Free Air Conditioners Available Through Utility Assistance Program

Pennsylvania residents who receive federally funded weatherization assistance could be eligible to get free air conditioners or repairs this summer. The air conditioners are offered through the state’s use of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding.

Learn More

This is the third summer in which the state is using federal funding from LIHEAP to help residents cool their homes. The program offers eligible state residents two Energy Star-rated room air conditioner units, a unit and a fan, or replacement of an existing but broken central air conditioning system or heat pump.

In 2023, Pennsylvania’s program provided more than 3,000 units, more than 300 fans, more than 500 repairs or replacements of air conditioning systems, and 15 repairs or replacements of heat pumps, according to the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

This summer, a total $5.3 million is allocated for the program, which is estimated could serve about 2,400 households.

The state’s program does not offer assistance for electricity bills, which is available in some other states.

Signing Up

The program will help those who received LIHEAP assistance in the past heating season or are currently receiving weatherization assistance. Those who received weatherization assistance or a LIHEAP crisis grant from a local weatherization agency may be contacted by that agency about the summer cooling program.

Those who haven’t heard from an agency should contact their local weatherization agency. A list of those agencies is available online.

There is no way to directly apply to the cooling assistance program. In previous years, participants have been required to present a letter confirming their receipt of LIHEAP or weatherization assistance.

The program to provide window or A/C units and fans closes on Aug. 31.