Calgary A/C installer booked for months, ahead of summer heat

Calgary is in for some “sizzling” summer months according to the Farmer’s Almanac, and that is making air conditioning units a hot commodity in the city.

Several Calgarians have apparently had the same idea to get their hands on an air cooling system ahead of the predicted heat wave, as one A/C installation company says their bookings are through the roof for months.

Matthew Kramer, owner of Horizon Heating, says this has been the case all year.

“It’s been a busy year right from January on actually. We’ve been quoting and installing air conditioning systems all year round — which is a little bit unusual for Calgary,” Kramer said. “If you’re thinking about it, it’s best to get calling around and getting a quote as soon as you can because there is actually a wait time for quotes even, never mind the installs themselves.”

It isn’t just warmer weather that is prompting A/C sales. According to Kramer, the pandemic also contributed to the desire for air ventilation systems.

“It has a lot to do with last summer, and the heat wave that we had,” he said. “But also, people were at home more last summer, and I’m thinking that trend is continuing. So if you’re at home — hot house all day long — you’re going to feel it more than usual compared to if people were in their offices, which are typically air conditioned. Working more at home is definitely a factor in this for sure.”

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Kramer adds the cost of A/C units has gone up and most likely will continue to do so as we enter the summer.

“The same unit last year — if you got a quote last year — it’ll naturally be more expensive this year,” Kramer said. “Overall, pricing on every part of an air conditioning installation has gone up, right from the materials to the equipment itself. It wouldn’t be unusual to see higher pricing even by the end of the summer compared to now.”

The expense is likely a concern for many Calgarians, as the general cost of living has gone up, Alberta utility bills continue to increase, and even portable A/C units can be pricey.

One Calgary mother told CityNews she’s worried.

“I’m at home full time with a new baby right now. I’m definitely going to need to stay cool. It’s going to be expensive, and I’m not making the income that I was making before either, so it’s going to hurt. But I don’t know what other choice I have,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be way too hot, so I’ll have to bite the bullet, and save money in other areas.”

She adds she has a small A/C unit already, and hopes that it will keep her family cool through the summer — along with regular walks to the river to cool off — but wants to see more assistance from the government going forward.

“Something needs to be done, because we’re all just suffering through this right now, and something needs to change,” she said.