Mechanical Extremes owner Harold Wilkes regularly solves HVAC problems that stymie others. That expertise takes the desire to learn, experimenting, heavy-duty thinking, and a whole lot of experience. Flashback to when Harold was learning his trade, and how he learned the value of an open mind.
It was 4 am on a cold winter’s day. An elderly lady from Jonesville was on the phone telling Harold “I’m freezing to death.” Her cry was insistent enough that Harold got out of bed, dressed for the weather, and made his way to her mobile home. Upon arriving, he confirmed she was correct. The furnace stubbornly refused to respond. So, he went through the checklist of things that go wrong. But still no results. Harold thought he had tried everything. But had he?
Asking for the help of others is evidence of an open-mind. So, while still at the site, he called another tech who had been at it for 40 years. After wiping the sleep from his eyes, the tech asked “have you checked for spiders.” Spiders?!? Harold replied there were no spiders in the furnace or anywhere to be seen. The older tech said “check the orifice.” The orifice is the size of a pinhole and feeds gas to the burner. Harold popped open the burner. And sure enough, there it was – a tiny white ball created by a spider. Harold wiped away the offending blockage, reassembled the furnace, turned it on, and presto, there was heat.
It’s good to know that an elderly Jonesville resident was now comfortable, while Harold added another item for the checklist. And there’s a lesson for us all. Keeping an open-mind can reveal solutions when facing a perplexing problem.
Mechanical Extremes accomplishes everyday HVAC tasks easily, efficiently, and effectively. And solving unexplained difficulties like this one are also regularly part of the Mechanical Extremes story. Need help? (517) 812-2484.
Mechanical Extremes is at your service in Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties.
