Globally, climate change has become a recent trend. Seasonal patterns have changed significantly. Devastating rain storms or protracted droughts have affected many countries. It has been observed that many nations, including the United States, experience heat waves in the summer. Over time, summertime temperatures have been getting warmer.
Only a few articles stated that the summer of 2021 was regarded as the worst one and that it had experienced the highest temperature in 126 years. Since the 1970s, there has been an annual increase in this particular summer temperature. A record 127 degrees Fahrenheit, or 52.7 degrees Celsius, will be reached in the United States during the summer of 2021. Considering that this temperature is 2.7% above the average temperature in the summers in the country.
People are looking for ways to escape from these high temperatures, which is what led to the use of air conditioners. In the United States, air conditioners are used by two thirds of the population. Given that the temperatures in the United States are rising rapidly, it is not fascinating to see so many homes equipped with air conditioners.
What are Free Air Conditioners
Air conditioners come in a variety of models, but the two that are most common are split system and stand-alone units. Split system air conditioners have two units, whereas stand-alone air conditioners have just one. This is where they diverge from one another. For both stand-alone and split system air conditioners, there are various models available. Stand-alone air conditioners include window air conditioners, floor-mounted air conditioners, portable air conditioners, and through-the-wall air conditioners. Split system models include central air conditioners, mini-split air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, and ceiling air conditioners.
Larger apartments and single-family homes are more likely to have air conditioning. In the United States, air conditioning equipment is available in about 87% of homes. Appliances for air conditioning vary in price depending on their model and capacity. A basic portable air conditioner typically ranges in price from $500 to $1000. Additionally, the energy consumption can be seen to vary as the model’s capacities change. The models with more capacity typically use more energy.
It has been observed that air conditioners are not very cost-effective and can significantly raise energy costs. It may be challenging for a household with limited funds to purchase and maintain an air conditioner. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 18% of households lack access to air conditioning equipment. Low income households that fall below the poverty line face challenges during the sweltering summer months. Through a number of programs, free air conditioners are given to households below the poverty line in order to help them during the summer.
Free Air Conditioner programs :
The cost of and energy usage associated with appliances like air conditioners is typically higher. Up to 300 watts are thought to be consumed by a home air conditioner in an hour. For a family with a limited budget, getting an air conditioner is not an easy task. Free Air Conditioner programs were developed with these individuals in mind. Air conditioners are given away for free through this program to low-income and needy households.
To make this program successful, a number of churches, organisations, and nonprofits have joined forces. Numerous programs are available, and they can be used both nationally and locally. Through these programs, those who use outdated appliances and are concerned about their high energy consumption can also receive assistance. Additionally, we offer details on initiatives that give away air conditioners for free as well as some strategies for purchasing an air conditioner at a very affordable price.
Government Programs That Provide Free Air Conditioners for Low-Income Families
The American government has consistently offered assistance to those in need and been supportive of them. Governments are thought to be the ones who people turn to for help the most in times of need. Numerous supportive programs are run by them and are applicable both nationally and locally. For example, one of these programs offers low-income households air conditioners. The United States government runs a number of initiatives that assist low-income households in purchasing air conditioning equipment. A few of these initiatives are listed below.
LIHEAP – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Federal government of the United States supports and oversees this social service program. This program, which was established in 1981, offers energy assistance to all groups of citizens who live in the United States. However, this program does offer assistance with utility and repair costs in addition to free appliances.
The difficulties associated with energy consumption are well known by those whose homes contain outdated appliances. An old building or piece of technology usually requires a lot of electricity and causes many problems. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can actually play a significant role in this situation and be a lifesaver for many, is a great option.
Households with low incomes and those living in poverty that have issues with energy consumption rates receive their annual funding. The money they provide can be used to pay off energy bills as well as to maintain a variety of appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters, and many others. To apply for this, download the application form from their website, properly fill it out, and mail it to the county in your area. Alternatively, you can send the application to their official email address.
WAP – Weatherization Assistance Program:
This program, which has been in place in the US for 40 years, is regarded as the nation’s whole-house energy efficiency program. The Weatherization Assistance Program of the United States Department of Energy is in charge of this program, which aims to improve energy efficiency and lower the nation’s energy consumption rates.
They have been collaborating with numerous regional organisations to provide assistance to the elderly, homeless, and indigent. Every year, this program provides assistance to about 35000 homes. Through its efforts to reduce energy consumption and efficiency, it has impacted the lives of about 7.2 million people.
Through energy-saving tips and fixes to make old appliances more energy-efficient, this program helps people with problems related to energy consumption. Free appliances with good energy efficiency are given to the families in the event that the outdated appliances are too resistant and there is no room for energy efficiency.
How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance | Department of Energy – To learn more about the program’s application procedure, appliance, and applicant eligibility, visit here.
Energy Star Rebate :
The government certifies appliances as being energy efficient by awarding them with the Energy Star symbol. Any appliance can be purchased with confidence by consulting the Energy Star, which attests to the appliance’s use of cutting-edge technology and low energy consumption.
