Free portable air conditioners
Available for income qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs
If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
This program is available year-round and customers who apply during the winter and fall will have their evaluations completed and receive their unit sooner than during warmer months. Homeowners can also choose to self-install their units, which may help in receiving a unit quicker, during summertime.
If you live in a home type that qualifies and are income qualified, consider applying for our Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) for additional energy saving upgrades, as well as an AC unit. Customers with a recommendation letter from their regional health authority’s Home Care Program are encouraged to apply for an AC unit through this program and not ECAP, so their applications can be prioritized for faster installation.
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 and are plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
- A one-time installation: Customers are responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation. If you own your home, you can opt to self-install your unit.
A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed in areas, like a bedroom, and is intended for customers to create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events both during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, visit the BCCDC's website.
How to apply
- Check your eligibility. See our income qualification chart to make sure that you're eligible or have a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program.
- If you rent your home, you'll need a landlord consent form [PDF, 68 KB].
- Apply online for your free portable AC unit.
- After you apply, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if your application is approved.
- Approved applications will then be forwarded to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home.
- Customers who own their homes can choose to self-install their units or have the AC installed for you.
There are no fees or shipping costs.
If you rent your home and do not have your own BC Hydro account, please give our team a call at 1 800 224 9376 so we can help with your application.
Make sure to have your signed landlord consent form [PDF, 68 KB], and proof of income and/or a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program before calling.
If you live in non-profit housing, you can apply online as an individual.
Non-profit housing providers: We currently have an AC offer for non-profit housing societies to buy and install portable AC units for residential buildings. Learn more about this offer.
Residents in FortisBC electric territory, the City of Nelson and the City of Penticton can apply here.
Eligibility
The portable AC offer is available to:
- Households who meet the income qualification of our Energy Conservation Assistance Program or
- People who have received a recommendation letter from their regional health authority's Home Care Program. If you've received a recommendation letter you don’t need to include proof of income in your application.
This criteria is determined by the Government of B.C.
Am I eligible if I have an AC unit in my home already?
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.
Income qualification
Your household income must not exceed the amounts listed below. Income is based on the previous year and includes the combined income of all household members aged 18 and older.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD (INCLUDING CHILDREN) |
MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME BEFORE TAX |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $39,700 |
| 2 people | $49,500 |
| 3 people | $60,800 |
| 4 people | $73,800 |
| 5 people | $83,700 |
| 6 people | $94,400 |
| 7 or more people | $105,100 |
Eligible housing types
- Single-family detached home
- Townhome
- Apartment or condo
- Rowhome
- Duplex
- Manufactured home / mobile home
Renters
Do you rent your home? You can still apply for this program.
If you have a BC Hydro or City of New Westminster utility account in your name, you can apply online here. Make sure to have a signed landlord consent form before applying.
If you rent your home and do not have a BC Hydro account, please give our team a call at 1 800 224 9376 so we can help with your application.
Make sure to have your signed landlord consent form and proof of income or a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program before calling.
You can share this info sheet [PDF, 461 KB] with your landlord to give them the details they need. If your landlord gives permission for the installation, please submit one of the following landlord consent forms:
Landlord consent form for all housing types [PDF, 68 KB]
Program in partnership with
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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.