Free Refrigerators for Low-Income Families: Utility Programs, Weatherization, and Charities

Where free refrigerators for low-income families come from

Each source works a little differently. Some replace an old refrigerator you already have, while others give a donated unit to a family that has none. Knowing which is which saves you calls.

Most families combine sources. For example, a utility may replace an old fridge for free, while a furniture bank supplies a stove. The same places often help with other appliances, as our guides to free stoves for low-income families and free washers and dryers for low-income families explain.

Utility replacement programs

Utilities pay for energy-efficiency programs from customer rates, and many set aside money for income-qualified households. Old refrigerators are a favorite target because they use a lot of power all day, every day. Programs differ widely, so treat these two as real-world models of what to ask about.

California: Energy Savings Assistance

California's large utilities run the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program under the California Public Utilities Commission. It provides no-cost energy upgrades, including refrigerator replacement, to households under the program's income limits. From June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, the limit is 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or $39,900 a year for one person.

PG&E's ESA page says renters and homeowners can take part, the home must be at least five years old, and a refrigerator must be at least 15 years old to be replaced. It says no proof of income is needed if you are enrolled in programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, or WIC. You can apply online or call 1-800-933-9555.

New Jersey: Comfort Partners

New Jersey's Comfort Partners program, run through the state's electric and gas utilities, lists "replacement of inefficient refrigerators" among its no-cost measures, along with insulation, air sealing, and heating maintenance. According to Orange & Rockland's program page, households need significant energy use and income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Households above that line may still be eligible if they get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, Section 8, or certain state aid. You must be the account holder at your home.

What to ask your own utility

• "Do you have an income-qualified energy-saving or appliance replacement program?"
• "Does it replace refrigerators, and how old does mine need to be?"
• "Can renters apply, and does my landlord need to sign anything?"
• "Does my SNAP, Medicaid, or LIHEAP enrollment count as proof of income?"

If your utility has no program, ask about bill-help programs instead. Lower bills can free up money for a used fridge. Our LIHEAP guide explains energy bill assistance.

Can weatherization replace my refrigerator?

Sometimes. The federal Weatherization Assistance Program pays local agencies to cut energy use in income-eligible homes. According to the Department of Energy, households at or below 200 percent of the poverty guidelines, or receiving SSI, are eligible, and states may use LIHEAP's limit of 60 percent of state median income instead. Both homeowners and renters can apply, though renters need landlord permission.

Most of the work is insulation, air sealing, and heating repair. A refrigerator is replaced only when the home's energy audit shows the swap will save enough energy to justify the cost. New Jersey's weatherization field guide, for example, says a refrigerator replacement must be recommended by the energy audit. In practice, that favors very old, inefficient units. A broken fridge, or a home with no fridge, is not usually covered.

There is often a waitlist, so apply early and mention your old refrigerator during the audit. Our guide to the Weatherization Assistance Program covers how to apply.

Charities, furniture banks, and ReStores

If you need a refrigerator because you have none, a donated one is often the quickest route.

• Furniture banks. These nonprofits give donated household goods to families referred by caseworkers, shelters, or agencies. Some carry appliances; others only furniture. Find one through Furniture Bank Network.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores. ReStores sell donated and surplus appliances at a fraction of retail. Not free, but often the cheapest working fridge in town.
• St. Vincent de Paul. Local conferences often make home visits and help with household needs.
• The Salvation Army. Some locations give vouchers for their thrift stores, which may carry appliances.
• Churches and mutual aid groups. Members sometimes donate a fridge when they upgrade.
• 211. Dial 211 and ask for "appliance assistance" or "household goods."

Ask whether delivery is included. Many charities give the unit but ask you to arrange pickup, so line up a truck and a helper before you go.

When a refrigerator is a medical need

For people who use insulin or other medicines that must stay cold, a working refrigerator is a health need, not a convenience. Say so on every application and call. Some charities and agencies move medical needs to the front of the line.

• Ask your doctor or clinic for a letter explaining that you need refrigeration for medication. Charities, landlords, and utilities often take it seriously.
• Ask your utility about medical programs. Many utilities have medical certificate or medical baseline programs that can add protections against shutoff for people who rely on powered equipment or refrigerated medicine.
• Ask your health plan or care manager. Some Medicaid and managed care plans have extra help for members with serious conditions. Coverage for an appliance is not common, so ask rather than assume.

According to the FDA, insulin vials and pens can be left unrefrigerated between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and still work. Keep insulin away from heat and direct sun, and do not use insulin that has frozen.

Renters and a broken refrigerator

If your landlord supplied the refrigerator, repairing or replacing it may be the landlord's job. Who pays depends on your lease and state law, which vary a great deal. Many leases say the landlord maintains appliances the landlord provided.

1. Tell the landlord in writing right away, with the date, and keep a copy or screenshot.
2. Read your lease for an appliance or repair clause.
3. Do not withhold rent before you understand your state's rules. That can lead to eviction in some places.
4. Call legal aid or a tenant hotline if the landlord does not respond. The Legal Services Corporation lists free legal aid offices.

If you own the refrigerator, utility and weatherization programs still need landlord permission for work in a rental, so ask the landlord to sign early.

Replacing food that spoiled

When a refrigerator dies, the food inside is often lost too. If you get SNAP, federal rule 7 CFR 274.6 requires states to replace SNAP food destroyed in a household misfortune, up to one month's benefit, if you report it within 10 days. The rule names fire and flood as examples, and states verify each loss. Whether a broken refrigerator or a power outage counts is up to your state agency, so call and ask.

Food pantries can help fill the gap in the meantime. Ask for shelf-stable foods that do not need refrigeration, like canned beans, tuna, peanut butter, and shelf-stable milk.

Checking a used or donated refrigerator

A free refrigerator is only a good deal if it works and does not drive up your power bill. ENERGY STAR says refrigerators more than 15 years old could be costing about $95 more a year to run, and that ENERGY STAR models are about 9 percent more efficient than the federal minimum. Before you accept or buy a used unit, check:

• Age. The model and serial number sticker inside usually shows the year. Newer is better.
• Cooling. Ask to see it running, or plug it in for a few hours and check it with a thermometer.
• Door seals. Close the door on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak.
• Size. Measure your space, doorways, and hallway before pickup.
• Recalls. Search the brand and model on the CPSC recall list.

Let a refrigerator stand upright for a few hours after moving it before you plug it in, as many manufacturers advise.

Keeping food and medicine cold while you wait

Use these tips from Ready.gov and food safety guidance while you look for a replacement:

• A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer holds temperature for about 48 hours.
• Throw out perishable food that has been at 40°F or warmer. A cheap appliance thermometer helps you check.
• Use a cooler with ice or frozen water bottles for milk, meat, and medicine, and keep insulin from touching ice directly.
• Buy smaller amounts of fresh food more often until you have a working fridge.
• Ask a neighbor, family member, or pharmacy whether they can hold medicine that must stay cold.

A step-by-step plan

1. Call your electric utility and ask about income-qualified refrigerator replacement.
2. Apply for weatherization through your local agency and mention the old refrigerator.
3. Dial 211 for furniture banks, churches, and charities that give appliances.
4. Check a Habitat ReStore for a low-cost unit if you can pay a small amount.
5. If you rent, notify your landlord in writing about a broken landlord-owned fridge.
6. Report lost SNAP food within 10 days and ask whether your state will replace it.

Related guides

• Free appliances for low-income families
• Salvation Army furniture vouchers
• Free beds for low-income families
• Hardship grants for individuals

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Program rules, income limits, and availability are set by each utility, agency, and charity and can change. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any utility, charity, or government agency.