Are you struggling to afford a water heater? There are free water heater programs available to help ease the financial burden. From low-income households to seniors, these programs offer free water heaters, replacements and financial assistance for hot water heaters to ensure everyone has access to this basic necessity. Let’s explore the options available to you.
Reasons Why You Need a Hot Water Heater
- Hot water is essential for maintaining personal hygiene, especially for bathing, washing hands, and cleaning dishes.
- Hot water is also essential for keeping your home clean and healthy, as it helps to kill germs and bacteria.
- Hot water is necessary for cooking and preparing food, as it helps to sanitize utensils and surfaces.
- Hot water is especially important for seniors and disabled individuals, who may have increased hot water needs for medical reasons.
- Access to hot water should be a basic right for all individuals, regardless of income or ability to pay.
That’s why it’s important for government and non-profit organizations to run free hot water heater programs.
Read more about : Free Appliances For Low Income Families [10 Programs]
What is the Free Water Heater Program?
Many programs are available to assist people in getting free water heaters. These programs are run by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or utility companies. The aim is to provide access to hot water as a basic necessity for maintaining a good quality of life.
The programs work in various ways including:
- Providing outright grants for hot water heater
- Individuals may get free water heaters through the home improvement or energy efficiency program.
- If your water heater grows older and less efficient, these programs provide free water heater replacement.
- For the low-income individual, these programs may provide financial assistance for hot water heater.
The ultimate goal is to reduce or eliminate the financial burden associated with getting water heaters for those who need it most.
Also Check: Free Refrigerators For Low Income Families
Government Programs offer Free Water Heaters for Low Income Families
1. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Program Overview:
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a program funded by the federal government and administered by the Department of Energy (DOE). Its goal is to help low-income families reduce energy costs by making their homes more energy-efficient.
It upgrades or replaces inefficient heating and cooling systems in their homes, like water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners. The program operates throughout the year in every state, and on Tribal lands, through partnerships with local agencies. Recipients can save an average of $283 per year. Water heaters are often part of the energy efficiency improvements made.
Eligibility:
Families who make at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can apply for WAP. But each state might have slightly different rules about income guidline.But common are:
- Families with children
- Seniors aged 60 or above
- Individuals with disabilities
- Families with a high energy burden (i.e., a high proportion of their income is spent on energy bills)
How to Apply:
To get WAP, reach out to your local Weatherization agency. You can find them on the DOE’s WAP webpage. The process involves completing a form and verifying your income.
2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program in the United States that provides aid to low-income households for their home energy bills. This assistance covers heating and cooling expenses, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Making homes more energy efficient, LIHEAP may provide free water heater replacement. it can offer financial assistance towards energy bills, which can indirectly help with costs related to water heaters.
Eligibility:
To qualify for LIHEAP, you must have a low-income meeting federal poverty guidelines.
- Priority is often given to those with high energy costs compared to their income.
- People in the household, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or families with young children, may receive additional priority.
How to Apply:
You can apply for LIHEAP by contacting your local LIHEAP office. Each state has its own LIHEAP office, and they handle their applications separately.
The National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project can help you find your local LIHEAP office. You can reach NEAR toll-free at 1-866-674-6327 or by emailing [email protected].
3. Section 504 Home Repair Program
The Section 504 Home Repair program is a very important initiative provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides loans and grants to elderly, very-low-income homeowners to help them repair, improve, safety upgrades to their homes. This program can assist with necessary home systems, including installing a new water heater. Eligible seniors may be able to get a free water heater or financial help to buy and install one.
Two types of funds are available through this program: loans and grants
- Loans up to $40,000 with a 1% interest rate and a 20-year repayment period
- Grants up to $10,000 for homeowners who are 62 years old or older and cannot repay a Section 504 loan
- Some applicants may be eligible for both a loan and a grant.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this program, there are several requirements:
- You must be the homeowner and occupy the house.
- unable to get a loan elsewhere (Nad Credit)
- Your family income must be below 50 percent of the area median income.
- For grants, you must be 62 years old or older and not be able to repay a repair loan.
How to Apply:
Applying for the Section 504 Home Repair program is easy. Just go to the USDA Rural Development Office in your area and they will give you an application form. They will help you find out if you are eligible and what kind of help you can get.
These free water heater programs can be a great help for low income families, especially seniors who may need help with home repairs. With these resources, seniors can rest assured that their home’s water heating needs will be taken care of without breaking the bank.
4. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Rebates Program
The government has recently introduced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) program, which provides free water heaters to eligible individuals. The program also offers rebates and tax credits for upgrading to electric equipment, which is believed to be more environmentally friendly than gas.
