The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has $2 million in funding is available to help low- and middle-income households get their heating equipment inspected and cleaned before heating season.

Applications are being accepted now for the furnace or boiler tune-ups, which can help improve energy efficiency while helping New Yorkers save on heating costs this winter.

The program is federally-funded through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). People can apply at their local department of social services. The Albany County office is at 162 Washington Avenue in Albany; its phone number is (518) 447-7323.

Eligible households can receive up to $400, which includes cleaning of the primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning; minor repairs; and installation of carbon-monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment.

To qualify, a family of four can earn up to $4,316 a month. Additionally, the household must have heating equipment that is more than a year old, and the furnace, boiler, or chimney must not have been cleaned within the past 12 months.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 4, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.