Picture this: it’s the middle of one of the hottest summers you’ve ever had to live through, and your central AC just broke. Your house is now a microwave, and you and your children feel like you’re cooking inside. What’s worse is that your contractor just quoted a number you didn’t even know existed as the price of installing a new one. If this situation describes you, then fear not, as there are creative and easy ways to replace your AC.
#1. Get a Loan
The problem with getting a new AC is that most air conditioning finance companies consider the price too big for credit cards, but too small for home loans. Luckily, there are other ways you can get a loan. You could ask the company you’re currently working with to give you the money to afford their high price, or you could go for a special energy-efficiency loan program, if one is available in your town. Finally, you could just ask your bank for the money, or borrow against the equity of your home. Loans are a very easy thing to get ahold of, so always keep them open as an option.
#2. Get a Grant
A grant’s purpose is to help you get caught up on your expenses so that your appliances don’t get shut off. There are many different programs that give out these grants, which vary from recurring to one-time-use depending on who you get it from. For example, churches hand out one-time-grants to low income families so that they can make it another month. Meanwhile, the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (or LIHEAP, for short) grants are small, but recurring, giving you that necessary boost to meet expenses.
Conclusion
Even if you don’t have the cash to pay for it, you still have many options available to you to have a new central air conditioner installed. From loans, to grants, to finding one on Craigslist. These and many more options are available to you, so weigh them against each other and find the best option for you.
