AC repair shops rejoice as temperature soar

Heydays are here for the air conditioning repair shops in the country. While the common man detests scorching summer days, technicians eagerly await the season as its time for either repair or servicing of the air conditioners.

Future Power Electromechanical general manager R Jaipal agreed totally to the notion.

"From April onwards, it's the peak season till August. This is followed by a lull in activity with low demand and not many complaints. Usually we get 5 to 7 calls per day but now it has gone up to 30 to 35 cases. And we expect this number to hit 50. Now, we work overtime to compensate for off-season silence that follows," Jaipal said.

Gas and water leak to compressor problems are some of the persistent issues.

And as mercury soars enough to make an omelet on the road, technicians wish for further rise in temperature. "With ACs working non-stop, our technicians are happily busy with calls from villas and offices seeking repair and servicing of all - split, window and central. We await temperature to hit 40C," Jaipal said.

Following simple things can help get maximum cooling from ACs.

"Ideally, it is better that servicing is done before March to avoid the last-minute rush. Haste makes waste at most repair shops. People can at least regularly clean their filter of window ACs. Also, the door of a room shouldn't be left open. This is a common practice seen in every home and it affects the life of a compressor. The job of an air conditioner is to turn a room into 25 degree Celsius against the outside temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. An open door will put more load on compressor and raise power consumption too," Jaipal added.

On switching on an air conditioner, bad smell is a clear indication of things being wrong.

"Overheating of compressor, quality of cables used, indoor and outdoor unit, drainage points, functioning of thermostat among others are the key things to look at," Jaipal added. "Servicing at a good place is the key."

Echoing similar views, Silver Lake Electromechanical Works manager George Varghese said servicing is the only factor to keep air conditioners blazing against the vagaries of summer heat.

"Servicing should be done not just outside but inside too, which is very important. Close to 80 per cent companies don't clean filter. Coil cleaning services are rarely done. Coils get dirty with dust and during cooling process can create bacteria. This is how people especially children get affected with many respiratory problems," Varghese said.

He stressed on at least three servicing a year for safe and healthy living.

A reasonable temperature to maintain would be between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius.

"People tend to set air conditioners at 16C to 18C for best cooling but they forget the process depends on the size of the room. If it's a big room then compressor will come under stress and there will not be desired cooling too."

Maintenance is also as important as servicing, he said.

"For longevity of air conditioners, people should opt for genuine brands and engage with experienced professional hands. Only professionals will do proper vacuuming process among others. Such things make a big difference between sitting in a cool room and not," Varghese added.

Source: Khaleej Times