SBC Cooling + Heating is proud to bring back Heat for a Hero, honoring the everyday heroes in our community. From November 1 to December 18, we're accepting nominations for a deserving retired or active military member, first responder, nurse or teacher to receive a brand-new heating system, completely free. A special committee will review every nomination and select one hero to receive the comfort they deserve. The winner will be contacted on or about December 21.

No purchase necessary. Homeowners in SBC's service area only. Official rules at SBCair.com.

Every Local Hero Qualifies for Our Hero Plan

Every local hero qualifies for our free Hive Comfort Club Hero Plan. No catch, no gimmicks, just gratitude.

SBC Heat for a Hero Official Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO NOMINATE, BE NOMINATED, OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS IS A NOMINATION-BASED PROMOTION. THE WINNER IS SELECTED BY A COMMITTEE BASED ON THE JUDGING CRITERIA IN SECTION 7, NOT BY RANDOM DRAWING.

1. SPONSOR

SBC Cooling + Heating, 3610 Sligo Rd., Haughton, LA 71037. Telephone (318) 465-0853. SBCair.com. Louisiana Contractor License #55256 ("Sponsor").

2. DEFINITIONS

"Promotion" means SBC Heat for a Hero. "Nominator" means the person who submits a nomination. "Nominee" means the person nominated to receive the prize. A person may nominate themselves, in which case they are both the Nominator and the Nominee. "Residence" means the home identified in the nomination as the place where the prize would be installed. "Hero" means a person who meets one of the Hero categories in Section 3.

3. NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to win, a Nominee must meet every one of the following requirements at the time of nomination and at the time the prize is awarded:

• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older and a legal resident of the State of Louisiana.
• Be a Hero in at least one of the categories listed below.
• Own and live in a single-family Residence located within Sponsor's published service area, which includes Shreveport, Bossier City, Benton, Blanchard, Haughton, Keithville, Minden, Olde Oaks, Princeton, Red Chute, Stonewall and surrounding communities in Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish served by Sponsor.
• Have an existing central heating and cooling system at the Residence that can be replaced with a standard equipment replacement as described in Section 8.
• Agree to the home assessment visit described in Section 7 if selected as a finalist.

Hero categories:

• Military: currently serving on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard of the United States Armed Forces, or a veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• First responder: a current or retired sworn law enforcement officer, firefighter (paid or volunteer), emergency medical technician, paramedic, or 911 emergency dispatcher.
• Nurse: a current or retired nurse who holds or held an active Louisiana or multistate license as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
• Teacher: a current or retired classroom teacher, kindergarten through 12th grade, at an accredited public, private, or charter school.

Renters, tenants and non-owner occupants are not eligible. Rental properties, multi-family dwellings, mobile and manufactured homes not permanently affixed, and commercial properties are not eligible.

A Residence that received a new heating or cooling system as a prize in any Sponsor giveaway or promotion during 2025 or 2026, including the 2025 Heat for a Hero and the 2026 Spooky System Showdown, is not eligible.

Employees, officers and directors of Sponsor, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses), and members of their households are not eligible to be Nominees. Employees of Sponsor's advertising, promotional and marketing agencies, their immediate family members and members of their households are not eligible to be Nominees. Members of the selection committee and their immediate family members and households are not eligible to be Nominees.

Sponsor may require proof of Hero status (such as a military ID, DD-214, agency ID, professional license, or letter from an employer or school), proof of ownership of the Residence, and proof of residency at any time. Failure to provide proof within five (5) business days of Sponsor's request will result in disqualification.

Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

4. NOMINATOR ELIGIBILITY

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who is a legal resident of the United States may submit a nomination. A Nominator does not need to live in Sponsor's service area and does not need to be a Hero. Sponsor employees may submit nominations, but a nomination submitted by a Sponsor employee receives no preference in judging.

The prize is awarded to the Nominee only. A Nominator who is not also the winning Nominee receives no prize.

5. NOMINATION PERIOD

The Promotion begins on November 1, 2026 at 12:00:01 AM Central Time and ends on December 18, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM Central Time ("Nomination Period"). Nominations submitted before or after the Nomination Period will not be accepted. Sponsor's computer is the official timekeeping device for this Promotion.

6. HOW TO NOMINATE

There are two ways to submit a nomination. Both are free. No purchase, payment or service of any kind is required to nominate, be nominated, or win.

Method 1, online. Visit SBCair.com/heat-for-a-hero during the Nomination Period and complete the nomination form in full.

Method 2, by telephone. Call (318) 465-0853 during Sponsor's normal business hours and provide the required information to a Sponsor representative, who will submit the nomination on the caller's behalf.

Both methods require the same information: the Nominator's full name, telephone number and email address; whether the Nominator is nominating themselves; the Nominee's full name, telephone number and email address (if known); the Nominee's Hero category; the address of the Residence; whether the Nominee owns the Residence; and a written description of why the Nominee should receive the prize. Telephone nominations will be transcribed by the Sponsor representative.

