Columbus veteran gets free new A/C unit in time for summer

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — Summer has just begun, and it’s more important than ever for people to stay cool and beat the heat. But for one Columbus family, that seemed nearly impossible when their a/c unit broke.

Marine Corp. and Army Veteran Kelvin McClary has been living at one of  The Plummer Homes for two months with his family in East Columbus. The Plummer Home is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary  housing for veterans experiencing joblessness, homelessness, and other challenges.

Just before the start of summer, McClary noticed the air conditioning unit  at the home was not working, leaving him and his family stuck in the heat. To his surprise, a local contractor decided to install a brand new unit – free of charge.

I was very surprised. My wife was ecstatic about it. There’s so much kindness out here. It’s kind of hard to believe that some people say, ‘people aren’t the way they used to be,’ but I don’t think that’s a true statement. I think there are some extreme and wonderful people out here.

Kelvin McClary , Marine Corp and Army Veteran

McClary says if the new unit, worth $8,500, was not installed pro bono, he would have had to use more fans to try to keep his family cool. And that’s where P & W Heating and Cooling stepped in.

When I came in, it was 94 degrees inside the house with a lady… first I noticed the lady sit in a wheelchair with fans going, windows open, extremely hot. They had flies coming in and out. So I contacted John from The Plumber Home and told him I was calling around and we got a unit donated from one of the local supply houses from Goodman Manufacturer.”

Paul Price, Co owner of P & W Heating and Cooling

For them, they didn’t have to think twice about helping a veteran in need.

We’re not a very big company, but we are a caring company. So we came out and installed a unit and now they have cool air going. The veterans served us so the least we can do is give back a little bit to the them.

Paul Price, Co owner of P & W Heating and Cooling

Georgia Power has some tips to help keep your home cool this summer. The company recommends changing your air filters every 30 to 60 days to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

According to Georgia Power, heating and cooling make up nearly 46 percent of your average power bill. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees can help manage the costs.

Georgia Power also recommends shutting off your a/c before cutting the grass to minimize the amount of clippings or debris that can hit your condenser and other equipment.

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