Rockville Gives Away Free Air Conditioners

After eight years without any problems, the air conditioner at Irma Ward's Rockville home picked a fine time to die.

Scorching temperatures blazed throughout the region this week, with heat advisories issued for most of suburban Washington, DC.

Opening windows at night didn't help.

"The humidity is awful," Ward said from the front porch of her home on Baltimore Road.

The good news: a new air conditioner was an arm's length away, delivered to her porch courtesy of the City of Rockville.

The City of Rockville's Community Services Division gives donated air conditioning units to city residents like Ward—people who do not have air conditioning in their homes and aren't able to buy new ones.

Alfred C. Thompson, who delivered the air conditioner to Ward's doorstep, said the program began in 2010. There are typically 60 to 68 requests for air conditioners each year, said Thompson, the city's community services referral coordinator.

Older residents and families with small children are served first and the units are delivered free-of-charge.

High temperatures have put the units in high demand.

"We've had 11 requests this week," Thompson said.

In Rockville, Thursday’s highs were around 94, but with the heat index, the temperature felt more like 104. And there’s not much relief in sight: Friday’s forecast differed by a degree or two, according to the National Weather Service.

Ward is a mother of three and takes care of two grandkids. Her husband died of cancer in January. She kept news of the new unit as a surprise. 

"It's nice to get something to get this house cool," said her son, Ronnie Ward, 16. "It felt like the house was on fire."

Ward said she planned to install the unit on the first floor Thursday night, letting the cool air float through the home's six bedrooms.

"I really appreciate Rockville's help," she said.

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How to help

The city is accepting donations of units on an ongoing basis. To donate new or gently used window air conditioning units or for more information call Alfred Thompson at 240-314-8319 or email athompson@rockvillemd.gov. Donations are tax deductible.

Residents in need of an air conditioning unit or other services may call Rockville’s Community Services Division at 240-314-8310.