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COLUMBIA, MO. -- Dozens of low income Boone County families got some help to beat the heat.

Boone Electric Cooperative, the Columbia Water and Light Department and Central Missouri Community Action held the 6th annual Air-Conditioner Exchange.

The program allows low-income families to swap their old window air-conditioner unit for a new one that’s more energy efficient.  Shelly Atterberry said the recent heat wave has been unbearable at her house since her old air-conditioner stopped working.  She said getting a new one for free is a lifesaver.

Atterberry said, “It has been so hot in our house.  It’s been like 100 degrees all of the time.  To have a new air conditioner, would be really great for me and my kids and my animals.  It’s hot on the animals, too.”

Without this program, families in Columbia and Boone County getting these new air-conditioners would have a long, hot summer.  Now they’ll be a lot cooler with lower utility bills.  All of the old air-conditioners will be disposed of properly and recycled.

Community Service Supervisor Adam Tipton said, “The window units that they bring in that aren’t working very well tend to suck in more electricity.  These window units are more energy efficient.  It also does help reduce their energy bills.  It’s kind of a win, win.”

So far, this year’s Air-Conditioner Exchange Program has given away 55 new window units.

If you missed Friday’s event, qualified applicants can still make an exchange through the summer as supplies last by calling 573-443-1100.