'Helping Hann' furnace giveaway now in its third year

Cleveland Heights resident Ardyce Daugherty, 2018 recipient of the free "Helping Hann" furnace, with company co-owner Chris Hann.

Verne & Ellsworth Hann Inc. is accepting nominations for its third annual Helping Hann furnace giveaway, in which a deserving member of the community will receive a free furnace and installation.

Chris Hann, co-owner of the Cleveland Heights-based heating, cooling and plumbing company, is asking for nominations from Cleveland Heights, University Heights and other east side communities.

“It has been our honor to install a new furnace the past two years to deserving homeowners,” Hann said. “Again, we want to share our good fortune by continuing to give back to the community that’s been so good to our family all these years. We are hopeful that members of the community will nominate themselves or someone they know who is without heat or has an old furnace and is in desperate need of a new one.”

This year’s winner will receive a new high-efficiency heating system and installation, with a total value of up to $3,500.

Nominations are open Dec. 17 through Feb. 28. Hann and his brother/co-owner, Bill, will select a handful of semi-finalists from the pool of nominations, and make personal visits to their homes. Finalists will be chosen, with the winner randomly selected from among them.

Work that requires other contractors—such as electrical or chimney modifications—is not included in the giveaway. But the possible cost of such work is typically discussed with finalists during the selection process, Chris Hann explained.

Last year, the free furnace was installed for Ardyce Daugherty of Cleveland Heights, a single mother and grandmother whose 50-year-old furnace had stopped working during a winter storm.

Verne & Ellsworth Hann Inc. created the program to help those who are in need. “The Helping Hann free furnace contest is the highlight of the company’s year,” Hann said. “We are grateful to provide heat for someone deserving, and look forward to continuing the tradition.”

The family-owned company has been located in Cleveland Heights for the past 65 years. Chris, Bill, and their sister Patty Siegfried represent the family’s fourth generation in the trade. The fifth generation is represented by their nephew Jason Franey, who manages the service department.

Nomination forms are available on the company’s website (see below) or by calling the office at 216-932-9755. Anyone who submits information will receive a $200 off coupon on an installation.

For more information on Verne & Ellsworth Hann’s Helping Hann free furnace giveaway, visit www.vehbrothers.com/helping-hann/.