Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)

Households that are eligible for Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) with a gross annual income that does not exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income are eligible for HEARTWAP services. The program is designed primarily to serve homeowners. Landlords are required to maintain the heating system for their tenants under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code.

Through the heating season, the program is primarily an emergency-based heating system repair program that helps eligible homeowners pay to repair or replace defective or unsafe heating systems. If sufficient funds are available after the heating season, HEARTWAP will complete maintenance work (clean and tunes) and replace heating systems that are in poor condition and not worth repairing. Funds are also available for asbestos abatement only as needed to enable heating system repairs or replacements to be completed safely.

There are maximum allowable expenditure limits for different types of heating system activities. In some instances households may be required to provide a co-payment. Local agencies attempt to utilize all available utility funds for system replacements in an effort to minimize the need for client contributions.

Households are served based on need. Typically, a Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) eligible homeowner who has a no-heat or unsafe heating system situation will call the local agency. The agency contracts with licensed and insured heating repair technicians to fix the problem. To the greatest extent possible local agencies will work with the customer's service dealer of record.

Eligibility for HEARTWAP services is based on eligibility for the current year's Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). Interested households should contact their local Home Energy Assistance agency for application information. Households will be required to verify their income, household characteristics, address and home ownership.

First-time Home Energy Assistance applicants can apply in person or online at the energy assistance agency in their area. 

Apply online starting October 1, 2023.   

For those clients who cannot apply online, apply at the local energy assistance agency that serves your city/town. Click this link for an agency listing by town.

Households must apply each year; applications are mailed to households after the first year. Households can apply starting October 1st online through April 30th of the program year. Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal through the local energy assistance agency.  

You may also review the Cold Relief Brochure 2024

You can also contact the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.