Hot summer temperatures call for more air conditioning to keep cool. While we may dread the heat, some businesses are actually embracing it.
Record high summer temperatures are adding up to extra work for companies across the metro. Air conditioning specialists at Bob Hamilton in Overland Park have been working around the clock.
"When the temperature is going up, everybody has turned on their air conditioner and if there's any problem with it, it's going to show up," said Mouhammed Alkhafaf, HVAC technician.
Alkhafaf has been busy problem-solving as this week’s heat wave has taken a toll on many air conditioning systems.
"When the weather is coming, we're putting a lot of load on the equipment, especially the compressor if it's an outside unit," said Alkhafaf.
Before having to call in the professionals, there’s a few things you can do at home to keep your units from going bad, or pumping out hot air.
"They can prevent it or make it work a little bit longer by cleaning the outdoor unit, make sure it's clean and changing the filters, that's the 2 basic, key things," said Alkhafaf.
Hosing off your outside unit is also beneficial if it seems dirty. In addition, when you’re not home, keeping your home temperature set to a moderate level will help it function properly.
"If they keep it on 74, I always recommend they keep it on 78 or 79," said Alkhafaf.
Alkhafaf said on days like Friday, never turn your air conditioning completely off.
"They turn it off, the house will fill with the humidity and it will take a long time and you'll be using a lot of electricity to cool the house down," said Alkhafaf.
On an average day, four to six calls is the norm, but with extreme heat swarming the area, Alkhafaf said he’s running anywhere between ten and 12 calls a day. He says helping people is what makes it worth it.
"Like the temperature inside the house is almost 100 degrees and we're just like that, saving the day. So that feeling is just an awesome feeling, it's just like a superhero," said Alkhafaf.
You can also help keep your home cool and save energy by running fans, closing your curtains and running any appliances in the early morning or after dark.
