Residents in Washtenaw County, Michigan, looking to beat the summer heat can now apply for a free cooling upgrade to their homes. The Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development is bringing back an assistance program that allows homeowners to install central air conditioning at no cost, according to CBS Detroit.
The initiative kicks off with a waitlist opening at noon on Tuesday, February 20, and positions are up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis. While the waitlist slated to remain open for at least an hour, history signals it's likely to fill rapidly amid high demand. For those who miss the cut due to a surplus of applicants, a lottery will determine who can benefit from the service in 2024, as mlive.com reported.
To join the waitlist, homeowners should either visit a designated link or make a phone call to the county office at the stroke of noon. The particulars can be discovered on the Washtenaw County website or by ringing up (734) 544-3008, highlighted by a post from the Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development's Facebook page.
Preference for this air conditioning assistance program is not random - applicants must meet specific criteria. Prioritization is based on serious medical necessities substantiated by a doctor's note and considers the potential beneficiary's age, as Aaron Kraft, the OCED Housing Program Supervisor, told CBS Detroit. Those successful in the program will see a five-year forgivable lien on their property, which comes with no interest or monthly payments and dissolves after the term, creating no financial burden for participants.
This air conditioning program is part of a broader effort to aid lower-income and vulnerable Washtenaw County residents with home improvements that might otherwise be unaffordable. Other programs include once-yearly waitlists for roof replacements and the Home Weatherization Program, which delivers efficiency upgrades to help decrease utility bills. For those encountering emergency repairs needs, such as pressing issues with furnaces or water heaters, additional assistance is available. Residents can learn more about the available programs and eligibility requirements by contacting the OCED at the provided phone number.
