Monday, June 26, 2006

Ever have your AC replaced?

Well, I can now answer 'yes' to that question. Not less than half an hour ago I shut the door behind the AC service techs and wave good-bye. They're done.

So, let's start back at the beginning.

My alarm went off at 7:30 am to prepare for the AC company's "we'll be there between 8 and 10" spiel. I have to tell you, it's a big deal for me to get up at 7:30 am because I usually sleep until 10 am.

Now, it's going on 9 am, so that's an extra hour I could have slept in. Oh well, that's also one extra hour we got to keep the air conditioning on. When they get here they're going to turn off the AC to pull the old unit out and replace it with the new unit. How long did they project the AC to be turned off? A mere 6 - 8 hours. In Florida. In June. With humidity.

I've prepared for this long adventure and will be confining myself to my bedroom where my husband thoughtfully installed a window air conditioning unit. I've brought plenty of magazines, work, and of course I have the TV in case I want to watch a movie. I'll share my little oasis with my bird, Bailey and my dog, Jack. Can't have those poor little critters suffering in the hot, humid air with now AC.

Hey, the crew arrived before 9:30 am. It's an overcast day and kinda drizzly. At least it wouldn't be too hot outside to work. The two service techs are actually excited to be here and overly confident that they'll be finished in 2 hours. 3 tops. I'm going to hold them to it. We'll see.

My dog Jack doesn't like strangers. And, he really doesn't like anyone invading his space. Having strange service techs in the house is invading his space. How does he let everyone know he's displeased? Barking. And lots of it. It got to be a little annoying, so I did what all good doggy mommies do at a time like this and gave him a calmative. Just a gentle herbal calming biscuit that should help take the edge off his nervousness. And mine.

Around noon, one of the service techs told me they'd have to leave for awhile. Apparently they ran out of "gas" for thier torch. I think they just wanted to go get something to eat.

The service techs returned with plenty of gas to weld and cut their pipes.

At the 3 hour mark, they're still not done, but I'm told they'll be finished within the hour. Uh huh.

At least the weather is cooperating. The house temperature hasn't climbed over 80 degrees and the small window AC unit in the bedroom is actually getting a bit chilly.

Oh, remember the torch they needed to cut and weld pipes? Well, they forgot to tell me that it sets the smoke alarms off. Oops. Guess it was lucky mine wasn't connected to the Fire Department.

Four and a half hours later they're all done. Still well ahead of the original projected estimate of 6 - 8 hours. I'm happy. And, I'll give the service tech an extra 'attaboy'. He asked for a broom and dustpan to clean up his mess.

Now, that's service.