Limit one (1) nomination per Nominator per Nominee. A Nominee may be nominated by more than one Nominator, but each Nominee is reviewed once, and the number of nominations a Nominee receives does not affect judging. Multiple nominations for the same Nominee will be combined into a single review, and the committee may consider all submitted descriptions. This is not a popularity contest, and campaigns to generate multiple nominations will not improve a Nominee's chances.

By submitting a nomination for someone other than themselves, the Nominator represents that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge. A nominated person is not entered in the Promotion as a Nominee until they confirm to Sponsor that they wish to participate and that they meet the eligibility requirements. Sponsor will contact the Nominee to obtain that confirmation only if the Nominee is selected as a finalist.

Nominations that are incomplete, illegible, falsified, or submitted by automated, robotic, scripted or bulk means are void. Nominations containing obscene, offensive, defamatory or unlawful content are void. Nominations submitted by any means other than the two methods in this Section are void.

All nominations become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged.

7. JUDGING AND WINNER SELECTION

Eligibility review. After the Nomination Period ends, Sponsor will review all nominations for eligibility under Sections 3 through 6. Only eligible nominations proceed to judging.

Selection committee. Eligible nominations will be judged by a selection committee of at least three (3) people appointed by Sponsor, which may include Sponsor's owners, managers and employees. The committee will score each eligible nomination on the following criteria:

• Service to the community, including the Nominee's dedication, sacrifice and impact as a Hero (40%)
• Impact of the prize, including how a new heating and cooling system would make a meaningful difference for the Nominee and their household (40%)
• The nomination itself, including the clarity and sincerity of the written description (20%)

Scores are based solely on the information in the nomination and any follow-up information the committee requests. The age, condition or brand of the existing heating and cooling system is not a judging criterion. A Nominee's status as a current or former Sponsor customer, and any past or future purchase from Sponsor, does not affect scoring.

Finalists and home assessment. The committee will identify up to three (3) finalists with the highest scores. Sponsor will contact each finalist to confirm their consent to participate and their eligibility, and to schedule a free, no-obligation home assessment visit during Sponsor's normal business hours. The visit confirms ownership and residency and that the Residence can accommodate a standard equipment replacement as described in Section 8. No purchase, payment or obligation of any kind is required, and nothing purchased, declined or discussed during the visit affects judging.

Winner. The finalist with the highest score who completes the home assessment and is confirmed eligible will be the potential winner. If a finalist declines, cannot be reached after three (3) documented attempts within three (3) business days, is found ineligible, or has a Residence that cannot accommodate a standard equipment replacement, Sponsor will move to the finalist with the next highest score.

Ties. If two or more eligible nominations receive the same total score, the committee will break the tie by its score on the first criterion (service to the community). If a tie remains, the committee will break it by majority vote.

The committee's decisions are final and binding in all matters relating to judging and winner selection.

Odds. Because the winner is selected by committee judging rather than random chance, odds of winning cannot be calculated in advance and depend on the number and content of eligible nominations received.

8. PRIZE

One (1) prize will be awarded, consisting of one (1) new complete residential heating and cooling system, including standard professional installation by Sponsor at the Residence, as specified and selected solely by Sponsor. The system will match the type of system at the Residence, such as a split system with a furnace or air handler and an outdoor unit, a heat pump system, or a packaged unit.

Quantity: one (1). Estimated Retail Value ("ERV"): $13,000.00.

Sponsor will determine the make, model, size and configuration of the equipment based on the requirements of the Residence. The winner may not select or substitute a different make, model or capacity. Actual value may vary depending on the equipment required for the Residence, and any difference between the actual value and the stated ERV will not be awarded.

A standard equipment replacement covers removal of the existing heating and cooling equipment and installation of the new equipment in the same location, using existing ductwork, venting, gas lines and electrical service. The prize does not include permits beyond those customarily required; electrical, gas, venting, structural, ductwork or code-compliance modifications; removal or remediation of hazardous materials; or any work outside the scope of a standard equipment replacement. If the Residence requires such work, Sponsor will disclose the cost in writing before installation begins. The winner may pay for that work or decline it. If the winner declines and the prize cannot be installed without that work, the prize is forfeited and Sponsor may award it to the finalist with the next highest score.

Installation must be scheduled and completed at the Residence on or before January 31, 2027, unless otherwise agreed by Sponsor in writing. Failure of the winner to make the Residence available for installation by that date will result in forfeiture of the prize.

The prize is non-transferable and may only be installed at the Residence identified in the winning nomination. No cash equivalent or substitution is permitted, except as provided in Section 9, and except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if the advertised prize becomes unavailable.

All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Because the value of the prize exceeds $600, the winner will be required to complete and return an IRS Form W-9, and Sponsor will issue an IRS Form 1099-MISC reporting the value of the prize awarded as income for the applicable tax year. This may result in a tax liability for the winner. Nominees are encouraged to consult a tax advisor.

9. NOMINEES WHO PURCHASE A HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM DURING THE PROMOTION

No purchase is necessary to be nominated or win, and a purchase will not improve a Nominee's chances. A Nominee who independently chooses to purchase a replacement heating and cooling system from Sponsor for the Residence between the date of nomination and the date the winner is confirmed remains eligible. If that Nominee is confirmed as the winner, they will receive, instead of the prize described in Section 8, a refund of the purchase price of the replacement heating and cooling equipment and its standard installation, as stated on the signed purchase agreement, up to a maximum of the ERV stated in Section 8. The winner will not receive a second system.

