RHINELANDER - Even the most die-hard fans of summer have probably switched on their air conditioning by now.

But all the extra use means more air conditioning units are breaking down, and more stores are selling out.

In her 11 years at Forest TV and appliance, store manager Amy McCorkle has never seen a summer like this.

She's put in two extra orders for air conditioners to keep up with the demand.

"I'm hoping we'll have enough to get through the hot spell and the rest of the summer," she said. "The manufacturers make their units in January and February, and once they're out, they're out. And they're starting to run out."

Frasier's Heating & Plumbing has their repair and install crews running 12 to 17 hour days.

HVAC technician Dan Kellner says there are ways to prevent breakdowns.

"It's difficult up here because we only use them for two to three months, and sometimes we only use them for two to three weeks, so people think they don't need to be checked," Kellner said. "But things do happen, things wear out, so having it checked every year. A lot of times we can determine when parts are starting to fatigue and getting close to the end of their life. We can recommend replacing them before they go out.

Kellner said it's also important to keep indoor and outdoor units clean and dust-free, and away from plants, pets and kids.

Story By: Lex Gray