ASD Amer Standard CO

American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning Brings New Level of Comfort to Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) Donations Will Benefit Children and Families Staying at U.S. Ronald McDonald House(R) Programs TYLER, Texas, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- American Standard Companies Inc., one of the world's largest and most recognized heating and air conditioning manufacturers, today announced plans to donate and install heating and air conditioning (HVAC) comfort systems in Ronald McDonald Houses across the United States. In addition, American Standard will make a $100,000 cash contribution to RMHC, arrange for ongoing HVAC system maintenance with the support of its local distributors and dealers, and sponsor comfy pajama parties for families staying at the Houses. "American Standard is excited to form a 'comfort partnership' with RMHC by offering new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to Ronald McDonald Houses in need. Our hope is to help families feel even more comfortable at their home-away-from-home," said Paul Trotter, vice president of sales, American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning. Each year, thousands of families stay at Ronald McDonald Houses across the country while their children receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals. During 2005, eight Ronald McDonald Houses will receive comfort systems in Boston, Mass.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Sacramento, Calif.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Tampa, Fla. Bringing Comfort to Those in Need Each of the designated Ronald McDonald Houses will receive a high-efficiency home comfort system from American Standard that can reduce energy bills by as much as 50 to 56 percent; whole house humidifiers, depending on the climate in which the home is located; whole-house air cleaners, which remove unwanted particles from conditioned air; and accessories such as touch-screen programmable thermostats. "RMHC takes great pride in knowing that our Ronald McDonald House program provides an environment with all the comforts of home for families dealing with their children's illness," said Marty Coyne, vice president and COO of RMHC. "This donation from American Standard brings us even closer to our goal of lifting children to a better tomorrow." American Standard will work with RMHC to identify Ronald McDonald Houses in the designated cities that are most in need of a new HVAC system. American Standard distributors will then work with local dealers to handle the installation of a new system. Prior to each installation, a walk-through will be scheduled so local distributors can determine if any additional HVAC work needs to be done as well, such as installing or adjusting ductwork. Following each HVAC installation American Standard volunteers will arrange comfy pajama parties, which include movies and games for families staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses. "Comfort is high on the minds of families with critically ill children, and American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning is uniquely positioned to help by providing systems and information that can ensure a more comfortable, healthier environment," Trotter said. Maximum Comfort in Any Climate American Standard comfort systems feature the latest technology to ensure maximum performance and efficiency year-round in all kinds of climates, from hot and humid areas like Tampa to cold and blustery towns like Chicago. As part of the American Standard donation, dealers may recommend some of the following products, which are also available to homeowners: -- Freedom(R) Furnaces - Compact and reliable, these furnaces provide maximum heat with minimal fuel usage. All feature self-diagnostic controls and a patented heat exchanger. Also available are single- stage, two-stage and two-stage variable-speed Comfort-R(TM) Freedom furnaces. -- Allegiance(R) Air Conditioners - Six model families of air conditioners feature two-stage cooling to ensure comfort regardless of the temperature outside. -- Perfect Fit(TM) Air Cleaners - Unwanted particles such as pollen and dust are removed from the air with these cleaners, improving comfort and system operation throughout a home. -- Humidifiers - Adding moisture to indoor air with a whole-house humidifier can greatly increase the comfort of people inside. American Standard's humidifiers work with a home's central heating and air conditioning system to add just the right amount of moisture to the air for optimum comfort. -- Programmable Comfort Controls - American Standard's line of thermostats uses the latest in microelectronic technology. The thermostats automatically change the temperature to reach the desired setting at the programmed time, all from an easy-to-use touch screen. About American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning provides air conditioning systems and services for residential and light commercial applications. The company is part of the American Standard Companies (NYSE:ASD), a $9.5 billion global manufacturer with market-leading positions in three businesses: air conditioning systems and services which include the American Standard(R) brand; bath and kitchen products, sold under such brands as American Standard and Ideal Standard(R); and vehicle control systems, including electronic braking and air suspension systems, sold under the WABCO(R) name. About Ronald McDonald House Charities RMHC, a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in 48 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room(TM) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(TM). RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $400 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit http://www.rmhc.org/ . For More Information Kelly Epley Carmichael Lynch Spong (312) 951-8392 Palmer Moody Ronald McDonald House Charities (630) 623-5372 DATASOURCE: American Standard Companies Inc. CONTACT: Kelly Epley of Carmichael Lynch Spong, +1-312-951-8392, , or Palmer Moody of Ronald McDonald House Charities, +1-630-623-5372, Web site: http://www.rmhc.org/

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