A/C repair: Hot business in Houston

01:09 PM CDT on Wednesday, July 6, 2005

By Mike Zientek / 11 News

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HOUSTON -- A lot of air conditioners around town aren't running well because they just can't handle the demand of the Houston heat. That means money in the bank for A/C repair companies.

KHOU-TV

Aaron Vasquez and his father stay very busy in the summer.

While most of us try to stay out of the heat, Aaron Vasquez can't avoid it.

He and his dad Reuben are doctors, in a way, treating sick A/C units. And they've got plenty of patients these days.

"Very busy. You could say we're working 10 to 12-hour days Monday through Saturday," Vasquez said. "It comes with the business."

A call Monday required a new fan motor. The old one just didn't work anymore. Vasquez said the call in Deer Park was more urgent than calls he usually gets.

"I looked at the thermometer and he had it set on 65 and it was 88 in the house," said Vasquez.

The stifling heat kept Mary Lou Miller and her husband Charles from sleeping. But it was about much more than that.

"I have to have it cold not only for comfort, but it can also be life-threatening," said Charles Miller.

The Millers said a heart condition causes fluid to build up on Charles's lungs and it gets worse when it gets hot.

His worry went away with the sound of a working unit.

"Now that I know he's fixing it, and I could have cold air any time, that's like Santa Claus in July," he said.

Aaron Vasquez and his dad said don't call them Santa. Their summer schedule is about as busy as his winter one.