The refund does not include, and Sponsor will not pay or reimburse, any interest, finance charges, loan fees or other amounts owed under any financing agreement, whether arranged through Sponsor or a third party. The refund also does not include additional equipment, accessories, indoor air quality products, extended warranties, maintenance plans, permits, or any work outside the scope of a standard equipment replacement, whether or not listed on the same purchase agreement.

The refund will be issued by check within thirty (30) days after the later of (a) the winner satisfying all requirements of Section 10, and (b) Sponsor receiving payment in full of the purchase price. The refunded amount is reported as prize income under Section 8, and the same tax terms apply.

10. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT

The potential winner will be notified by telephone and email on or about December 21, 2026. The potential winner must respond within three (3) business days of the first notification attempt. Failure to respond, return of notification as undeliverable, or inability to reach the potential winner will result in forfeiture, and Sponsor may select the finalist with the next highest score.

The potential winner may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release, and, where lawful, a Publicity Release within seven (7) days of receipt. Failure to return required documents within that period will result in forfeiture.

Sponsor intends to announce the winner publicly on or about December 22, 2026. Any announcement made before the potential winner has satisfied every requirement of this Section identifies that person as the potential winner, subject to verification of eligibility. If the potential winner is disqualified or forfeits, Sponsor will select the finalist with the next highest score and may announce that alternate winner.

If the winner was nominated by someone else, Sponsor may also notify the Nominator that their nomination was selected, with the winner's permission.

11. PUBLICITY AND USE OF NOMINATIONS

Except where prohibited by law, acceptance of the prize constitutes the winner's consent for Sponsor and its agencies to use the winner's name, city and state of residence, Hero category, photograph, video, likeness, voice, and statements about the Promotion, as well as the content of the winning nomination, for advertising, promotional and publicity purposes in any and all media, worldwide, in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notice or approval.

By submitting a nomination, the Nominator grants Sponsor a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the written content of the nomination for purposes of administering the Promotion and, if the nomination wins, for the publicity described above. Sponsor will not publicly identify a Nominee who does not win, or publish the content of a non-winning nomination, without that Nominee's permission.

12. PRIVACY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Information collected in connection with the Promotion is subject to Sponsor's Privacy Policy, available at SBCair.com/privacy-policy.

By submitting a nomination, the Nominator consents to receive communications from Sponsor, including telephone calls, emails and text messages, regarding the Promotion and Sponsor's products and services. Message and data rates may apply. The Nominator may opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP, and may opt out of marketing emails using the unsubscribe link in any such email. Opting out will not affect the nomination.

A Nominator may not consent to marketing communications on behalf of another person. Sponsor will contact a Nominee who did not nominate themselves only to administer the Promotion, unless and until that Nominee separately consents to receive marketing communications.

13. GENERAL CONDITIONS

By participating, each Nominator and Nominee agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor and the selection committee, which are final and binding in all matters relating to this Promotion.

Accuracy of information. Each Nominator represents that all information submitted is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Each Nominee who confirms participation represents that they meet every eligibility requirement and that the information about them is true, accurate and complete. Submission of false or misleading information will result in disqualification.

Insufficient nominations. If fewer than five (5) eligible nominations are received during the Nomination Period, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to extend the Nomination Period, to select a winner from the eligible nominations received, or to cancel the Promotion and award no prize. Any extension will be posted at SBCair.com/heat-for-a-hero.

Severability. If any provision of these Official Rules is held invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the nomination process or the operation of the Promotion, acting in violation of these Official Rules, or acting in a disruptive manner or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person.

Sponsor is not responsible for nominations that are lost, late, misdirected, garbled, incomplete or not received for any reason, nor for any technical malfunction, human error, or failure of any network, hardware, software or telecommunications provider.

If for any reason the Promotion is not capable of running as planned, including by reason of computer virus, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure, or any cause beyond Sponsor's reasonable control, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Promotion, and to select the winner from among all eligible nominations received before that action.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

By participating, each Nominator and Nominee releases and holds harmless Sponsor, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotional agencies, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claim, injury, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with participation in this Promotion, the home assessment visit, any refund under Section 9, or the acceptance, receipt, possession, installation, use or misuse of the prize.

Participants further agree that in no event shall Sponsor be liable for attorneys' fees, and waive all rights to claim punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages other than actual out-of-pocket expenses. Nothing in these Official Rules limits the manufacturer's warranty or Sponsor's standard labor warranty on the installed equipment, which apply to the prize as they would to any comparable installation by Sponsor.

15. DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAW

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of participants and Sponsor, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Promotion shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, in a state or federal court located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

16. SPONSOR CONTACT

SBC Cooling + Heating, 3610 Sligo Rd., Haughton, LA 71037. (318) 465-0853. SBCair.com

This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with any social media platform, retailer, or television or radio station on which it may be advertised.