Tune Up Assistance Program

[Mariela Coxon]

Howdoes it work?

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an emergency HEAP benefit if you are in impending danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

What is the Clean and Tune Benefit?

The HEAP Clean and Tune benefit opened October 2, 2023. Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Problem with your heating equipment?

You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply for Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefits. The in-person interview and application requirement is temporarily suspended. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

In writing / by mail: If you live outside New York City, print and mail the completed HEAP application to your HEAP Local District Contact. New York City residents can mail their application to: HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008

Please note: The above processes are for Regular HEAP benefits only. If you are facing an emergency situation outside the regular HEAP season, both New York City and non-New York City residents can apply for Emergency HEAP Benefits at your HEAP Local District Contact. If you are eligible, a HEAP emergency benefit may be issued in addition to your regular HEAP benefit.

You can apply for cooling assistance to buy and install an air conditioner or a fan for your home. Your household is allowed one or the other, and the price cannot be more than $800 with installation for a portable air conditioner, or fan, and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit. Like HEAP funding, cooling assistance funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

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If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Tier I eligibility is based on gross income and household size, on the date of application the household's gross income must be at or below 130% of federal poverty level for the household size; or at least one adult household member must be in receipt of ongoing assistance through Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or code A SSI.

If you are a homeowner and eligible, the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit can help you repair or replace your furnace, boiler and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep your home's primary heating source working.

You may call your HEAP Local District Contact to apply. An eligibility interview is required for all HERR applications but may be completed with applicants in person or by telephone. Your local district contact will decide if you meet all the eligibility conditions, including the income and resource requirements. The district will provide more information on how to submit the application and required documentation.

Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

This page provides background information on the Building Tune-Ups policy, program resources, and guidance on where to go for support in complying with the Tune-Ups requirements. Please note: per updates to SMC 22.930, the Seattle Building Tune-Ups regulation will sunset on 12/31/2028 following the completion of the second cycle of required tune-ups.

Sign up for the Building Tune-Ups e-news for program updates, workshop dates, and tips. Have additional questions about how to comply with the Building Tune-Ups ordinance and want to save energy, water, and money? Email Buildin...@seattle.gov.

Seattle Building Tune-Ups is a progressive energy efficiency policy that helps building owners identify smart, responsible ways to reduce energy and water costs. Like cars and bikes, all buildings need to be tuned regularly to keep them running as efficiently as possible. Through tune-ups, building owners find operational efficiencies and low- and no-cost fixes that improve building performance and on average can reduce building energy use 10-15%.

Building Tune-Ups submittals must be input using the Seattle Services Portal. The Microsoft Excel version of the Building Tune-Up Summary Report will not be accepted, although it is still useful for field use. Before submitting via the Seattle Services Portal, you will need to create an account if you haven't previously done so, and then claim your building using the claim code mailed to the owner of record. If you need assistance with a building claim code, please email us at Buildin...@seattle.gov.

The District offers a FREE car emissions test at Tune In, Tune Up events throughout the San Joaquin Valley. These free Saturday events occur in various locations throughout the Valley all year long.

Tune-In Tune-Up weekend events are resuming as allowed for by public health and safety recommendations. Should public health and safety recommendations change, the schedule will be updated accordingly. The District will continue to offer Valley residents the opportunity to have their vehicles repaired through the Drive Clean in the San Joaquin program through an online or telephone voucher approval process. To participate virtually, please call program partner Valley Clean Air Now at 1-800-806-2004 or complete the online interest form.

The San Joaquin Valley is home to a large number of older cars, many of which do not meet state emissions standards. Tune In & Tune Up helps vehicle owners take voluntary action to improve air quality by subsidizing expensive smog repairs.

The Valley Air District holds Tune In & Tune Up events throughout the Valley, providing residents with free emissions tests to determine whether their vehicle qualifies for free repairs at a local STAR certified smog shop.

In partnership with the Valley Air District, Valley CAN hosts Tune In & Tune Up events throughout the Valley, providing residents with free emissions tests to determine whether their vehicle qualifies for free repairs at a local STAR certified smog shop.

For eligible owners of 1999 and older vehicles which have been observed to have an emissions related issue at a Tune In Tune Up weekend event; opportunities are available through the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) and EFMP Plus Up (Plus Up) to replace the high emitting vehicle with a newer, more fuel efficient model. Incentives range from $2,500 to $9,500 depending on the household income level, residential status in a disadvantaged community, and the type of vehicle purchased. For information on household income requirements and incentives available please click here.

The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and is designed to help improve California's air quality. A consumer may retire a qualified vehicle and receive $1000. Consumers meeting low income eligibility requirements may receive $1500. In addition, CAP provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that cannot pass its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will be open throughout the five boroughs during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map, which includes free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.

*This year, Cooling Assistance is scheduled to operate from April 15 to August 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. If you DID receive a HEAP benefit during the current HEAP program year, your eligibility for a cooling benefit will be based on the information used to determine your HEAP benefit. If you DID NOT receive a benefit during the current HEAP program year, BUT you are currently receiving TA or SNAP benefits, your eligibility for a cooling benefit will be based on the information in your TA or SNAP case.

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