Heating and cooling companies are trying to keep up with the influx of calls since the current heat wave gripped the region. Fairhall Mechanical operators fielded 70+ calls Monday. A regular day sees 20+ calls. “Some people are even telling us that the unit was smoking, something’s happening. We need some help right away,” said Home Comfort Advisor Tony Coppola of Fahrhall Mechanical. Home Comfort technologist Denis Pelletier isn’t surprised by the bump in calls. “I’ve been doing this a long time. Nothing changes. Heat comes on. Phones are ringing.” Pelletier checked in on the owner of an east end home who heard her unit making noise Monday before calling to have the 31-year old machine replaced. “Our service guy came out last night, took a look at it. Found that it was leaking (freon). Said Pelletier who points out many of their calls are for low freon which may have been caused from units working too hard. “It could have got overpressure with this heat,” he explains. “The pressure’s go up and the pressure inside, you could spring a leak anywhere. Rust. Age.” To avoid overtaxing your machine, close your blinds to keep the sun out, minimize oven use and help keep humidity in check by not taking too many showers. Pelletier says the temperature aim, on a day like today, should be 74-78 degrees in the house. “That’s what this is. A dehumidifier so once you get that humidity out of there, 78 feels comfortable. It’s getting that humidity down,” Pelletier explained. He says if you aren’t sticky then your unit is working properly. If you are feeling sticky then the unit may be low on freon or the filter may need changing. “Check washer, condenser. Do those little maintenance stuff and you know, in the long run it will help you out,” said Pelletier. Fahrhall showed CTV a before shot of an ignored unit and after shot of the unit cleaned. Allowing build up makes the unit work hard and can help fast track a household to making a phone call to a heating and cooling agent sooner than expected. “Never power wash your air conditioner, just a hose or I recommend just a light broom. You can just take the broom, sweep it. Then wash it. You’re better off,” Pelletier recommended.
