Heat Wave Of 2002 Increased Business For Lee Air Conditioners
DURHAM, NC — Lee Air Conditioners (Lee AC) got its start 50 years ago when Joe Lee sold his first window air conditioner out of his garage. It has been about that long since the Durham-based company has seen a summer with the relentless heat that the Triangle Area experienced in 2002. In past summers, heat waves of 94-plus degrees came and went every couple of weeks. This year, however, there was an unprecedented month-and-a-half long consistent wave of heat that Lee AC and its service department waged war on.
Even though new construction business is down as a result of residents and businesses alike being frugal with their money, the service department has increased its staff by 20% and continues to look for qualified technicians to meet the demand. The owner said the boost in staff resulted in faster customer response by technicians and increased customer satisfaction. Previously, it may have taken a week before Lee AC could answer a service call, but this year they responded normally within one or two days, according to officers of the company.