Free Options for a New HVAC Unit
If you’re renting on a property and the air conditioning stops operating, you should take the first step to check if the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing the HVAC unit. Other than that, you will have to consider hvac financing alternatives.
If you have home insurance, your provider may cover a damaged HVAC unit. It’s worth researching this instead of forking out thousands of dollars that you don’t have. Standard wear and tear may not suffice as a reasonable reason for the insurance to cover you, but if there is storm damage or an accident, the home insurance may cover the cost.
While a homeowner’s insurance may not cover a broken HVAC unit, a home warranty might. Several providers offer a range of coverage options that include various appliances. You may save some dollars by reviewing the contract you signed.
If your HVAC system was damaged due to a natural disaster and you didn’t have home insurance in place, you may be eligible for assistance through FEMA. Their primary mission is to ensure that your home is habitable after a natural disaster. The assistance from FEMA could also help to repair your air conditioning system.
Obtain a Loan
The most practical and affordable solution to obtain an operational HVAC system is to borrow the money against your home’s equity. The rates are usually lower since you’re using your house to secure the debt – making it less of a risk. The home equity line of credit (HELOC) has a variable interest rate but is still significantly lower than that of a credit card. Furthermore, the interest may be tax-deductible.
Alternatively, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing model provides finance for renewable energy and energy-efficient projects. You can investigate the CaliforniaFIRST program that provides home improvement financing. However, you must seek an energy-efficient model to obtain funding, but you enjoy fixed rates, quick approvals, and no deposits.
The Federal government’s Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office provides a program that promotes private lenders to facilitate loans for home improvements. There’s a list of lenders that you could apply to who participate in the program. These loans can go up as high as $25,000, but you can obtain a smaller loan if you require.
If these avenues fail, you could ask a friend or family member to help you finance the new HVAC unit and formalize the agreement via a third-party company.
Grants
There are other routes you can take to help you replace your air conditioning. The Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one example of a system that aids low-income Americans with heating and cooling expenses. Their primary focus is providing grants to help people with their energy bills and avoid utilities being shut off, but they can assist with your HVAC issues.
Alternatively, there are organizations such as churches and charities that offer a once-off grant for emergency expenses. They can offer some help with your air conditioning, especially if your health depends on the appliance.
The United States Department of Energy has a Weatherization Assistance Program that collaborates with 38 state and local governments to provide aid for heating and cooling equipment. Although it’s primarily reserved for colder states, they can help middle to lower-income households with their HVAC units.
The American Red Cross assists active-duty soldiers and veterans to cover emergency expenses. This assistance can include the repair or replacement of an air conditioning system. Likewise, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society assists active-duty sailors and marines.
People over the age of 62 and low-income may benefit from a grant that the United States Department of Agriculture offers. Applicants may obtain a grant of up to $7,500 or a loan up to $20,000 repayable over 20 years at one percent interest rate.
Other Options
After trying these options, you can check for an organization that welcomes a barter system. Instead of trading money, you can offer a skill or service in exchange for air conditioning repairs or an installation.
Conclusion
It’s advisable to search for a used HVAC unit that won’t require a significant cash investment. With government emphasis on energy conservation, you have a great chance of a tax rebate from the Federal or State government if your system is energy efficient. If you don’t have the cash to install or repair the air conditioner, there are multiple financing options for you to consider.