As central North Carolina sees temperatures in the 90s, many are already using air conditioning and counting on it to work. But if your air conditioning goes on the fritz, you might be in trouble.
Companies across the country, including in Raleigh, have been struggling with employee shortages and delays for over a year.
Now, prices are also going up.
J.D. Anderson, the owner of 919 Fix my AC, says the company is doing everything they can, but sometimes people are having to wait weeks for cool air.
Anderson said air conditioning companies are having to get creative to keep people cool. But with a 30 percent increase in parts in the last year, that also means customers are having to pay more.
“[I’m] not necessarily surprised,” said customer Paul Idzik. “I think we’re all hardened to it now. It’s been in the news every day,”
“I have been told it’s going to be four to six weeks to get my AC fixed. In this heat, it’s kind of hard to hear but everyone understands with inflation and supply chain issues.”
When the temperature rises, so does demand. Anderson said he’s pulled parts from various units for clients, which is costing him more in the long run.
“Especially on the labor side because now I’m sending a man out twice to do the same job twice. First time to get a client by, and then to get the new part in,” said Anderson.
“I’ve been on the phone with a few people that I just feel heartbroken for. I’ve lowered my price for them. At the end of the day, if someone cannot afford it … air conditioning is a necessity,” he said.
As Anderson deals with the price and demand increases, he’s still missing a critical component for his business — employees.
“It’s easier to sit in the air conditioning and work on a computer than it is climbing into an attic that’s 150 degrees,” said Anderson.
Andeson says those needing a repair should call a company right away so any parts can be ordered as quickly as possible.
