Area HVAC companies staying busy during heat wave
The extreme heat and humidity of the last several days may make most of us feel a tad indolent. Who wants to do much more than sit in front of a fan when the temperature flirts with triple digits?
For people who work at heating and cooling companies and get called out to fix or replace air-conditioning units that seize up or give up the ghost during heatwaves like the one the region has been in for much of the week, laziness is not an option.
“He hasn’t made it home for dinner all week,” said Stacie Fetsko, referring to her husband, Steve, who owns Fetsko Heating and Cooling in Centerville.
Lots of calls have also been coming in to Petrucci Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration in Beallsville, according to office manager Marissa Shider.
“We try to get to everybody the same day,” she said.
The call volume at Shearer Heating, A/C and Refrigeration in South Franklin Township “is extremely high,” according to Rebecca Glessner, a dispatcher for the business.
“We’ll be on-call and with teams working 24/7 through the weekend,” she said.
Just what causes air conditioners to break down at the least convenient time? Because some units haven’t been used, or haven’t been used all that much, for long periods, small parts can break down, and dust can collect in systems. Compressors that kick motors on become weak and can’t provide the requisite power, and extra strain can lead to compressors overheating.
Drain lines can become clogged, air filters become dirty and vents can end up being blocked, and a whole host of other small things can lead to big problems for homeowners or apartment dwellers trying to stay cool.
Anthony Russo, who owns AWR Heating and Air in Peters Township, explained that he expects to actually get busier two to three days after things start to cool down. By then, air conditioners have been under a lot of stress, and any heat-breaking storms that come along will only add to it.
This time of year “I batten down the hatches,” Russo said. “I’m waiting for next week.”