At its peak, air conditioner technicians work to earn 2-3 million per day.

Severe heat, demand for air conditioning installation increases dramatically. Photo: Thanh Phuc

The family has small children, the dormitory room is quite cramped and hot, so this summer, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quy in Nghi Kim military dormitory (Vinh city) decided to install an air conditioner to cope with the heat. However, although he bought and deposited money at the electronics store 3 days ago, until now no one has come to install it. He kept calling and directly meeting the store owner, but he only received an apology, hoping for sympathy because the air conditioner installation staff could not handle it so he had to wait...

At the beginning of the hot season, in addition to the need for new installations, the need for cleaning, repairing and maintaining air conditioners has increased dramatically. “These past few days, the air conditioner has been acting up, still running but not cooling, and often suddenly shutting off. I called several electronics centers to hire someone to come fix it, but I only received promises because they are short of workers, no one has come to do the job yet, and will contact you when they have one,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Dao in Vinh Tan ward.

In addition to new installations, the demand for air conditioner repair and maintenance is also very large. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Entering the hot season, grasping customer needs, in addition to preparing goods, recruiting more installers and repairmen, most electrical facilities are short of workers.

Mr. Tran Ut - owner of an electrical appliance company in Vinh city said: "On average, we sell 10-15 air conditioners per day, so during this peak time, we prioritize new installations, then repairs and maintenance. 8 workers work day and night but still can't finish the work. There are many customers who want quick installation, willing to pay double, even triple the price for workers, but the workers still can't meet the demand."

Mr. Bui Huy Hung - an air conditioner repairman said: I have been working in the air conditioner repair business for 10 years. In addition to working for an electrical facility, I often undertake installation and repair work for families in need. This year, we have just entered the hot season, but there are days when we have to work until 12 midnight to finish the job.

Air conditioner installation and repair have their own complex requirements, therefore, each worker works at full capacity, even without a lunch break, and can only install 5-6 sets/day. Straining in the hot sun, eating a quick lunch and dinner, working late into the night, but in return, they are paid quite well, many workers earn 2-3 million VND/day during peak periods.

In Vinh, there are about 400 air conditioner installers and maintenance workers, but these days they still cannot meet the needs of customers. Working during the day and overtime at night, each worker earns 2-3 million VND/day. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Mr. Nguyen Cong Nam, an air conditioner repairman, said: “Due to the habit of customers, in the hot season, when using the air conditioner, they only call the technician when there is a problem, but rarely prepare, check, and maintain in advance. Therefore, these days, the demand of customers is high, the whole city of Vinh has about 400 technicians but still cannot meet the demand, and the prices are high. Many people, because they cannot call reputable places, refrigeration facilities, have to go online to find them, and sometimes hire unskilled technicians, so they “lose money and get sick”.

According to a survey, this summer the cost of installing an air conditioner ranges from 300,000 - 500,000 VND/type; cleaning the air conditioner 150,000 - 200,000 VND/time; pumping gas 120,000 - 200,000 VND/time.