More than a half-dozen Menomonie residents will stay warm this winter, thanks to the help of some local volunteers.

A group of UW-Stout honor students, local union contractors and mechanics have started a new project to inspect and service the furnaces of those in need.

For several Menomonie residents, the heat is on.

Ten UW-Stout students and eight workers from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 434 spent the morning inspecting, cleaning and fixing furnaces for free.

"It's just our way of showing good will back to the people in the community," said Terry Hayden, Business Manager of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Local 434.

Good will, in the form of a warm and safe home.

The project is called "Heat's On."

Students from UW-Stout's Sigma Lambda Chi honor society approached workers at Local 434 with the idea.

"To help people in need," said UW-Stout Assistant Professor Tim Becker. "Hopefully the work we're doing today will help save on their fuel bill and make sure the furnace is operating safely."

Teams of students and workers cleaned furnaces at eight homes and checked to make sure the machines were working properly and safely.

"It's kind of a neat opportunity to learn, get the hands-on experience and learn the basics," said UW-Stout senior in construction management, Brian Marx.

Volunteers also inspected smoke detectors in the homes and installed free carbon monoxide detectors.

"My wife had heard about it and called and found out we could have them come in and inspect it for free," said Menomonie resident Quinn Sundstrom. "We thought we'd take advantage of it."

Local 434 members say "Heat's On" is a way to help the community.

"We want the homeowners - their system to operate safely, not just now but in the future," Hayden said. "Not only are we checking them out and checking the operation but going through with the homeowner and showing them how to change their filters."

And for students, a way to learn.

"It's just kind of nice to help, do outreach and help the community out, and network with local union and contractors," Marx said.

Both groups say they hope this will become an annual project.