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Southeast Texas grit is hard to pierce.

That’s how Donald Lee Potter Jr. puts it when talking about the reluctance of local residents to ask for help.

It’s one of the reasons his company, American Air Systems, is taking nominations for a giveaway that is going to see one deserving local home owner receive a free $11,000 air conditioning system, complete with full warranty, performance filter and air purifier.

“This is what we run into: ‘Oh I don’t need this. Someone else needs this more than I do,’” Potter said. “I understand that because down here when we go through something, we roll our sleeves up and get after it. But, someone is going to get it and if you need it, why don’t you at least take the opportunity to win it?”

Potter, president of American Air Systems and a 30-year veteran of the company, said there is an easy nomination process where community members can nominate a friend or family member. If someone is down on his or her luck and doesn’t have many relationships locally, that person can nominate himself or herself.

The promotion is open to any homeowner in Jefferson, Orange or Hardin counties. Examples of potential nominees are veterans, single parents, community volunteers or anyone down on their luck.

The online nomination form can be filled out at amerair.com/comfort-home-2020. The nomination process ends April 16.

“We’ve been in the community for so many years and realized it was time for us to start giving back,” Potter said. “Last year was our first go at it. If you need air-conditioning, whether it is barely working, inefficient or not working, that is what this program is built for. We’re going to install a brand new Carrier air conditioning system at no cost for someone in May. It’s just our way of giving back and saying ‘Thank you, Southeast Texas.’”

The Comfort Home 2019 recipient was Luis Colon, who was surprised with the award at Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaumont, which is where Colon works. Colon had his new system operational within two weeks of the announcement.

Potter said more than 40 people celebrated last year’s “awesome” presentation.

According to Potter, the nomination winner is not chosen by employees of American Air System, but rather by an 11-person committee made up of community leaders.

More than two-dozen nominations were submitted in 2019, and company officials hope more are submitted this year.

American Air Systems

American Air Systems has been serving Southeast Texas since 1982, using a common sense approach to residential service.

“We continually hone our craft, because air conditioning is becoming more expensive and more required,” Potter said. “There is a lot of ‘good enough’ out there, and we’re more than ‘good enough.’ We think we are one of the best residential HVAC companies in this area.”

For those looking for heating and air conditioning upgrades, Potter said questions and reliable sources are key.

Checking with Better Business Bureau standings is a must.

“Once you found two or three credible sources, ask questions,” Potter said. “When you talk to us or a credible person, you know you are going to get a product we stand behind and a system that fits your family.”

For more information, log onto amerair.com or call 409-842-2402.