TYLER, Texas - With eight kids, two adults, and numerous pets, the Hernandez family of Dade City, Fla., is a constant whirlwind of activity - but their heating and air conditioning system is stretched to the limit with all the dirt, dust, and dander that a big family stirs up. Now, this family will be breathing easier, as they have been voted winners of American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s My Comfy Home Coloring Contest with a home comfort makeover valued at $15,000. Seven runner-up families also will receive prizes.

The contest invited parents or caregivers to submit an essay on why they wanted to make their home more comfortable, and also asked children to draw a picture of their home. America then voted online for the family most deserving of a home comfort makeover. More than 6,000 votes were tallied, and the Hernandez family was declared the winner.

Twelve-year-old Grace Hernandez submitted the family’s entry and wrote, “Because we live out in the country, surrounded by grass and oak trees, the pollen coming into our home aggravates my mom’s and sister’s bad allergies. And our HVAC system, at 25 years old, is taking its last breath. A new American Standard system will make our home cleaner, healthier, and comfier for my family ... and my mom would be very happy with me!” It was accompanied by eight-year-old Clare Hernandez's drawing of the family inside their home, along with one of their many pets.

For their efforts, the Hernandez family will receive a complete home comfort system featuring the American Standard AccuClean™ whole-home air filtration system, which will be installed by American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning independent dealer Chris’ A/C Company of Dade City, Fla., with support from authorized distributor Gulf Refrigeration. The grand prize package also includes a half-day in-home consulting session with home comfort expert and author Hannah Keeley; a signed copy of Keeley's new book, Hannah Keeley's Total Mom Makeover; and a Comfy Pajama Jam party for the kids including $250 cash and eight American Standard goody bags.

“We are delighted to help raise the level of comfort in the Hernandez home,” said Joyce Warrington, brand director, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. “Their new American Standard AccuClean system not only will provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment, but also could mean less housework, with fewer dust particles settling on furniture or getting stirred up by the busy family’s activities.”

Other contest finalists included the:

• Campagne family, Tucson, Ariz.

• Oakley family, Des Moines, Iowa

• Pieper-Hemmings family, Hendersonville, Tenn.

• Preston family, Willow Grove, Pa.

• Stannard family, Kent, Wash.

• Tuznik family, La Port, Ind.

• Wertanen family, Coloma, Mich.

The seven runner-up families will each receive a free, in-home assessment of their heating and air conditioning systems; a $1,000 discount on a new American Standard comfort system; a signed copy of Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Makeover; and a goody pack for the kids.

To view all finalists’ entries, visit www.americanstandardair.com/comfy.

For more information on American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

Publication date: 12/24/2007