For over 30 years, skilled volunteers from the Air Conditioning Contractors of Western Pennsylvania (ACCWPA) have partnered with natural gas utilities to help low-income families and seniors maintain safe heating equipment via an annual free furnace check program. Over 2,000 Pittsburgh area homes have been assisted since 1988.
“We know how important it is to have a safe and reliable furnace for our Pittsburgh winters,” said Pat Forker, executive director of ACCWPA. “We want to help our neighbors who can’t afford to have their furnaces serviced to be warm and safe. Thank you to Peoples for joining us over the last 31 years to help elderly and limited income home owners.”
Rudy Benedetti, Peoples Energy Consultant, has volunteered to assist with the free furnace check program for all 31 years. “When this program began, it was amazing how many people needed this service and couldn’t afford it,” said Mr. Benedetti. “They were using unsafe heating practices and I said ‘Let’s do something.’ This program is still helping the people who need it.”
WHO: 25 pre-selected limited-income homeowners in Allegheny County and Peoples, in conjunction with Air Conditioning Contractors of Western PA
WHAT: On a volunteer basis, ACCWPA contractors partner with Peoples to provide pre-selected homeowners with free furnace cleanings, safety inspections and limited repairs. Peoples choses the eligible residents based on established low-income eligibility guidelines. Each household also receives conservation tips and education to help them manage utility costs throughout the year.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 19, 2018
WHY: Because of the skilled labor and costs associated with furnace maintenance, many limited-income homeowners have difficulty affording the cost of routine upkeep for their heating systems. The complimentary service provided by local ACCWPA members on their annual Community Service day helps these low-income residents safely stay warm during the winter months.
All ACCWPA volunteer furnace inspectors will be wearing special identification when they arrive at customers’ homes, but Peoples reminds participants that they can call to confirm the inspection before admitting a furnace inspector into their home.
###
About Peoples: Peoples is an energy solutions provider serving approximately 740,000 homes and businesses in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky. The company's mission is to improve the lives of its customers and to help build long-term economic growth for the regions it serves. For more information about Peoples, follow us on social media @peoplesnatgas.