Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- The record breaking heat this past weekend was not only tough on those out in the sun, but companies in the Midlands who specialize in keeping people cool.
It's was a typical day Monday inside the call center of 2nd Wind, a heating and air conditioning repair company, as workers took calls from new customers.
But in light of last week's heat wave, there was nothing typical about the number of calls 2nd Wind and its employees received.
"This past weekend was absolutely insane, when we walked in at 8am we had already 50 faxes sitting on the fax machine for us," said Angie Henderson.
"It's be a long time and a lot of years since I've seen something like that," said Jeff Hall.
Angie Henderson and Jeff Hall combined have 17 years of experience, and they say 2nd Wind received nearly two hundred calls on Saturday alone from customers needing their A/C repaired.
"I was a little taken back by the end of the day of how busy it was all day long," said Henderson.
Manager Jeff Lawler says they were even taking on overflow calls from other companies.
"It's absolutely pertinent that you get your maintenance done before you get the hundred degree temperatures," said Lawler. "And unfortunately we had to turn away some new customers that we had advertised for so that was very difficult."
In addition to getting your unit repaired before the heat comes, 2nd wind recommends shutting your blinds, keeping your home well insolated, and delaying heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evenings on hot days.
"It was comical, yet insane," said Henderson.
A busy weekend helping to keep part of the Midlands cool. But would it surprise Lawler to see these temperatures again?
"I don't think I would be surprised at all. It is famously hot Columbia South Carolina, so I would venture to say we would see 100 again," said Lawler.
Of course when dealing with extreme temperatures you have to be extra careful. Some tips to keep you cool--stay in an air-conditioned indoor location, drink plenty of fluids, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and schedule outdoor activities carefully.
You can find more information about 2nd Wind at: http://www.2ndwindhvac.com/