New York, NY (May 16, 2026) — New York residents may be eligible to receive a free air conditioner or fan this summer through a state cooling assistance program designed to help households manage extreme heat.

The benefit, offered through the Home Energy Assistance Program’s Summer Cooling Assistance initiative, covers the full cost of one cooling unit per household, including installation, labor, materials, and removal of older equipment.

Officials said qualifying households can receive up to $800 toward a portable air conditioner, window unit, or fan, while existing wall sleeve units may qualify for coverage of up to $1,000.

Applications opened in mid-April and are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning funding could run out before all applicants are served.

The program comes as New York continues expanding heat protection policies for tenants and vulnerable residents. State and city officials have increasingly focused on cooling access amid rising summer temperatures and public health concerns tied to extreme heat.

The assistance program also aligns with a recently adopted city law requiring landlords of tenant-occupied buildings to provide cooling systems to residents who request them by 2030. The law additionally sets maximum indoor temperature standards during summer months for buildings where landlords control the heat and cooling systems.

Residents seeking assistance can apply online through the ACCESS HRA system or contact state agencies directly for additional information and eligibility requirements.