When my wife and I got married in Tampa, FL back in 2009, we immediately decided on a 5-year plan to vacate the state. I conveniently forgot about that plan until 4 years and 10 months into our marriage when she kindly reminded me. Sure enough by Valentine’s Day of 2014, weeks after our 5th anniversary, we were in a moving truck heading to Asheville, NC. Do you know why we had the plan to get out of FL? It was the heat and humidity. We thought we would beat the heat by getting out of there, turns out it is just hot everywhere. You can take several steps to make the best of any situation. This month I am keeping it simple and covering some tips and tricks to stay cool. These are pretty basic and probably common sense, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple things and not over-think so much!
Planning and prep work are key to a smooth installation or repair. Most jobs need to be reviewed prior to scheduling. Pictures and drawings go a long way to helping the process. All too often, I would wait until the day of installation to review it with my installing tech, just to find out I did not provide them with the proper tools or equipment to complete the job. With proper planning and earlier review, I could have completed the job efficiently. Instead, we had to make multiple trips or postpone the job entirely. Also, with proper planning, your tech has the opportunity to develop a strategy to attach the job and be out of the heat in a timely manner.
Start Early. Most companies seem to run an 8am start time, so I would strongly suggest being at your first job no later than 8am, ready to start. An even better idea, ask your customer if you can start the job earlier, and take advantage of the cooler temps. In addition to starting early, the more strenuous jobs should be scheduled with the highest priority. If you have attic work, get it done ASAP in the morning and do not make the same rookie mistake as me when I first started and schedule multiple attic jobs on the same day to the same person.
Take breaks, lots of breaks! Heat breaks should be taken into account when scheduling the day. I would account for a 10-15 minute break every hour to cool down. Bring a cooler and lots of hydration.
I also would suggest that while getting the job completed as quickly as possible and getting out of the heat is extremely important, do not let the quality of your work suffer for it. Take advantage of the many items available to you to create a professional installation (like the item below!). Use the amount of time needed to install appropriately and cleanly. It is important to take pride in what you do and shine a positive light on our industry and the work ethic we, as a group, have. Be safe out there and be your best you!
Product Spotlight
Did you know you can also stay cool by working in the AC outside? That’s right, AC outside. All you need is some water, an electrical outlet and the PC-31 from LB White. This portable evaporative cooler can cool down any work area and it can easily travel anywhere you go. This unit can cool up to 950 square feet with its 3100CFM of cooling airflow. It has a lightweight design and four lockable caster wheels that make it easy to transport. It also has a durable, UV protected case. This is great to set up under a 10x10 tent at a jobsite that you plan on being at all day or even just along side your service truck if you need a cool off after coming out of a crawlspace or attic.
EMAIL DARREN: dmcardle@gardnermarsh.com