The IRA rebate program provides free heat pump-powered water heaters and financial assistance to low-income households with modest annual earnings. These heat pumps operate on electricity instead of gas, resulting in cleaner energy consumption.
The program offers up to $14,000 in rebates for purchasing and installing specific equipment, including heat pump water heaters and related upgrades that use cleaner electricity instead of natural gas.
Depending on their income level:
- For Low-income (less than 80% of state median), IRA covers 100% of the expenses costs up to $14,000.
- Foe Moderate-income (80% to 150% of state median), IRA covers 50% of costs up to $14,000.
5. IRA Tax Credits program
If your family has a higher income and is ineligible for 100% rebates, you may still be able to receive water heater assistance through the non-refundable IRA tax credit program.
This program offers a credit that can reduce your income tax liability. After making energy-efficient improvements to your home, including two water heater benefit levels, you can claim a tax credit of up to $3,200.
The benefits are:
- $1200 for units that run on natural gas, propane, or oil
- $2,000 for units that run on heat pumps.
6. Michigan Home Repair Assistance Program
The Michigan Home Repair Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners make necessary home repairs and improvements. This includes repairing or replacing non-functioning furnaces, hot water heaters, or septic systems. The maximum amount for energy-related furnace repairs is $4,000 per family group, and for non-energy-related repairs (excluding furnace), it’s $1,500 per family group.
Eligibility:
- Own your home
- Use your home as your primary residence
- Meet specific income limits based on area median income
How to apply:
To get help with home repairs in Michigan, you need to apply through MI Bridges or your local government or a nonprofit organization.
You’ll need to fill out a form and submit documents to prove your income and homeownership.
7. The Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
The Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) provides energy-saving improvements to low-income households to help reduce their utility bills. Local Utility companies run this program, and it is typically available in states like Pennsylvania.
While the program’s service can vary, one of the measures might include assistance with water heater replacements. Under the program, old, inefficient water heaters may be replaced with new, energy-efficient models to help reduce overall energy consumption.
Eligibility:
To qualify for LIURP, you need to have a low income, usually at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Your energy usage may also be taken into consideration.
How to Apply:
The application process for LIURP can vary depending on the utility company running the program. Generally, you would need to contact your utility provider directly. They will give you an application form and explain how to apply.
8. HE+ Program Services
The HE+ Program is a helpful initiative that aims to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of eligible households. It offers two primary services, Furnace Program Services and Water Conservation Program Services.
The HE+ Furnace Program Service
helps low-income Wisconsin households when their heating system is no longer working properly or unsafe. Local weatherization agencies manage the program and get paid for completing the work.
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) checks eligibility and sets aside funds for the Weatherization agencies. WHEAP and Weatherization agencies work cooperatively to ensure all requirements and services are provided on time. Eligible households won’t be charged.
HE+ Water Conservation Program Services
HE+ Water Conservation Program Services offer year-round assistance to qualifying low-income households in Wisconsin. The program helps repair or replace leaky or non-functional water heaters, fixtures, toilets, and piping. Funding for these services comes from Public Benefits, and eligible customers must reside within a participating public benefit utility’s territory.
9. Home Energy Counseling and Checkup Program (HEC²)
The The HEC² program helps low-income households save money on energy and improve their homes’ efficiency. It offers services like energy audits, usage monitoring, and installing energy-saving measures. Some households may get a new hot water heater for free if their old one is not efficient or broken. This can lower energy usage and costs. You can install up to $100 of free energy-saving products.
HEC² offers the following services:
- Hot water heater replacement
- Insulation installation
- Window sealing
- HVAC upgrades
These services are aimed at enhancing the overall energy efficiency of a residence.
To be eligible for HEC², your household income needs to be at or below a certain level. However, other factors like the size of your household, energy usage, and the condition of your home’s energy systems may also be considered.
To apply, contact the organization in charge of the program in your area, whether that’s a utility company, non-profit, or government office. They’ll give you the right forms and help you through the application process.
10. Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program
The Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program helps low-income homeowners and renters improve their homes’ energy efficiency. It’s a partnership between NWCCOG, local utility companies and Energy Outreach Colorado.
CARE offers free energy upgrades to households in participating counties. Energy Outreach Colorado will connect you with a local agency to conduct an energy audit on your home. Then, Professional contractors will install upgrades like insulation, LEDs, refrigerators, and shower heads.
Eligible households may also get a free water heater and other improvements like air sealing and furnace upgrades. Contact the local agency in your area for accurate and current information.
