Fans at Redcliff Home Hardware (Chat News photo)

By Chantal Wagner

staying cool

Fans and AC units in hot demand

Jun 29, 2021 | 4:18 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – In Southern Alberta, the demand for items that help people stay cool is high, while retailers are still dealing with a broken supply chain.

Redcliff Home Hardware has been getting a dozen calls a day of people looking for air conditioning units.

Curtis Lamb says they are sold out of the portable ones, but window units are still available and they’re not able to re-order some models until July and even August.

As for fans, they have some in stock.

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“They do sell quite quickly and again with those, the supply is gone essentially so if any Home Hardware store or other retailer didn’t order them before the season, they’re not available currently,” Lamb told Chat News.

Outdoor air conditioning units have also been popular.

Medicine Hat Refrigeration says their phones have been ringing off the hook.

Whether that’s for repairs or homeowners installing brand new units.

Mark Emmes says a good portion of people have air conditioning in the Hat, especially compared to Calgary and Edmonton.

“However, it amazes me that every year we still continue to get lots of new people that are getting it for the first time and quite a few people haven’t had AC for 20 years and they’re finally deciding to get it because it seems like these hot spells are lasting longer and going deeper into the summer.”

Emmes says they have enough stock and equipment, but they are still experiencing sporadic shipments when ordering items.

“Supply is hit and miss, and other pressures on the market due to COVID. The price of copper is through the roof. Things are moving but not predictable,” Emmes added.