SupplyHouse, Tim McGraw Team Up to Honor Tradespeople

This one's not about upgrades or rebates, but it's a nice story about the people who do the work. SupplyHouse, a plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplier, has launched a contest called The Day Savers to recognize tradespeople — the plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs who show up when a pipe bursts or the air conditioner dies. Country singer Tim McGraw is helping spread the word; his nephew works in the trades and runs his own company.

The idea: people post a short video on social media telling the story of a tradesperson who helped them out, tagging SupplyHouse's account and using the hashtag #TheDaySaversContest. Nominations are open through Wednesday, Sept. 9. Public likes, comments, and shares will narrow the field to 25 finalists, and a SupplyHouse panel will judge them on impact, dedication, and how strong the story is. Ten winners will each receive $10,000, announced on National Tradesmen Day, Friday, Sept. 18.

If a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech has ever bailed you out of a bad situation — a flooded basement, a dead furnace in winter — this is a chance to give them public recognition, and possibly a cash prize. It doesn't affect any rebate programs or energy upgrades, but it's worth knowing about if you want to say thanks to someone who's helped keep your house running.