Individuals can stay warm and help local charities this winter with Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric’s Furnace Checks for Charity program, Sept. 1–30.

This year, the $99 evaluation will include a 14-point inspection valued at $199. Payments for these inspections are made directly to Colorado Pet Pantry and Firehouse Quilts of Colorado, the two charities chosen to benefit from the program.

“We are excited to be partnering with Colorado Pet Pantry and Firehouse Quilts of Colorado to bring support back to the community through this special maintenance program,” said Josh Ward, owner of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric. 

Colorado Pet Pantry is a food bank for pets dedicated to reducing the number of homeless pets by increasing families’ ability to care for them. The food bank is planning to provide food to 70,000 pets this year.

Firehouse Quilts of Colorado volunteers make and donate more than 1,000 quilts to fire departments, ambulance companies and medical centers. Of the 1,000 quilts, 90 percent are snuggle quilts given to children who have suffered a traumatic experience, which they get to keep to calm and comfort them for years to come.

On average, Furnace Checks for Charity raises thousands of dollars for each charity every year and has raised more than $20,000 over the past nine years.

Applewood recommends regular heating system maintenance to increase the longevity, efficiency and effectiveness of home furnaces. With regular maintenance, furnaces generally last between 15 and 30 years.

Individuals can schedule their $99 Furnace Checks for Charity appointment in September. For more information, visit www.applewoodfixit.com or call 303-232-6611.