland program. They are hoping to distribute 10,000 free Air Conditioners by the end of next year.
New Jersey counties and townships often have free air conditioner programs for seniors and people with disabilities. Hamilton Township and others often work with organizations like Catholic Charities to make sure that people in need have access to these devices. Contact your local Division of Senior Services or Catholic Charities for details.
North Carolina residents in Wake County may be able to get a free air conditioner through the Cool for Wake program. You must have a low income, be a senior or a child, and have a documented medical history of a respiratory illness to qualify. Details on Wake.gov.
Texas residents in the Dallas area may be able to get help from the North Texas Air Conditioning Initiative. In Harris County, the Cool 4 The Summer Initiative may be able to help.
Other Options
If you aren’t able to receive a free air conditioner from the government programs we’ve listed above, there are other options that may be able to help you.
Buy Nothing groups are a great place to pick up appliances and other essentials in your community. Just be careful and make sure that you’re following best practices for safety.
Cooling Centers are designated places where people can gather during high heat. These centers usually offer free drinks, phone chargers, and recreation in a safe, cool place. Call 211 to find a cooling center near you.
Rebates can help you purchase an air conditioner for a lower cost. If you buy one, cash in on all the rebates available to you. Ask your energy provider or visit the Energy Star website for details.
Relief Recap
If you are suffering in high heat, please apply for a free air conditioner! There are many government programs and nonprofit programs that may be able to help you stay cool and comfortable. Contact the agencies and programs on this list today!
I am in macon Mississippi how can I get one
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything local.
I am in va how do i get a free ai rconditioner
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything local.
Hello I live in southeastern Michigan and I’ve been diagnosed with dysautonomia which means I have failure of my autonomic nervous system and I cannot temperature regulate along with other testing that showed I have no sweating ability, in a nutshell I have a medical condition that requires me to be an air conditioning constantly or I faint. My most recent electricity bill for air conditioning was over $450. I cannot afford this bill. I also need a new air conditioner because my old one isn’t working like it should and it’s very old. Where do I find help I’m sorry it’s hard for me to read and understand all this when I have so much brain fog from my health condition.
Hi. If you call 211 they can hopefully help.
I live in Georgia and trying to get a free window AC unit. I’m low income well right now No income. Please help
Hi. If the resources listed are not available in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything local.
Trying to help a friend in New Jersey who desperately needs an air conditioner. Where should I tell them to look.
Hi Janet. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything they can suggest.
I live in Hampton Georgia 30228
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth checking with 211 to see if they know of anything else in your local area.
I receive disability and Medicaid and can’t afford a air conditioning unit for the window can someone please help me and my son please God bless ????
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth checking with 211 to see if they know of anything else in your local area.
Hi I’m Kristie, I’m 50 years old, disabled, on SSDI, medicare and Medicaid. I have no air conditioner or heat. My income is very low and my electric bills are high. Please can you help me.
Hi. There may be help with reducing your electric bill, depending on where you live. Reach out to your power company or put its name in our search to see if we already have info on it:
https://lowincomerelief.com/?s=electric
How can I get help with housing I’m homeless and receiving disability
Hi Martha. Have you looked into these resources yet? https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-help-if-youre-homeless/
I am 55 yrs old female on SSDI Living in a trailer that’s unsafe in ST DAVIDS AZ 85630. ITS just me & my dog. How can I get help?
Hi Barbara. Have you contacted your local Area Agency on Aging?
https://lowincomerelief.com/agency-on-aging/
I need an air conditioner
Hi. If the list above is not useful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else available in your area.
I live on low income,I can not afford a air conditioner it is going to be very hot,I have asmia
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I am in state of Texas, how can I get an air conditioner?
Hi. If the resources above are not useful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else.
My name is Brenda Thompson I am Needing help in getting a free air conditioner. I suffer from severe health issues and I also is disabled and low income. I am also a Asthma patient that. requires me to sometimes being hospitalized for my severe asthma so if I could get some assistance I really appreciate it.
Hi Brenda. If the resources above are not useful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something!
My name is Brenda Thompson and I am in need of a free air conditioner I am disabled and low income and have severe health issues also I have asthma requires me to be hospitalized at times I am right now under doctor care
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I live in pineland , Texas, and it’s very humid and hot already . I am a teacher over 30 years , and have been told I have muscular dystrophy and it effects my breathing , who would I or what website, to receive an air conditioner and how can I find out if I financially qualify?thank you , God bless you and all that help with this information
Hi Elizabeth. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
How about the state of Michigan?
My neighbor is a disabled veteran in as wheel chair.
His tolerance for heat is zero.
He definitely could use a air conditioner
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I’m in mid Missouri seeking relief from the heat bc our central air went out and I can’t afford the service call or replacement of the whole unit. I support 2 children and myself with ssa and ebt so most certainly would qualify for assistance. Does Missouri have any programs available for air conditioner?
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I am in the state of Minnesota how to I get a free air conditioner
Hi. If the resources above are not useful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else.
Need Fans im in California
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I need an air conditioner. I’m on a very fixed income (Social Security) and really need help. I don’t have transportation. Please can you help me?
Hi Anne. If the resources above are not useful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else.
I am elderly, disabled, and receive SSI. I live in Florida and the heat and humidity here take your breath away. I rent a room that does not provide Central Air and a fan provides very little relief. Is there any help for me in regards to a window ac unit?
