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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If you need help paying an energy bill, start with your state or territory’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) office through USAGov’s energy-bill assistance page. To find a cool place during a heat event, call 211 where available, check the National Center for Healthy Housing’s state cooling-center listings, or contact your local health department or emergency management agency. Call ahead: eligibility, opening hours, transportation, and other services vary locally.
How to get help paying an energy bill
Start with LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help eligible households pay heating or cooling bills and may provide emergency services during an energy crisis. USAGov directs people to the LIHEAP office for their state or territory. Eligibility is income-based, but each jurisdiction sets its own requirements; there is no single national income limit, benefit amount, deadline, or guarantee that funds are available.
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- Visit USAGov’s “Get help with energy bills” page and follow the link to your state or territory LIHEAP office.
- Ask the office whether you may qualify and what documents are required. Confirm whether you can apply online or must apply in person.
- If you need help urgently, ask specifically about crisis or emergency assistance, current processing times, and whether funds remain. These details are set locally and can change.
- Follow the office’s application instructions and keep its contact information so you can check the status of your application.
USAGov last updated its energy-bill page on January 13, 2026. Check the administering office for current requirements and availability before relying on a particular benefit.
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Contact your utility and the relevant state office promptly if disconnection is threatened or has already happened. Shutoff protections depend on state rules and the utility; they may take factors such as weather, age, or disability into account. There is no nationwide heat-related shutoff moratorium established by the guidance cited here. Check the current policy for your state and provider rather than assuming a protection applies.
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- 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: Enjoy cool air (64°F- 90°F) during hot summer days, plus dehumidifier and fan modes for comfortable air circulation when temperatures are milder. Everything you need for year-round comfort in one AC unit
- Comfort Sleep Mode: Sleep mode and programmable 1-24 hour timer maintain your ideal room temperature automatically. Ultra-quiet operation below 50dB won't interrupt sleep, while two adjustable fan speeds let you customize airflow
- Quick Window Installation: Comes ready to install with exhaust hose and adjustable window kit that fits widths from 20.48 to 39 inches. No handyman skills required—set up completely in just minutes and start cooling immediately（for small windows, trimming may be necessary)
- No-hassle Maintenance: Advanced Self-evaporating operation effectively reduces the frequency of manual water draining. The washable filter captures dust effectively and slides out easily for quick cleaning whenever needed—keeping air fresher longer
- Room-to-Room Versatility: Lightweight with smooth-rolling casters, this compact AC moves effortlessly wherever cooling is needed. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, garages—any space up to 750 square feet
For longer-term energy costs
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a separate option for eligible households seeking home improvements that improve energy efficiency. Contact your state WAP office to ask about eligibility and how to apply. Weatherization is not an immediate substitute for emergency cooling or help with a bill due now.
Where to find a cooling center or another cool place
The CDC recommends using several local routes to find air conditioning:
- Call 211 where available. In most parts of the United States, 211 connects callers to local social services and referrals, but coverage is not universal.
- Check the National Center for Healthy Housing’s Cooling Centers by State page.
- Contact your local health department or emergency management agency. They may be able to point you to a designated center or air-conditioned shelter.
If you cannot find a designated cooling center, a public library or shopping mall may offer temporary air-conditioned respite. These locations are not guaranteed to be open to everyone or to have the services you need, so confirm access and hours locally. The CDC’s heat guidance, dated July 20, 2026, recommends using air conditioning or finding a location that has it through these local channels.
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- Fast, Effective Cooling for Rooms Up to 750 Sq. Ft: This 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner provides rapid spot cooling for spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or apartments up to 750 sq. ft. It helps quickly dissipate indoor heat, keeping you comfortable even on the hottest summer days.
- 3-in-1 Versatility: AC, Fan & Dehumidifier: More than just a cooler, this unit also functions as a dehumidifier and a circulating fan. It reduces excess indoor humidity and improves air circulation, delivering year-round comfort across different seasons and weather conditions.
- User-Friendly Controls & Eco-Conscious Design: The clear LED control panel makes operation easy, with a programmable 24-hour timer and Sleep Mode for convenient, quiet nighttime use. Designed with eco-friendly refrigerant, this energy-efficient AC helps cool your space while minimizing energy consumption.
- Easy to Move with Rolling Casters & Side Handles: Compact and sleek, this unit features smooth-rolling wheels and ergonomic side handles, so you can effortlessly move it from room to room — wherever cooling is needed most.
- Quick No-Drill Window Installation: The package includes a remote control and a complete window installation kit with an adjustable exhaust hose and window panels. Fits most double-hung or sliding windows, requires no drilling, and can be set up in minutes — ideal for renters or temporary cooling needs.
What to confirm before you travel
Cooling-site hours and services are not standardized nationally. Ask the site or the agency referring you:
- Is the location open now, and when does it close? Does it open only during specified heat alerts?
- Is it free and open to the public, or are registration or eligibility requirements in place?
- Can you enter with a mobility device or caregiver?
- Are pets allowed? Is drinking water available? Can you charge an essential medical device?
- Is transportation available, and what route is safest in the current heat?
These are questions to verify, not services every center provides. If you cannot reach the site, check with the local health department or emergency management agency before setting out. CDC cooling-center guidance emphasizes publicizing locations and clearly describing what they offer, but local listings and operations remain the deciding source for a particular visit.
Plan for heat and power-related health needs
Check your local HeatRisk and follow current local heat advisories. Drink water and refill it through the day, and check on family, neighbors, and pets. A reusable bottle can help you carry water, but it does not replace access to safe drinking water or air conditioning.
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- Three-in-One Unit: Our 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner has a full function remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display
- Portable AC: Take this personal air conditioner (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09) in rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
- Smart AC with Voice Control: This smart air conditioner allows Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on iOS and Google Play stores, and voice controlled by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Follow Me Remote: Our portable AC unit comes with a full function remote control that features a FOLLOW ME function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control
- Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air
Possible signs of overheating include muscle cramps, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, weakness, and nausea. Seek medical care for concerning symptoms; a cooling center is not medical care.
CDC cautions that an indoor fan should be used only when the indoor temperature is below 90°F. Above 90°F, a fan can increase body temperature, so do not rely on one as a safe substitute for air conditioning in a hotter room.
Heat can contribute to power outages. If you rely on refrigerated medicine or powered medical equipment, discuss a backup plan with your clinician and utility. Do not stop or change medication without talking to a doctor.
Rank #4
- Three-in-One Unit: Our 12,000 BTU (8,350 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner has a full function remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display
- Portable AC: Take this personal air conditioner (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09) in rooms up to 550 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
- Smart AC with Voice Control: This smart air conditioner allows Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on iOS and Google Play stores, and voice controlled by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Follow Me Remote: Our portable AC unit comes with a full function remote control that features a FOLLOW ME function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control
- Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air
Choosing among local options
For a cooling location, weigh the distance and safest available transportation against confirmed hours and whether the site is open for the current heat event. Then check admission, accessibility, and whether the location can accommodate needs such as a caregiver, pet, or powered medical device.
For bill assistance, compare each program’s purpose, eligibility rules, application method, urgency, and whether it offers bill assistance, a crisis service, or longer-term weatherization. Confirm the terms with the administering agency rather than assuming that programs work the same way across states.
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