Free portable air conditioners
Available for individuals referred by regional health authority programs
If you have a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program or Mental Health and Substance Use Program, you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
About the offer
This offer includes:
- One portable AC unit: Portable units are on wheels and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They're plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
- A one-time installation: You're responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation.
There are no fees or shipping costs.
A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed-in areas, like a bedroom. It can help create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, see guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify..
- If you rent your home, you'll need to get your landlord's consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
- Submit your application online. If you can’t apply online or need additional support, call us at 1 800 224 9376.
- After we receive your application, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if you're approved.
- We forward approved applications to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home. Installations typically occur within four weeks of submitting your application.
Please note that AC units are available on a first come, first served basis, subject to funding. The AC units are not intended for resale and are only for use in the primary residences of eligible customers.
Do you rent your home? You can still apply for this program.
Connect with your landlord to get permission and complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB], which you'll need to submit with your application.
Customers of FortisBC Electric and residents of Grand Forks, Summerland, Penticton, and Nelson can apply here.
Eligibility
The free portable air conditioner is available to current clients of a regional health authority's Home Care Program or Mental Health and Substance Use Program who have received a recommendation letter from their program. Please note that this is not a doctor's note and that issuing recommendation letters is at the clinician’s discretion; some individuals in these programs may not receive a recommendation letter.
Other documents such as a letter from your family physician or any other medical documents are not accepted.
No, you're not eligible if you have a functioning AC unit in your home. If you have a unit that's completely non-functioning, you may be eligible for a new one. Your old unit will be removed and recycled properly.
No, you must be a current client of your regional health authority’s Home Care Program or Mental Health and Substance Use Program to receive a recommendation letter. Issuing recommendation letters is at the clinician’s discretion; some individuals in these programs may not receive a recommendation letter.
- Single-family detached home
- Townhome
- Apartment or condo
- Rowhome
- Duplex
- Manufactured or mobile home
Related programs
Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP)
With this program, an energy coach visits your home to install energy-efficient products for you and gives you personalized advice to save energy – all for free. Available to low- and moderate-income households.