Free Portable Air Conditioners for Income-Qualified Households: How to Apply and Benefits

As summer temperatures rise, staying cool becomes essential, especially for those in need. BC Hydro offers a program providing  program that offers free portable air conditioners to income-qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs. This initiative ensures that vulnerable populations have access to cooling solutions during extreme heat events. Here’s everything you need to know about the program, eligibility, and how to apply.

What the Offer Includes

The program provides:

• One Portable AC Unit: These units are equipped with wheels for easy mobility and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They plug into a standard wall electrical outlet.
• One-Time Installation: While the installation is free, ongoing maintenance, take-down, and reinstallation are the homeowner's responsibility. Homeowners can choose to self-install to expedite the process.

Portable air conditioners are ideal for small, enclosed spaces such as bedrooms, providing a safe and cool environment during the hottest parts of the day and night. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a free portable AC unit, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Income Qualification: Your household income should not exceed the specified limits based on the number of people in your household (see table below).
• Health Authority Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from your regional health authority's Home Care Program can also make you eligible without the need for income proof.

Maximum Household Income Before Tax:

Additionally, if you own your home, it must have a total value equal to or less than $1,230,000 according to the current BC Assessment listing. This requirement does not apply to renters, individuals with a health authority recommendation, or homes in Indigenous communities.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Review the criteria to ensure you qualify.
2. Get Landlord Consent (if renting): Renters need to obtain consent from their landlords by completing the landlord consent form.
3. Apply Online: Submit your application online. If you don't have a BC Hydro account, call 1-800-224-9376 for assistance.

After applying, you will receive a response within a few weeks. Approved applications will be forwarded to a contractor who will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule an installation visit. Homeowners have the option to self-install to potentially receive their unit faster.

Important Notes

• First Come, First Served: Air conditioning units are distributed on a first come, first served basis, subject to funding.
• Non-Eligibility: Households with a functioning AC unit are not eligible. If your unit is completely non-functioning, it will be replaced, and the old unit will be recycled properly.
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Year-Round Availability

Applications are open year-round. Applying during the fall and winter may expedite the evaluation and delivery process compared to the busy summer months.

This program aims to provide a critical service to those most in need, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to stay cool and safe during extreme heat. Don't miss out on this opportunity—apply now to secure your free portable air conditioner. For more details, please visit the BC Hydro website. 

低收入家庭：如何申請免費便攜式空調？

隨著夏季氣溫不斷升高，保持涼爽變得尤為重要，尤其是對於需要幫助的人群。幸運的是，現在有一個項目為符合收入資格的家庭和由地區衛生機構推薦的人士提供免費的便攜式空調。這個計劃確保了弱勢群體在極端高溫天氣中能夠獲得降溫設備。以下是關於這個項目、資格和如何申請的詳細信息。

提供的服務內容

這個項目包括：

• 一台便攜式空調：這些空調配有輪子，方便移動，通過連接柔性排氣管到窗戶來安裝。它們插入標準的牆壁電源插座。
• 一次性安裝服務：安裝服務是免費的，但日常維護、拆卸和重新安裝需要由家庭負責。房主可以選擇自行安裝，以加快安裝速度。

便攜式空調特別適合小型封閉空間，如臥室，在最炎熱的白天和夜晚提供安全涼爽的環境。

申請資格

要獲得免費的便攜式空調，您必須符合以下條件之一：

• 收入資格：您的家庭收入不得超過下表中根據家庭成員數量所列的上限。
• 衛生機構推薦信：如果您有地區衛生機構家庭護理計劃的推薦信，也可以申請，無需提供收入證明。

家庭總收入上限：

另外，如果您擁有自己的住房，該住房於BC Assessment 數據庫中，當前年度的估值必須少於$1,230,000。這一要求不適用於租戶、持有衛生機構推薦信的人士或原住民社區的住房。

如何申請

1. 確認資格：檢查條件以確保您符合資格。
2. 獲得房東同意（如果是租房）：租房者需要獲得房東的同意，並完成房東同意表。
3. 在線申請：提交您的在線申請。如果您沒有BC Hydro賬戶，請致電1-800-224-9376獲取幫助。

申請後，您會在幾週內收到回覆。批准的申請將轉交給承包商，他們會在一至兩週內聯繫您安排安裝時間。房主可以選擇自行安裝，這樣可能會更快收到空調。

重要提示

• 先到先得：空調設備按照先到先得的原則分配，並受資金限制。
• 不符合資格的情況：如果您家中已有正常運行的空調，則不符合申請資格。如果您的空調完全不能使用，可以申請更換，舊設備將被回收處理。

全年申請

該項目全年開放申請。秋冬季節申請可能比夏季申請更快完成評估和配送流程。