There are few worse realizations than being in the middle of the worst of summer or winter, turning on your air conditioner to even out the temperature, only to discover that it doesn’t work and you’re left to the elements. Unfortunately, financing for heating and cooling systems isn’t cheap, but thankfully there are grants available. But what are grants, what are their purpose, and how can they help? Read on to find out.
What are grants?
Grants are a way that government agencies can cover the cost of necessary appliances, such as HVAC systems. They not only cover the cost of removal or repair, but also replacement and installation. HVAC systems are deemed mandatory by the industry, and as such, grants are in place to make sure they get put in, especially for those who wouldn’t be able to afford them otherwise.
Modest Need Grants
A “Modest Need” grant is a grant usually handed out by a church or other charity organization. They’re typically one time use, and only meant to help struggling families get back on their feet, or to at least ensure that their home stays functional. However, they can’t be anything more than $1,000, and they can’t be worth more than your monthly rent payment or mortgage.
Community Entitlement Grants
Community entitlement grants cover many things in urban residential/non-residential building projects, but among them is the replacement of old, non-functioning air conditioners with new ones. Not only do they serve homes and homeowners, but they also extend the service to shops and large commercial buildings that need an AC. However, these grants are only applied to counties with around 200,000 residents and cities with around 50,000 residents.
Weatherization grants
A weatherization grant covers the cost of replacing air conditioners in homes with low income families. Given its name, it of course covers other weatherization expenses, such as damaged roofs and windows that need replacement. The grant, however, cannot go above $6,500, but thankfully the homeowner doesn’t have to pay a cent.
Housing preservation grants program
This grant program covers repairs done for low income houses and rental properties owned by low income homeowners. This grant program is available to homeowners, tenants and landlords who are residents of towns of less than 200,000. They must exhaust their funds within 24 hours.
Conclusion
HVAC systems are a vital part of every home, so it’s no surprise that there are many different ways of earning the grant money needed to get your air conditioner replaced. And if you find the right grant, you may get some extra tweaks to your house that you didn’t even know you needed, like weatherization. So when you need a new AC, look up any grants you may be eligible for.
