This was the 15th installment of this partnership that has provided warmer winters and safer homes for more than 1,500 Pittsburgh-area older adults and disabled homeowners living on low or limited incomes.

During the annual one-day blitz, local contractors cleaned and checked furnaces and performed other safety inspections for a pre-qualified list of homeowners. Recipients were identified by the natural gas utilities and other community-based organizations. These routine checks help ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability of the heating system prior to the heating season.

The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of ACCA consists of 46 local, independent heating and cooling contractors. Representatives of ACCA donate their services and some supplies, while the three local natural gas companies provide funding for any necessary furnace repairs for their respective customers.

"We are proud to be involved with such a worthwhile program and look forward to the continuation of this valuable community service project," said Bob Boyle, president of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of ACCA and owner of Phillips Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

Publication date: 09/22/2003