The AC Chronicles

The Setting: August in Phoenix and the air conditioner goes out. Let's chronicle how long it takes to get it fixed.

When I went to bed last night, I noticed it was a little warmer than usual, but not that bad.

6:30 AM - It is clear that something has gone horribly wrong. The air conditioner upstairs is blowing air; only one problem - it's hot air. The unit outside is humming and straining but not kicking on.

7:25 AM - I had looked up some AC companies online, even checked the Better Business Bureau, and narrowed it down to three. The first company I called said they could have a technician to the house between the hours of (drum roll please) 8 and 11 AM. Great. It won't be too hot before they come.

10:51 AM - Starting to get a little warm. The customer service rep calls and says the previous customer decided to buy a new AC unit so the tech is "filling out paperwork." They'll call back when he's on his way. Good.

11:09 AM - CSR calls back - the tech is on his way. Yay!

11:20 AM - Tech is here. Yay, part II!

12:05 PM - Unit is repaired, tech is gone (along with my $607.80), upstairs is starting to cool off.

Whew. The unit was fixed quickly and it really didn't cost that much. This could have been a lot worse than it was. Also, the customer service rep was helpful and friendly, and the technician was very friendly, professional, and funny. Wow, imagine that - great customer service.