HVAC technicians across metro Phoenix see summer-like demand in October

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A lot of people are looking forward to the end of this fall heat wave that’s scorching the Valley.

For more than a week, temperatures have broken records at 110 and above. Those who repair air conditioning also wouldn’t mind if the temps dropped back to normal for this time of year.

APES HVAC and Plumbing in Phoenix usually winds down by this point of the year, but they’re operating at a near-summer pace in the first week of October.

“You got to expect that here. The weather kind of teases you sometimes and then you’re right back in summer mode,” HVAC Manager Leroy Guidroz said. “End of September we’re kind of out of the season so this is unusual.”

While more calls mean more jobs and money, the technicians are exposed to extreme heat even longer than usual. Guidroz says some techs felt sick working in the heat over the summer, and most workers are ready for cooler temperatures.

“They’re burnout because usually the season doesn’t go this long. They’re ready for it to end.”

The techs have water, and some use umbrellas to avoid the sun on the hottest days. Guidroz tells the team to stay hydrated and take breaks often. He adds that they usually like to have two guys on the large jobs just in case the heat becomes too much.

For comparison, Guidroz says they average about 30 to 40 calls per week on an ordinary start in October. Right now, they have about 60 to 70 calls, which is just below their summer pace.

The company has a weekend on-call schedule for emergencies through the summer. While it usually ends at the end of September, Guidroz says they’re keeping it until the end of October for the first time due to the heat.

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