Air Conditioning Service Companies Logging Extra Hours to Meet Demand

ST. CLOUD -- Air conditioning service companies are putting in long days as people scramble to get their A/C units cleaned, tuned-up or repaired.

Ellingson's Plumbing and Heating Service Manager Monty Herness says they have a crew of 12 working until 8:00 or 9:00 every night in an effort to get to everyone who needs repairs that same day.

Herness says the heat wave has pushed their call volume from about 45 per day to as many as 70.

If the air conditioning units are not maintained and kept clean, the motors run hotter, draw more power and can cause components to fail.

Herness advises against trying to clean the air conditioner yourself. But, he says you can help keep it clean by keeping obstructions away from outdoor unit and keep a clean furnace filter for central air units.