The hot weather has kept the team at EG Penner Building Centre busy this summer.
Mechanical Manager Kristian Shostak says they have been helping customers beat the heat with a steady demand for both equipment sales and service calls.
“We've been very busy on our service side especially heading out to people's houses when that heatwave really starts. People are putting them (air conditioner) on for the first time, and we tend to get those calls for service then. Just window air conditioners, portable air conditioners fans, anything that people can use to really just keep themselves cool inside when it's really hot.”
Planning ahead for the heat
Knowing how hot Manitoba summers can get, Shostak says they were ready for the demand.
“We did manage to bring in stock to start our season well and we've been able to replenish throughout these hot months and weeks, so that we haven't been able to run out and have things on the shelf for people.”
While air conditioners are in high demand, Shostak says fans are still a popular and effective option.
“A fan is an instant relief where you can kind of put it in a small space, and it can just really just move some air around so that it gives you that coolness so that you're feeling that instead of the heat.”
Servicing and upgrading units
Many of the calls they have received this summer have been from homeowners needing repairs, replacements, or upgrades to older units.
“Then we're able to come out with something more high efficiency than maybe what they originally had, so it's actually going to be better for the house and then people that haven't had it but are looking to make that initial investment to have central air into their homes. So, there's lots of programs that are offered through Manitoba Hydro and things like that so that you can afford it, making a small payment as opposed to that large initial put out for the dollar value.”
Tips for staying cool at home
Shostak also shares a few simple ways to help your cooling system work more efficiently during a heatwave.
He says one of the most important steps is changing the air filter regularly.
“It's recommended every two to three months, but in these hotter months, I tend to change them out every month just because there's so much in the air and so much that is going through that unit, especially when it's hotter so that the unit is pulling in more air, obviously.”
He notes the brand or type of filter isn’t as important as just replacing it on time.
“Not changing that filter makes the machine work so much harder, and when it's working harder, it starts to cause condensation on the outside, which then, believe it or not, can actually freeze up a unit. Then we're coming out for a service call and having to do a little more work because it's a dirty filter.”
He adds that while you're out in the yard, it's a good idea to visually check the unit for any debris that may have gotten inside.
“You can blow that out because anything around an air conditioner that is blocking any air coming in is going to make that unit really work harder. So, you want to really do anything you can to prevent that.”
Another tip is as simple as keeping the blinds closed during the day.
“I know you want to see outside but when all your blinds are open and the sun is coming in, it's really increasing the temperature in the house. So then that air conditioner is having to work harder too. So those are just things that I try to do at my house to make sure that the machine isn't running.”
With files from Judy Peters
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