Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate or referral links. I may earn a commission or receive products, services, discounts, or other compensation when you purchase or take action through certain links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Winter heating costs can put a real strain on a household budget. And when a furnace or boiler needs an expensive repair or replacement, the cost can be overwhelming.

If you live in New York, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may be able to help eligible households with heating costs. There are also specific HEAP benefits for eligible homeowners who need help with their heating equipment.

The 2026–2027 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit and Clean and Tune benefit are scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Here’s what homeowners and renters should know.

Help With Furnace and Boiler Repairs or Replacement

The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefit can help eligible homeowners repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment needed to keep the home’s primary heating source working.

For the 2026–2027 program year, the benefit can provide:

• Up to $4,000 for an eligible repair
• Up to $8,000 for an eligible replacement

The actual benefit is based on the eligible cost of the work and program requirements.

HERR replacement assistance is limited to one HEAP-funded replacement benefit per applicant household in a 10-year period.

HERR Is for Homeowners

The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit is for eligible homeowners.

If you rent your home, you cannot use this particular benefit to repair or replace the heating system in your rental.

However, renters should not assume they cannot receive HEAP assistance. Regular HEAP benefits may be available to eligible renters to help with heating costs, including certain situations where heating is included in the rent.

If you rent and your furnace or heating system is not working, contact your landlord or property manager about the repair.

Do Not Start the Work Before You Get Approval

This is especially important if you are a homeowner considering HERR assistance.

The repair or replacement must be approved and authorized by your local HEAP district before the work begins.

HEAP pays the participating vendor after the authorized work has been completed.

If you think your furnace or boiler needs repair or replacement, contact your local HEAP district before arranging the work.

Clean and Tune Assistance

The 2026–2027 HEAP Clean and Tune benefit is also scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

Eligible homeowners may receive services to help their primary heating equipment operate safely and efficiently.

Depending on the household’s needs, eligible services may include:

• Cleaning primary heating equipment
• Chimney cleaning
• Minor repairs
• Installation of carbon monoxide detectors
• Installation of programmable thermostats when needed for safe, proper and efficient operation

The Clean and Tune benefit can provide up to $500, based on the actual cost of eligible services.

Eligibility requirements apply. Among the requirements are that the applicant is a homeowner, meets the applicable income guidelines, has primary heating equipment that is more than 12 months old, and has not had the equipment or chimney cleaned within the previous 12 months.

A household also cannot have a service contract with its vendor that already includes clean and tune services.

What About Renters?

If you rent your home, you may still qualify for other HEAP assistance.

The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement and Clean and Tune benefits are homeowner benefits. Regular HEAP, however, can provide heating assistance to eligible households based on factors such as household income, household size and heating situation.

So if you rent and are struggling with your heating costs, it is worth checking your eligibility for HEAP.

If the heating system itself needs repair, contact your landlord or property manager.

What If You Have a Heating Emergency?

If you have a heating emergency, contact your HEAP Local District Contact for assistance.

HEAP says emergency assistance cannot be provided through the website. Your local district can explain whether you may qualify and what documentation is needed.

If HEAP cannot assist with an emergency, you may also be eligible for emergency assistance through Temporary Assistance, also known as Public Assistance.

Who Can Qualify?

HEAP eligibility depends on the specific benefit and can include factors such as:

• Household income
• Household size
• Primary heating source
• Living situation
• Other program requirements

Income guidelines and benefit amounts can change, so check the current 2026–2027 requirements before applying.

St. Lawrence County and All of New York

If you live in St. Lawrence County, these benefits are worth knowing about as you prepare for another New York winter.

But this information is not limited to St. Lawrence County.

HEAP is a New York State program, and eligible households throughout New York can contact their local HEAP district to find out what assistance may be available.

New York provides HEAP contacts by county, including St. Lawrence County.

Don’t Forget About Carbon Monoxide Safety

Heating season is also a good time to make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be produced by fuel-burning heating equipment.

Have your heating equipment properly maintained and make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

October 1 Is the Date to Remember

If you are worried about heating costs or you know your furnace or boiler needs attention, October 1, 2026, is an important date to remember.

The 2026–2027 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement and Clean and Tune benefits are scheduled to open October 1.

If you think you may qualify, contact your local HEAP district to find out what assistance is available and what you need to do to apply.

Don’t wait until winter is here to find out what help may be available.

Official Resources

• New York State HEAP: Find current information about HEAP benefits and eligibility.
• HEAP Local District Contacts: Find the appropriate contact for your county.
• myBenefits.ny.gov: Apply for available New York State benefits.
• HEAP Participating Vendors: Find participating vendors for eligible heating services.

HEAP program dates, eligibility requirements, funding and benefit availability can change. Always verify current information with New York State HEAP or your local Department of Social Services before making arrangements for heating work.

Best CTA

Need Help Paying Your Bills?

If you’re struggling with rent, your electric bill, heating costs, or other household expenses, don’t wait until you’re facing an emergency. Check New York MyBenefits to see which assistance programs you may qualify for.

👉 Check Your Benefits at MyBenefits.ny.gov