Program Overview
Free High Efficiency ACs for Qualified Low-Income or At-Risk Groups
ARCA partners with a utility, city, state or agency to install free, high efficiency air conditioners to low-income, senior or otherwise at-risk groups who may not have access to safe cooling options. ARCA can assist with procurement of appliances, logistics, and installation. These programs keep residents safe, healthy and happy.
Program Benefits
- Curbs Peak Demand – If such a program were designed to replace older, inefficient air conditioners, it could contribute significant kW savings. ENERGY STAR® estimates that a new, high-efficiency unit can save 20% over a 10 year model.
- Community Health and Safety – These programs can provide low-income households access to efficient air conditioning, reducing their energy burden and mitigating the risk of the effects of hot summers including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Promotes Customer Satisfaction – Customers are thrilled to receive a new, free air conditioner and that ARCA will handle the heavy lifting and installation in their window for them.
Case Study – New York City
ARCA partnered with New York City to provide cooling assistance to vulnerable New Yorkers by installing window air conditioners for low income seniors as a part of Mayor de Blasio’s COVID-19 Heat Wave Plan. New Yorkers who are 60 years or older and have income below 60 percent of the state median income, and do not have air conditioning in their home qualified to receive a new, free air conditioner.
The program’s purpose was to mitigate the dangerous effects of hot summers that disproportionately affect older populations including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
ARCA started as one of several vendors contracted by the city to install air conditioners, but ultimately, ARCA was selected as the sole preferred vendor to complete the project. The city cited ARCA’s speed and responsiveness as reasons for increasing their commitment to the partnership.
ARCA installed more than 10,500 new air conditioners during Summer 2020.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact ARCA Recycling.