Maricopa County has committed $10 million to the federal Pandemic Stimulus Fund to help eligible homeowners repair or replace their heating and air conditioning systems.

The pot was created about a year ago and the current cash injection is more than double the total amount put in so far.

One air conditioner costs about $15,000, and two are required to keep many homes cool in the Arizona summer.

Maricopa County Welfare Commissioner Jacqueline Edwards said the $10 million to the HVAC Fund is to help the most vulnerable.

“We also make sure to prioritize the elderly and families with young children, as they are most prone to high temperatures in the summer,” she said.

The funding came from a $1.9 trillion Maricopa County levy approved in 2021 by President Joe Biden to combat the pandemic and economic impact of COVID-19.

“The program has already helped more than 400 families and we are confident that it will be able to help at least 600 more,” Edwards said.