Air Conditioners In High Demand In New York As Temperatures Continue To Soar
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With temperatures soaring high into the 90s, it's the perfect day to buy a new air conditioner.
On Long Island, Diana said her family just couldn't bear another day in their Williston Park home in this heat, so they went to P.C. Richard & Son in Carle Place to buy an A.C. unit.
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"Just something to take the edge off and to help our family get along," she said. "We tried to hold off as long as we could, tried to go green and go with the ceiling fan and then we just, we couldn't make it."
Store manager Michael Donelly said there is a science to buying an A.C. unit.
"We want you to leave with the right product so that you're not getting too much or too little because too little in 96 degree temperature, you have wasted your money. You should have bought a fan," he said.
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Donelly said they have sold over 1,000 air conditioners in just the last few days. They run from $100 to $1,300.
Meanwhile, the heat and humidity are keeping those who repair A.C. systems very busy this week. Service centers are being overwhelmed by calls, so if you're A.C. isn't working, it could take a while for relief to come.
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"Now, my shop might be backed up. Your car might not be done in the time frame you want it and it's hot," said Tim Massa of the Car Care Center at Gas Heaven in Commack.
If you can't afford to buy a new air conditioner, you might be eligible for a free one. New York State Homes and Community Renewal commissioner and CEO Darryl Towns said they'll be offering help for low-income New Yorkers who are susceptible to health issues during these hot summer days.
"Folks who fall within the low-income guidelines, you must have a household member who is diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition and have a doctor's note that says air conditioning will assist you," said Towns.
The program will provide air conditioning units for more than 3,700 households.
For more information, visit www.nyshcr.org.