This program offers affordable energy-efficient appliances to low-income households that are in need of them. Special Offers and Rebates from ENERGY STAR Partners | EPA ENERGY STAR – To learn more about the appliances eligible for a rebate, click the provided link. It is possible to search for nearby appliances that are on sale by entering their ZIP code. This reduces the financial burden on a household with limited means and enables them to purchase an air conditioner for a very good price.
Organisations that Provide Free Air Conditioners for Low-Income Families
Are there any other options to government programs that you are aware of? Should that be the case, this section can assist you. Despite the fact that government-run programs are successful, obtaining their assistance requires a lengthy wait. It is impossible for them to help everyone, and in this situation, it is more difficult to review the applications due to the sheer number of people who contact them for assistance from across the nation. In order to get free air conditioners, those who had no luck with government programs can contact the organisations that provide such assistance. For additional information on the free air conditioner programs, get in touch with the organisations listed below.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a well-known nonprofit with offices all over the United States and experience working in about 130 different countries. Along the way, they consistently assisted those in need, including the homeless, elderly, and disabled people. They provided food, shelter, lodging, and a variety of other services thanks to their sizable community and extensive array of assistance programs.
Programs that help people with problems related to energy consumption are also available. They try to purchase appliances through funding and donations and attempt to fix them if they have any problems. These devices include refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners, and many others. All items that are delivered and fixed are given to the helpless. Get in touch with their nearby office for more details.
Saint Vincent De Paul
One of the oldest and most well-known faith-based organisations in the US is this one. This organisation, which was founded in 1833, has a number of initiatives to help all demographic groups, including Back2Work, Food Pantries, Home Visits, Disaster Services Corporation, Voice of the Poor, and Thrift Stores.
Additionally, they offer free appliance programs to help people purchase used goods obtained through donations. People can also swap out outdated, inefficient models for more modern ones by using this program. For this program, only applicants who meet certain eligibility requirements are taken into consideration. Visit the office that is closest to them to submit an application.
Furniture bank
The furniture bank is regarded as one of the most well-known charities in the nation. For the purpose of offering their services to the public, they have offices set up in numerous states. All of their services are focused on the provision of appliances and furniture. Old or used appliances and furniture are accepted as donations by furniture banks, which also give the donors tax receipts for their contributions. With the help of furniture banks, people who couldn’t afford to buy furniture or basic appliances for their homes can now obtain one by going to the location that is closest to them.
Free air conditioners online :
One can obtain such help online in addition to from organisations and the government, which both offer free air conditioner assistance. Online purchases are frequently perceived as being fraudulent and expensive wastes of money. We are here to give you the names and contact information for a few reliable websites that can help people find appliances at reasonable prices.
Craigslist :
The well-known online classifieds website Craigslist offers information on a wide range of topics, including jobs, services, local events, appliances, and much more. One can access the classifieds in the United States by visiting their home page,craigslist , which is organised by region. Look at the discounted appliances after choosing your preferred location. Search for a fair deal, then get in touch with the dealer to learn more about the appliance. This is one of the best methods for finding affordable ways to buy appliances like air conditioners.
FreeCycle
This website is a community-based non-profit organisation that supports resource management through waste reduction. They encourage the resale of goods via their website. These could be anything from a small piece of furniture to a big electrical appliance. They have access to all 5000 of the US regional states. Volunteers are also available to assist those who were unable to access this website.
How to request assistance from the Free Cycle:
- Become a member on their website.
- Choose your location and look at the appliances for sale there.
- Comment on the seller’s post to get in touch with them.
- If the deal is set up, you can access the appliance after learning more.
You can go to the Freecycle website if you’re interested in finding appliances for a great price. The products offered here are on second sale, but despite this, they are still very effective and better for those with tight budgets.
Conclusion
In the last few decades, there have been more air conditioning appliances installed in homes for a number of reasons, one of which may be the trend toward rising temperatures. It is very challenging for such households to get their homes outfitted with appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and so on, as approximately 44% of the population of the United States lives below the poverty line.
Even though air conditioners are only used for a few months out of the year, they have a high energy consumption and maintenance costs. The air conditioners are not used during the remaining months until the following summer, which necessitates additional maintenance on the inactive appliance. A new air conditioner is a big investment for those with limited funds, and keeping it maintained is even more expensive.
Nevertheless, there is always a route that avoids the issues. When faced with the challenge of either not being able to afford an air conditioner for your home or wanting to upgrade to more modern, efficient models, we discovered a number of solutions. For those looking for a free or reasonably priced air conditioner, there are a number of programs that can help. While the government oversees some of these programs, non-profit organisations are in charge of others. All of the information about these programs is covered in this article.
As the co-founder of our blog, I’m Harper. Alongside my partner Sophia, we’ve created this platform to make it simpler and more efficient to search for and secure grants and other forms of financial aid. Our commitment is to provide our users with the best information and resources to ensure their success.