The Air Conditioning Contractors of America members will spend much of October replacing or repairing the heating systems of those in need as part of “Heat the Country Month.”

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America members will spend much of October replacing or repairing the heating systems of those in need as part of “Heat the Country Month.”

State and local chapters work with local service groups to determine those most in need of assistance.

“We did our very first ‘Heat the Town’ in 1991, and came to the realization that this project would have a resounding effect on the North Texas community and the NT (North Texas) ACCA family,” said Ann Kahn of Kahn Mechanical Contractors in Dallas. “After 19 years, it continues to bring us together to serve elderly/disabled, low-income homeowners and has expanded to include summer cooling services as well as meeting special needs when they arise.  Our mission has become well known and agencies and individuals contact our non-profit Community Services Foundation office for help.  All in all, it has been a win-win situation for everyone.”

Betty Clark, executive director of ACCA’s central Ohio, chapter, agreed.

“No matter how many years a contractor or supplier has volunteered, it is an emotional sight when you arrive at the ‘Heat the Town’ kick off location and witness a sea of contractor trucks,” Clark said. “To me it's just amazing … 364 days they are competitors, but on this one day, they all join together for a common cause. On this day we enter a stranger's home to help them stay warm in the winter; and when we leave, the tears in their eyes or the smiles on their faces warm our hearts."

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