Arkansas cold snap causes many HVAC units to break down | Here’s why
The winter weather in Arkansas this week caused a number of issues from icy and dangerous roads to broken HVAC units that have been keeping workers busy.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The frigid temps across parts of Arkansas this week caused a number of issues, from dangerous roads to broken HVAC units.
Those broken heating and cooling systems have been keeping technicians busy as they respond to the influx of calls.
“It has been pretty tough. The cold weather and the ice have made it tough to get out to our customers,” described Dylan Branstetter, the Operations Manager for Airmasters.
Even with those challenges, Branstetter said their technicians still responded to help those in need of repairs.
During weeks like this one, they get a lot more service calls for broken heaters than they’re used to.
“I’d probably say 30 to 50 conservatively. Definitely more than normal for a typical week,” Branstetter added.
He said it’s expected because the cold temperatures can really take a toll on older units.
“It’s just really lack of maintenance and old age. You know, those kinds of things really wear and tear on your system, and then put under the stress of these extreme temperatures, they just fail,” he explained.
That’s why regular maintenance is so important.
“Parts can go out at any time, and you don’t want those parts to go out when it’s this cold outside,” Branstetter said.
If you do find yourself in a situation without working heat officials with Entergy explained how using a space heater or fireplace can help keep you warm in the meantime.
“Another way is to make sure you insulate the drafty windows. You can do that by putting a clear plastic sheet over the frame and making sure it’s tightly sealed,” said Matt Ramsey, the Communications Manager for Entergy.
If your heater is working as it should, you shouldn’t crank it up too much.
“Adjust the thermostat when you’re home and awake, set it as low as comfortably possible, and then when you’re asleep, you can turn it back to what we recommend, about 68 degrees. And if you do this, this can save you about 10% on your winter bills,” Ramsey explained.
He also encourages you to track your energy usage so you have a better idea of the money-saving adjustments you need to make.
“We always encourage customers and say making small, simple changes to their lifestyles are actually the best way to end up reducing their bills,” he added.
Ramsey said bill management is another good tool to use this time of year.
For more information on the resources offered by Entergy, please click here.