Turning On the AC

This story is not as simple as it might sound.

I mean, it is a story about turning on the AC. But it’s a story about much more than the push of a button or flip of a switch.

I shared today’s AC adventure live on Twitter. Because what better place to share unfolding action?!

See, it broke down a few weeks ago. He had a friend who was going to help him fix it. And then that friend got really busy. BECAUSE ALBERTA TURNED INTO A FURNACE. #exsm3989

— JLSteingard (@JlSteingard) July 9, 2021

Let’s set the scene: This story takes place in Leduc, AB today, where the afternoon temperature peaked over 30 degrees Celsius. The last few weeks have been unseasonably warm here. Climate change anyone?!

In short, the AC works … kind of. Just not in a convenient way. Apparently there is one little piece that regulates the unit and keeps it from freezing out the coils in the furnace. Who knew?!

The suspense builds …

Are you on the edge of your seat yet? I realize this story is not the most scintillating on its own. But somehow telling it in snippets helps to create suspense without much effort!

I pondered venturing out to figure out how to turn on the unit myself …

So here I am …
Yes, the blinds are drawn and the windows are closed.
Do I dare try to figure it out myself? (Says the person who can barely turn on a coffee maker.) #mechanicallychallenged #exsm3989

— JLSteingard (@JlSteingard) July 9, 2021

See this story is partly about turning on the AC unit and partly about my relationship with my fiancé.

My skillset is not one that lends itself to figuring out mechanical issues. And my fiancé knows me too well. Within seconds of me texting him to tell him I was going to try turning on the unit, he called. Oh ye of little faith. But also … smart man.

And he gave me very specific instructions on how to turn it on. Starting with "go outside and walk to the AC unit."🙄 #exsm3989

— JLSteingard (@JlSteingard) July 9, 2021

Not a joke. He literally started his instructions with:

I’ll walk you through this. First, go outside and walk towards the AC unit.

Thanks, tips. I had figured at least that part out!

And now for the climax …

Every good story has a climax. Even this one!

It turns out the turning on of the unit was actually pretty easy! (With good instructions, of course.) Opening a small door, pulling out a piece, flipping it 180 degrees and putting it pack in. And he reminded me at the end to “close the small door again”. Yes, sir!

Immediately, the unit started up. And scared me a little, if I’m being honest.

Now give me an hour and I’ll probably be complaining that it’s too cold in here. 🤷‍♀️ #exsm3989

— JLSteingard (@JlSteingard) July 9, 2021

Good news!

If you got to the end of the thread, you know this story has a happy ending.

The AC is on and the house is now delightfully cool! And I can happily report that it has thankfully not gotten too cold. Thanks in part to the whole freezing concern which means the AC cannot run for more than a few hours at a time!

Now while this story is not likely to take off on Twitter like @sixthformpoet’s story did, it’s nonetheless been fun sharing my adventure with you all!

Stay cool!