LAUREL, Del.- This heat not only can take its toll on us, but it is putting a lot of stress on air conditioning units that are working overtime. It's also challenging the HVAC companies that have to fix them.
Phones at some of these businesses on Delmarva have been ringing off the hook. With hot temperatures, people are using their air conditioning units more. And the more you run a unit the more problems that can arise. HVAC companies tell WBOC they are being called for everything from repairing minor problems to installing brand new units.
SR Pete and Sons said they are doing an average of a dozen repairs and jobs a day, thanks to the extreme heat.
"We've been swamped, service calls are backed up two to three days," said Stanley Pete Jr.
The Rhodes family of Laurel got a new unit installed Tuesday, Catherine Rhodes said she was afraid her 25-year-old air conditioning unit would finally go this summer.
"We were having a little bit of problem up in the attic and we figured to go and get it done this year with this heat wave, not knowing how long it would hold up," Rhodes said.
Pete said his fleet is working overtime in this weather. Days are lasting about 11 hours and schedules are booked until the third week of July.
"Once we see extreme temps like this a lot of systems struggle," Pete said. "They're just not able to keep up, especially with these 100 degree days."
As the temperature in their house starts to dip- the Rhodes are heading out and hope it is nice and cold for their return.
"We're going to chill in there for a while and then were going to the Shorebirds tonight to roast," said Rhodes with a smile.
