A returning city program may cover the cost of replacing a broken heating system for Fort Wayne, Indiana, homeowners.
Eligibility alone won't secure assistance from "Hope Through Heat," as funding is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. But the city has reopened the program to help homeowners replace old heating equipment that no longer works.
Here's what to know
According to the City of Fort Wayne's government website, applications for the Hope Through Heat program are now live. The initiative states, "The objective of the Hope Through Heat Program is to aid owner-occupied households by providing a grant for the replacement of non-functioning heating systems."
Covered systems include "gas forced air, electric heat kit, heat pump, or boiler systems," per the city website.
To qualify for financial support, applicants must be listed on the property deed (and be the primary resident) and have household incomes at or below 60% of the area's median income. Additionally, the home must be within Fort Wayne city limits, and the HVAC system must be non-functional.
The application can be found here. The city government also provides paper applications, which you can request by calling 260-427-8585.
The process to get support includes completing a pre-screening to confirm eligibility, then filling out the official application. Then, a member of the program team will contact the homeowner to review the application and confirm all required documents have been submitted. Next, if approved, a staff member will inspect the equipment before the project can begin.
For homeowners exploring other options, upgrading poorly functioning heating and cooling equipment is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. Palmetto can help homeowners understand their HVAC options and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps.
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For homeowners considering alternatives but not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0-down HVAC subscription options that can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.
Where can I learn more?
Fort Wayne isn't the only community where homeowners can find help with broken heating equipment.
• An Indiana family facing winter without heat learned that 211 may offer help with emergency repairs.
• A South Dakota family received a free furnace and AC after a year using space heaters.
• Virginia households can get free HVAC and insulation, along with help paying winter utility bills.
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