In Melbourne last week, from January 14-17 we all witnessed a record-breaking four days above 41C. While there are scientists on each side of the global warming debate, the fact remains that Surrey Air fielded its own record-breaking air conditioning service inquiries and in extreme conditions attended over 150 service visits, with more booked in for the rest of the month.
“Most of these were for unit breakdowns that had not been serviced for many years including very aged units that are not worth repairing. Too many people were without cooling last week because they let their servicing lapse, a situation that wouldn’t have happened with a preventative maintenance check”, says Surrey Air’s Jason Schultz. “Apart from spending the week being very uncomfortable and sleep deprived this also presents serious health risks, especially for the young, the elderly, and those with poor health.”
Sure we are all accustomed to Melbourne heatwaves, but the question everyone is asking is, “Are they getting worse?”
With ambulance services stretched last week, rolling electrical blackouts rumored and community concern at an all-time high, The City of Melbourne has defined ‘what is a heatwave’ and provided heat coping tips and health advice on this link.
According to climate experts, last week’s record-breaking heatwave is a sign of things to come and a trend that has continued from the 2012/2013 summer.
In 2013 The Bureau of Meteorology reported that significant heatwaves were recorded across Australia from November 2012 to March 2013, where temperatures reached record highs. Autumn 2013 began with a third major heatwave for the season in Melbourne which set records for consecutive hot days and warm nights. Early March 2013 saw 10 consecutive days above 30C, with six of them above 33C and six nights above 20C.
With the 2013-2014 summer autumn far from over, it remains to be seen what records will be broken next.
If you have not had an air conditioning service or inspection in the last 12 months, now is the time to book a visit, before the next heatwave takes out your unit and leaves your family at risk. Even newer units can feel the strain of running non-stop for a week like they did last week. If you think your neighbors or family are at risk from not keeping up their air conditioning service, then be community-minded and prompt them to take action as well.
Surrey Air offers a value-packed Multi-unit Service Deal so you can have your heating and cooling plus hot water, fans, and ventilation units inspected and repaired in one visit.
Take action today, call us at 9551 7460 or click here to book online.
