Lower Temperatures May Provide Increase In Heat Repair, Retail Sales

When there is a chill in the air, there is undoubtedly a clank in the furnace somewhere.

"We're having a problem with it cutting on and off so much. We were afraid to let it go and have an emergency with the cold weather they say is coming," homeowner Dorothy Westbrook said.

"Everybody wants to make sure they have heat when the cold weather hits," said Glenn Goad, of Lee's Heating and AC.

Just three days ago, people in the Triangle enjoyed nearly 70 degree temperatures. Some heating repair companies saw their profits take a dip.

"I think business dropped off during milder weather," Goad said.

Chimney sweep Bill Coble and his crew are busy making sure customers have a way to heat things up.

"We've been swamped. We got two crews going. We get a lot of furnace people who say they don't have any heat," he said.

Area retailers hope to cash in on the chill. In the last few weeks, sales of cold weather gear has been lukewarm at best.

"The warm weather does not exactly inspire people to go out and buy a heavy jacket," said Glenn Peterson, of REI said.

Some heating companies said they plan to be busy this week.