Cape Coral AC company sees 26% surge in calls from last year as summer heat returns

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — The Florida heat is back in Southwest Florida this week, and one local air conditioning company tells WINK News Reporter Bella Line they are seeing a surge in calls.

Line met with homeowners and air conditioning experts to learn how residents can beat the heat this summer. A heat gun reading showed temperatures reaching about 140 degrees on concrete in Cape Coral.

Tom Grier lives in South Cape Coral and uses shutters to help keep his home cool. He hopes to avoid having to replace his AC unit again.

"We got flooded in Hurricane Ian, so we have a new one after that, but so we'll be good for another 10 years in all likelihood," Grier said.

His neighbor, Michael Noone, has two air conditioning units to help keep his home cool. He tries to stay ahead of potential issues by keeping the blinds closed.

"I try to keep the blade, the blinds closed, and everything to prepare for it," Noone said.

Gulf Shore Cooling's General Manager Jim Britton said the company has seen a 26% increase in calls this May compared to last year at this time. He says AC units are flying off the shelves at his shop.

"When the outdoor temperature gets to a design day like yesterday, today, really, all this week, that's when those problems will start to become breakdowns," Britton said.

David Beers, service manager with Gulf Shore Cooling, offered tips to help homeowners protect their units and wallets.

"Minimizing heat gain inside the home, so showers, laundry, cooking at the peak times, and then minimizing cool loss, so windows, doors, any way that the cool can come out of the house," Beers said.

Britton and Beers said if homeowners notice something is wrong with their AC unit, it's best to call immediately. Beers says they offer free consultations and second opinions.