Daiken HVAC unit installed at the home of Raymond Jetta.

Earlier this year Brunswick Electric was selected by Advanced Energy, a nonprofit that works with electric utilities and the government, to identify members who would receive a new HVAC unit and installation, for free.

To qualify, they had to have received benefits through LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) or CIP (Crisis Intervention Program) in the last 12 months, have high energy use, and an inefficient HVAC system. Funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), made available through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Members who qualified were invited to apply, and those who passed a site visit and durability check were then selected by Advanced Energy. Four members in Columbus County received new Daikin HVAC units, installed by Nick Barnes of Aire Serv, and two more are in process for Brunswick County.

“Before the pandemic, our electric bill was averaging around $400 per month, and then during the pandemic it went to $500 and even $600 per month,” said Raymond Jetta, one of the recipients. “My system was about 25 years old. I also learned that it was undersized for the square footage, so it really needed to be replaced. Getting this new unit really, really helped us out. We’re more comfortable, use less electricity, and we save so much money every month. Our most recent bill was $262 — that makes a huge difference!”