Heater Hotline: broken heater in winter
The Heater Hotline makes free emergency repairs to home heaters. It’s run by the Energy Coordinating Agency and supported by the City’s Division of Housing and Community Development. You have to meet income requirements. Call ECA at (215) 568-7190; in cold weather you may reach an answering service and get a callback.
Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP)
- Free repairs for electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes.
- Eligible emergencies include “violations from Water Department, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), PECO or Philadelphia L & I.” If a violation involves your flue or chimney, ask whether it qualifies.
- If Heater Hotline staff decide your heater needs replacing, they forward your application to BSRP.
- You must own and live in the single-family home, be current (or on a payment agreement) on property taxes and water, meet the income guidelines, and own no other residential property.
Restore, Repair, Renew (RRR) loans
- 10-year loans at a 3% fixed APR, from $2,500 to $50,000, for repairs that include roof and masonry work.
- PHDC lists a credit score above 580, homeowners insurance and an income limit as requirements, and says the loan must include a 10% contingency.
- You apply through a housing counseling agency, as described on the City and PHDC pages.
Programs change; check the linked pages for current limits.
References
- City of Philadelphia: Get emergency home heater repairs (Heater Hotline)
- PHDC: Basic Systems Repair Program
- PHDC: Basic Systems Repair Program flyer, March 2026 (PDF)
- PHDC: Restore, Repair, Renew loan program
- City of Philadelphia: Apply for a low-interest home improvement loan
Checked October 30, 2026. Codes, fees, programs and prices change; confirm with the source. Cost figures are published ranges, not quotes.