Our home heating system failed, leaving us without safe heat. We tried to get by with electric space heaters, but the power bill quickly became unmanageable, and it wasn’t safe to rely on them long‑term. We needed a real solution, but the cost was far beyond what we could afford.

My name is Thomas. I’m a Vietnam‑era veteran living in Deming, New Mexico. I’m turning 70 soon, and I share my home with my roommate, a 50‑year‑old disabled man. We both live on small Social Security incomes, and we simply don’t have the savings to cover a major emergency like this.

After receiving many helpful suggestions, I learned that replacing the old furnace with a mini‑split system would be far more affordable and would provide both heating and cooling. This brought the original estimate down from $7,500 to about $4,000.

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of so many people, I’ve already been able to purchase the entire mini‑split system itself. It has been delivered, and I’ve posted photos of the boxes and packing slip for transparency. I’ve also begun preparing the installation area so everything is ready for the final step.

At this point, the only thing left is the professional installation. This requires licensed HVAC work: connecting the lines, vacuuming the system, pressure testing, releasing the refrigerant, and doing the final startup. Based on New Mexico installation averages and Deming labor rates, the remaining installation cost for a single‑zone 18,000 BTU system is estimated at $900–$1,400, and I am requesting $1,125 to cover this final step.

This fundraiser now covers installation only. The unit itself is already paid for. I’m simply trying to finish what I started so we can finally have safe, reliable heat — and cooling for the brutal 110° summers here in Deming.

Even a small contribution makes a real difference to us. Your support helps keep us warm, safe, and stable. Thank you for reading, sharing, and caring. Your kindness means more than I can express.