Free Furnace Repair and Emergency Heating Help 2026–27: Programs That Pay

FSR Editorial Team

2 hours ago

6 min read

A broken furnace in December is an emergency, and a repair bill can run into the thousands. Several government-funded programs will pay a contractor directly to fix or replace a home's heating system for income-eligible households. Most people never hear about them.

This guide covers the 2026–27 rules in New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington, plus how to find help anywhere else. It also explains the one mistake that can cost you the benefit: hiring someone before the program approves the work.

If You Have No Heat Right Now

Smell gas? Leave the house first, then call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from outside.
Renters: heat repairs are usually your landlord's job. Report it in writing right away. In New York City, call 311 if the landlord doesn't fix it.
Never use an oven to heat your home, and keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters, the U.S. Fire Administration warns.
Make sure your carbon monoxide alarm works. Fuel-burning heaters that aren't working right can leak CO.
Call 211 for warming centers and emergency shelter if your home isn't safe tonight.

How Free Furnace Repair Programs Work

Most of this money comes from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), run differently in each state, and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). A few things are true almost everywhere:

You apply through a local agency, such as a community action agency or county office, not the contractor.
The agency approves the job first, then pays the vendor directly. If you pay a contractor before approval, you usually can't be reimbursed.
Most repair benefits are for homeowners. Renters generally go through their landlord.
Income limits apply, often 150% to 200% of federal poverty guidelines, depending on the program.

New York: HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Clean & Tune

New York's 2026–27 Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR) benefit opened October 1, 2026.

What it pays: the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment, up to $4,000 for repairs and $8,000 for replacements.
Who qualifies: income-eligible homeowners who live in the home. The state's ny.gov page also lists age 60 or older, so confirm your eligibility with your local HEAP office.
Key rule: repairs and replacements must be approved before work begins, and payment goes straight to the approved vendor.

The HEAP Clean and Tune benefit also opened October 1, 2026. It pays up to $500 for cleaning your heating equipment, chimney cleaning, minor repairs, and installing carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats.

How to apply: In NYC, call HRA at (718) 557-1399. You can also mail a HEAP application to HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008, fax it to (917) 639-2900, or apply in person at 109 E. 16th Street. HRA has 30 business days to decide. Outside NYC, contact your county's HEAP Local District Contact or call 1-800-342-3009.

NYC's 311 guide notes that HRA emergency assistance may also be available year-round for households with a broken boiler or furnace.

Ohio (Cincinnati): Winter Crisis Program and Home Repair Help

Ohio's HEAP Winter Crisis Program runs November 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Besides paying shutoff and reconnection costs, it offers a separate benefit of up to $1,500 for heating unit repair or replacement. In some cases, it can repair, replace or install the main heating source for homeowners.

Income limit: 175% of federal poverty guidelines, for example $27,930 for one person or $57,750 for a family of four (12-month income).
How to apply: start at energyhelp.ohio.gov, then complete an appointment with your local Energy Assistance Provider. In Hamilton County, that's the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency at (513) 569-1840.

Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) can also repair or replace heating systems after an energy audit, for households at or below 200% of poverty. It isn't built for same-week emergencies, so apply early.

In Greater Cincinnati, People Working Cooperatively (PWC) does critical home repairs, including HVAC repair or replacement, for homeowners who earn less than 50% of area median income and are elderly or disabled. Call (513) 351-7921.

Texas (Houston and Dallas): CEAP Heating Repair

Texas's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) isn't just bill help. State rules allow up to $9,000 to service and repair an existing heating or cooling system that isn't working. Components can be replaced if they can't be repaired, and a unit can be bought if none exists. CEAP can also buy portable heating units in a crisis.

Houston (Harris, Brazoria, Galveston counties): BakerRipley runs CEAP. Call (713) 667-9400. As of early October, BakerRipley expected to reopen online applications November 9, 2026.
Dallas County: Dallas County Health & Human Services runs CEAP, which can help repair heating and cooling units. It's by appointment only. Call (214) 819-1848.
Other Texas counties: call 211 and ask for your CEAP provider.

CEAP's income limit is 150% of federal poverty guidelines, and households in "vulnerable" groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities, get priority.

Washington (Seattle): LIHEAP Furnace Repair Through Byrd Barr Place

Washington's LIHEAP can help repair or replace an unsafe or inoperative heating system, in addition to bill grants. The program year runs October 1 to September 30, and the income limit is 150% of the federal poverty level.

In Seattle, Byrd Barr Place runs LIHEAP and offers furnace repair, cleaning or replacement. Its 2026–27 energy assistance program opened Monday, October 5, with online applications opening Wednesday, October 7. You must qualify for LIHEAP first to get furnace help. Contact 206-812-4940 or energyassistance@byrdbarr.place, or visit 722 18th Ave.

Outside Seattle, use the Washington Department of Commerce's LIHEAP map to find your county's provider.

Everywhere Else

Your state's LIHEAP office: ask specifically about "heating system repair or replacement" or "crisis assistance." Many states offer it but don't advertise it.
Weatherization Assistance Program: run by states and local agencies. Income is a main factor, generally at or below 200% of poverty guidelines. Find your state administrator on energy.gov.
Your gas or electric utility: some fund repairs of gas appliances or customer-owned gas lines.
211: for local church and nonprofit repair funds.

What to Have Ready

Photo ID for adults in the household
Proof of income for everyone (often the last 30 days)
A recent utility bill
Proof that you own the home, if you're applying for a homeowner repair benefit
The contractor's diagnosis, if you already have one. Don't authorize the repair until the agency approves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will LIHEAP pay to replace my furnace?

In many states, yes, if it's unsafe or doesn't work and you meet income rules. New York pays up to $8,000 for a replacement. Texas CEAP can cover up to $9,000 for heating system repair.

Can renters get furnace repair help?

Usually the landlord is responsible. Report the problem in writing. Renters can still apply for bill help and, in some places, portable heaters.

How fast can I get help?

It varies. HRA in NYC has up to 30 business days to decide. Ask about emergency handling if you have no heat, and call 211 for a warm place to stay in the meantime.

Can I get a free space heater?

Some programs provide portable heaters in a crisis. Texas CEAP rules specifically allow it. Ask your local energy assistance agency.

Related Guides

Need help asking your landlord or utility for more time? Our $9 Behind on Rent Action Kit has fill-in letters and checklists. Free help is always available at 211.