Eligibility:
You are eligible if:
- You meet income qualifications for your county (80% of the area median income)
- You live in a participating county: Eagle, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Garfield, Grand, Lake, Park, Routt, Summit, Moffat.
- You automatically qualify if you (or anyone in your household) receive assistance from programs like SNAP, LEAP, SSI, SSDI, TANF, etc.
- If you are a customer of the following utilities:
- Xcel Energy
- Black Hills Energy
- Holy Cross Energy
- Atmos Energy
- San Miguel Power Association
- Platte River Power Authority – Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, or Estes Park
- Colorado Natural Gas
- City of Gunnison Electric
- Gunnison County Electric Association
- Mountain Parks Electric
- Yampa Valley Electric Association
- La Plata Electric Association
How To Apply:
To apply, you need to submit a CARE application to the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG). You can do this by mailing the application to the address below or emailing it to [email protected]. You can also email on [email protected].
If you qualify based on your household income, you must provide income documentation for all working adults.
Once you submit the application, NWCCOG will contact approved clients to schedule a free home energy audit and manage the installation of the energy-saving equipment in your home.
11. Energy Savings Assistance Program
The Energy Savings Assistance Program helps low-income households save energy and reduce their power bills. They provide free energy-saving upgrades to make homes more efficient, safe, and comfortable. The program offers a range of services, including upgrading or repairing heat pump water heaters, furnaces, lighting, and refrigerators at no cost.
For example, in California, the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP) offers free water heater repairs or replacements for eligible low-income households.
You can apply for the program whether you own or rent your home. An authorized contractor or local utility company can help you apply. Once your application is received, an Energy Savings Assistance Program contractor will visit your home, assess your eligibility, and assist with the necessary paperwork. If you are eligible, the contractor will install energy-efficient upgrades in your home and conduct an inspection of the new improvements. Eligibility is based on income, household size, or participation in public assistance programs.
The Energy Savings Assistance Program offers various types of home improvements that include:
- Attic insulation
- Low-flow faucet aerator
- High-efficiency clothes washer
- Low- flow showerhead
- High-efficiency furnace replacement(owner-occupied only)
- Thermostatic shower valve
- Furnace duct system sealing
- Thermostatic tub spout
- Water heater blanket
- Water heater pipe insulation
12. HopeWorks Emergency Low-Income Program for Seniors (HELPS)
The HopeWorks Emergency Low-Income Program for Seniors (HELPS) is a program that provides the repair or replacement of natural gas furnaces and water heaters for low-income senior citizens. The Georgia Public Service Commission funds this program through approved USF funding. This program works with Atlanta Gas Light Company and natural gas marketer customers.
For more information on eligibility details, interested parties may call (404) 872-0167. This program is a helpful resource for seniors needing help with water heaters and gas furnaces.
Who Qualifies for Free Water Heater Programs?
Low-Income Households
Low-income families living below the federal poverty level can qualify for free water heaters. The government offers different programs with slightly different requirements based on income levels.
- IRA program can cover 100% of the costs for purchasing energy-efficient units for families earning less than 80% of the state median income.
- WAP can provide assistance to families living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level based on annual earnings and household size.
- LIHEAP helps families with utility bills if they are living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, which can lower equipment operating costs.
Senior Citizens
Senior citizens who rely on Social Security Retirement Income may qualify for free water heaters through WAP, LIHEAP, and IRA because they often meet low-income requirements.
If they live in rural areas, Section 504 is another option that can help them.
Senior citizens can receive free grants for home repairs, which cover a range of fixes, such as water heater replacements, windows, doors, roofs, foundations, HVAC equipment, and more.
Veterans
Those who have served the country can often face financial hardships due to their service, including disabilities, job disruptions, and more. These programs ensure veterans have the support they need to get essential appliances like water heaters.
Disabled Individuals
People with disabilities who meet low-income criteria for WAP, LIHEAP, and IRA may qualify for free water heaters.
Social Security Disability benefits are often insufficient to cover their expenses. However, SSI recipients have an advantage over those receiving SSDI payments. They are automatically eligible for home improvement grants through WAP and LIHEAP if they have a project with an excellent savings-to-investment ratio.
Unlike SSDI recipients, they don’t need to prove they meet the income thresholds.
Conclusion:
Free water heater programs for low-income families are a great way to ensure that everyone has access to hot water. These programs not only help families save money on their utility bills but also promote sustainability by encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances.
By taking advantage of these programs, low-income families can improve their quality of life and reduce their environmental impact, making it a win-win solution for everyone involved. It is important to spread awareness about these programs so that more families can benefit from them and have access to basic necessities like hot water