Hi Paula. There may be. Have you contacted your local Area Agency on Aging?
https://lowincomerelief.com/agency-on-aging/
I’m in Murphy,North Carolina where can I get a free a/c window unit and if possible some help repairing my suv I’m disabled and on ssi.
Hi Carren. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
I’m in kansas how can I get a free air conditioners
Hi Carina. If the resources above are not useful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else.
Please my air conditioner isn’t colling it so hot and would be so blessed to get a free one
No transportation to get places to e en try is hard
So trying to get a air conditioner to us would be lovely and a god blessing
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. I hope you find something! – Cat
Hope so,Thk.you
Do you know of any programs for free AC units in Connecticut?
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else. – Cat
Ineed free air conditioner please my classes for daycare are so cold very agent
Hi Carol. If the resources listed above are not useful in your area it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else you might be eligible for.
I live in the state of Michigan how can I get a free central air condition unit
checking for a friend in Deltona Fl. area for free windows and A.C. unit . Is there available for him
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in his area.
I stay in a room that the window is nailed down I have a box fan and a desktop fan I still get really hot in here someone please help
Hi Cindy. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else they can suggest.
Hi how do I get a free AC? I live in Florida zip 32656. Thank you.
Hi Faith. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there are any programs that they know about in your area.
how can my granny get an air conditioner, she is 94 just got out the hospital with pneumonia on Sunday, the air conditioner we have is not working, it went out we only have fans, who can help us
Hi Carla. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any other programs in your area.
I was just approved for a free air conditioner in Virginia up to $500. The letter states one store to pickup. I tried to pick up but the owner informed me that she wasn’t participating in the liheap program this year due to the higher price she had to pay to receive the approved air conditioner. This was yesterday, I immensely tried to contact social services to find out where I can pickup, it was Friday and 96 degrees at 11am. The person in charge of liheap was not there. Now I have an award letter, but we are suffering until Monday. Does anyone know if other companies are participating in liheap? Can I get one before Monday? It says 97 degrees feels like 111 on my local weather app. I’m happy to be approved, just ready to stop the suffering asap
I am desperately trying to help my parents with a new air conditioner. My father is 95 he is retired from the Air Force after 23 yrs he has a pacemaker, emphysema and other medical issues my mother is 90 and cannot walk without a walker. They live in a mobile home in Nashville Tn. Their ac unit is over 30 years old it is an electric package unit. I’m trying to find someone who can help them they live on social security. They desperately need help. My name is Vickie Brandon I am their 70 yr old daughter.
Hi. If the resources above are not helpful. it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything you may be eligible for in your area.
Hi! I am in Baltimore City Maryland and I’m 55 years old and in need of a window air conditioner, but I’m finding it difficult to find an agency that does this. It is very confusing! Any tips please?
Hi Angela. Have you already asked 211?
Hi can you get free air conditioners or help with cooling and heating in Ouachita Parish in Louisiana? We don’t have both.
Hi. If you call 211, they should know what programs are in your area.
I’m from Wisconsin.
@Katherine Wagner, Try the HEAP weatherization program
It is so hot out there please need a free air conditioner. Thanks ????????????????
Hi Katherine. If the resources above have not been useful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any programs in your area. – Cat
I am in Texas Tarrant county how can I get a free Air conditioner
Hi Leticia. If the resources above have not been helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of a program in your area.
Ohio. Where can I find free airconditioner
Hi Kimberly. If the resources above have not been helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of a program in your area.
In Georgia how can my disabled mother who stays in a camper get help with a free a/c window unit? She suffer everyday from heat exhausted being to hot
Hi Angie. If the resources above are not helpful. it may be worth calling 211 or contacting your local Area Agency on Aging to see if either know about programs in your area that your mother may be eligible for.
Hello
Great information thank you so much unfortunately I live in a establishment where we can’t have acs installed in the windows we do have central air and heat however an old system they’re still trying to figure it out in the meantime during the summer months it can leak and start the wood floors to buckle is there a program for portable air conditioning where the vents are the only thing that are in the window and what about a Air purifier I know I’m asking a lot doesn’t hurt to try
Hi. You can try reaching out to the programs to see if they have any air conditioners that meet your requirements. It’s always worth trying!
Can’t believe Louisiana isn’t on that list, it’s sweltering here. Central Air would be so awesome.
Thank you for all y’all do. This is a great help. Y’all are amazing!
I live in pa and get SSI can I get a aircondioner
Hi Antonio. It may be worth contacting your local Community Action Council to see if they have air conditioners available in your area.
It still doesn’t say who to contact to get a free AC, I’m in Washington State, Clark county, city of Battle Ground. I’m on SSI, HUD, and Snap benefits. Thank you Nicole????
Hi Barbara. It looks like the Community Action Council in your area may be this one:
https://wapartnership.org/agencies/clark-county-department-of-community-services
You can find the contact information on their page.
Please I need a free ac I request you please????????
Hi. If the resources above have not been helpful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your area that you may be eligible for.
During covid NYCcalled me to ask if I wanted a installed A/ C . How cool is that !!
I am in the state of Oklahoma how can I get a free air conditioner?
Hi Pam. It doesn’t look like that program is available in your area.
Here are some of the home improvement resources we have found in Oklahoma:
https://lowincomerelief.com/free-home-repair-assistance-in-oklahoma/