As part of the contest, which runs through Aug. 31, 2005, Lennox says it is searching the United States and Canada for the most uncomfortable home in North America. One grand prize winner will receive a home comfort and interior design makeover valued at up to $60,000.

To launch the contest, Lennox has partnered with environmental interior design expert Victoria Schomer. A 33-year veteran of the interior design industry and a recipient of the American Society of Interior Designers' "Design for Humanity" award, Schomer serves as a spokesperson for Lennox on indoor air quality and home comfort issues and will implement the grand-prize home comfort makeover.

"While peeling wallpaper and drab carpeting can contribute to domestic discomfort, there are many other invisible conditions, such as musty living room odors and poor air quality, which can have a significant impact on one's overall sense of well-being," said Schomer. "And since most people spend the majority of their time indoors, it's important for homeowners to look at home comfort from the inside out by making sure the types of furniture, paint, and carpet that they use in their homes are environmentally friendly and won't contribute to poor indoor air quality."

The grand-prize winner of this year's contest will receive personal consultations with Schomer, who will provide interior design recommendations for creating a more comfortable living space. The winner also will meet with a Lennox home comfort specialist, who will perform an air quality test that measures the most common indoor air quality factors - temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, odors, chemical vapors, and airborne particles - which can affect one's health, comfort, and safety at home.

Based on the consultations, Schomer will implement a $35,000 interior design makeover, and Lennox will install a new home comfort system that heats, cools, and also lets the homeowner control the humidity and customize the airflow throughout the house.

Four runners-up each will receive a $1,500 gift certificate redeemable for Lennox home comfort equipment.

Entry forms and the official rules are available on the Lennox Web site at www.lennox.com or may be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lennox Home Comfort Makeover Contest, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 3490, Dallas, TX 75201.

Publication date: 06/06/2005