Muskego Business Helps to Heat Up Wisconsin

It's another toasty week in the summer of 2012, but sooner than we realize, we'll be reaching for the thermostat and closing windows. Sadly, some families in Wisconsin are just hoping that something happens when they do turn the thermostat up.

That's where "Heat U.P. Wisconsin" comes in.

The program, in its third year, gave away and installed about 80 furnaces for free last year, and is hoping for 100 this year. Lennox is the manufacturer, and they have dealers throughout the Milwaukee area that will be installing these furnaces on Oct. 6.

Muskego's has been a part of the program since it began and looks forward to helping another local family, but cautions that not everyone may qualify for the program.

"We do go in and inspect everyone's furnace prior to making a decision on which family receives the furnace," explained Cindy Pries with Ralph's.

In other words, an inspection needs to reveal that a furnace should be replaced, not just repaired. Certain systems may not be eligible, either.

"We went to one home that had an attic system that we couldn't accept into the program because it was an irregular set up," Pries explained.

She said the experience for them has been rewarding, in particular in the first year when they went to the home of a veteran who was in need.

The program doesn't have a specific requirement for need; anyone expressing a job loss, medical hardship, etc., can apply online.

"Families come along, there’s so many stories … they’re incredible," said Gary Knaub, a territory manager with Lennox. He said some families were doing fine until a medical diagnosis wiped out their savings, and then their furnace went out. Another family had both breadwinners out of work and one undergoing cancer treatment, and were starting to chop their own wood just to stay warm.

Strangely enough, the difficulty is getting people to apply to the program.

"We just haven’t been able to get this to take off — most media outlets think it’s a scam."

So — no joke, if you know of anyone, including your family, that is in a tough financial situation and could qualify for the Heat U.P. Wisconsin program, apply online; the deadline is Sept. 15. Selections will then be made between Sept. 16 and Sept. 30. Those selected will then be contacted and the installations will occur Oct. 6, just in time before the cold sets in.