NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Living without air conditioning could put your life at risk. That’s why HVAC technicians around the region are working around the clock to keep you safe this summer.
Norfolk Air Technician Cassidy Brooks, a former chef, said he is used to feeling the heat.
“Oh, it’s been overwhelming,” Brooks said. “It’s been nonstop. And then we’re working 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Regina Mobley: Is that seven days a week?
Cassidy Brooks: Yeah. We got guys on call for 24-hour emergency service. So we rock and roll.
Regina Mobley: Now, what are the typical problems you see this time of year?
Cassidy Brooks: We see lots of maintenance-related issues — drain lines, dirty coils, dirty filters, and stuff like that.
Regina Mobley: And with the weather, like this and there’s no air conditioning, it can be a true emergency for some people.
Cassidy Brooks: Yeah, definitely. We get lots of calls on the after hours. People with dire needs of emergency services for sure.
Regina Mobley: Tell me, how can homeowners get ahead of Mother Nature and mechanical malfunctions?
Cassidy Brooks: Maintenance would be the main thing to do at least once or twice a year. Just get an eye on the system, get a once over and just see what you’re looking for in the months to come. That’s the best way to do it.
Regina Mobley: Are there any other things they can do?
Cassidy Brooks: Definitely. Don’t run your system too low. We always say the 20-degree rule; if it’s 95 outside, you know, 75 is about all the system is designed to do.
It’s all about getting ahead of Mother Nature. Norfolk Air is recommending homeowners use the summer months to schedule a pre-season HVAC checkup so that you will know whether your system is ready for Ole Man winter.