AC servicing agents in demand as heat soars in Delhi

A number of servicing shops said they were doing brisk business as people have already started using their air conditioners, considering the sweltering heat this month.

While a good business for dealers of air conditioners (AC) and coolers is usual when Delhi gets warmer, the sudden heat wave in March has brought heavy gains to AC servicing agents this time.

Customers check out air conditioners at a showroom in New Delhi on Friday. (Mohd Zakir/ HT Photo)

A number of servicing shops said they were doing brisk business as people have already started using their ACs considering the sweltering heat this season. “Usually demand picks up by the second week of April. But this time, we started getting calls from last week itself,” said Mohammad Ishfaq, a servicing agent in Malviya Nagar.

Many shops claimed that for the first time, they have introduced a waiting system to meet the demand. Besides, as the demand is more, many operators are also charging way over the usual rates.

“Last week I got one AC serviced for Rs 500. This week, when I called for servicing of a second one, the same agency demanded Rs 700,” said Rita Prasad, a resident of IP Extension.

Another resident of Rohini rued he is still waiting to get the AC serviced at his apartment. “I called the customer care of Voltas on Thursday and they gave me a slot for Saturday. The executive said that they are facing heavy demand,” he said.

With the temperature going up every year, more and more people are buying ACs. “It doesn’t matter whether they stay in a posh bungalow or a one bedroom apartment in an unauthourised colony. Everyone is buying and availing the discounts that we give,” said Chetan Bhargav, an AC dealer in Patparganj.

Some dealers claim that the sudden rise in temperature has increased the demand for air conditioners, inverters and coolers by around 30%.