Fans piled up in a row outside commercial premises, citizens coming to check prices, others carrying them on their shoulders after purchasing them and some waiting for trucks on the sidewalks to transport the fans. air conditioners that they had just purchased even their homes.
They have become part of the dynamic in the Guayaquil Bay after the high temperatures recorded in the city, which in some cases have reached 34°C. High levels are forecast for this weekend.
Merchants commented that this climatic factor has triggered the sale of ventilation equipment.
Silvia Carla, owner of the Bodega Chelsea Warehouse, located between Olmedo and Eloy Alfaro, stated that during this season customers have requested fans of all types, from classic to industrial.
“They have asked for all kinds: small, large, industrial and even rechargeable. The sales have been quite positive until now,” he said.
According to Carla, every day they are sold between 20 and 30 fansplacing them as those preferred by citizens, especially for their prices, which range from $16 up to $75.
Carla assured that the prices available are much more affordable compared to those in stores. And he added that a large percentage of the clientele corresponds to people who have already purchased before and return because they liked the quality of the product.
“At least here in the Bay, the prices are much lower than in warehouses; That’s why people come back. Added to this is that we have a wide range of devices from different brands and new technology,” he said.
Technological innovation in ventilation equipment
Carla added that, within the offer, there are equipment with technological advances that have caught the attention of citizens. Such is the case of the air conditioners with wifi. These devices can be linked to the home Internet network and, through an application that must be installed on the owner’s mobile device, they can be turned on, regulate the temperature and turn off from any point.
That is, the owner can be in his office or on the street and would have no problem turning off the device in case he forgot it when leaving. Prices, depending on the capacity of the equipment, range from $250 up to $500.
Among other products, there are also mini air coolerswhich work with capsules that must be refrigerated and subsequently placed back in the equipment to obtain the sensation of cold air. Remote control fans are also being offered.
Mercedes Soledispa was one of the many citizens who were looking for equipment to combat the heat. She was looking for a fan, first because she didn’t have much money and second because she can place it anywhere in her house.
“At night you can’t even sleep because of the unbearable heat. Here I am looking for a fan, just a cheap one,” he said.
Mercedes’ comment is not far from reality. In recent days, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) has warned about daytime temperatures with high and very high levels in much of the Ecuadorian coast.
Mercedes’ queries were answered by Grace Maciasanother merchant from the city center, who presented her with different brands and prices that ranged from $20 up to $45.
According to Macías, the differences in the engines are what have dictated sales. She stated that people choose to buy those that “make less noise so they can sleep peacefully at night” or, in some cases, they carry rechargeable equipment that does not need to be connected to electricity.
“Sales have been very positive. Every day we sell about 10 fans“was Macías’ assessment. Finally, Mercedes opted for a small fan of $15.
Within the meteorological warnings of these days, Inamhi suggested that citizens modify their daily routines and limit their outdoor activities, avoiding direct exposure to the sun. In addition, always stay hydrated, use sunscreen and try to keep homes ventilated.
He stressed that high temperatures will continue to be recorded with greater incidence in Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo. (YO)
