Write@Home
Winter 2015

General

Resident welcoming handyman with toolbox inside her apartment

Diary from Johnny_Aug.27/2021

Today’s diary involves four people:

  • Joseph—the mechanic in our building,
  • Robert—the handyman in our building,
  • Quincy—a very young mechanic in an air-conditioning company,
  • Johnny

I live in a condo, and recently the air conditioner in my home doesn't work in the hot weather. I reported this to the front desk staff of the building two days ago and asked to arrange maintenance.

This morning, Joseph brought Robert to my home. After the inspection, it was determined that the problem lies in the actuator. I explained that this actuator was only replaced two years ago. Joseph said that the warranty period for the actuator is one year. I felt helpless to know what to do, so I had to ask them to repair it.

This afternoon, Robert brought Quincy to my home. Quincy changed the actuator and tested the machine. The air conditioner still worked abnormally. Quincy thinks it may be a thermostat problem, but I explained that the thermostat was replaced only a year ago, and it has been working fine. When Quincy was working, I observed that there was no chilled water passing through the coil, so I judged that the problem was with the water valve (see picture). Quincy replaced the water valve according to my judgment. At this time, Robert immediately picked up the replaced actuator and water valve and took Quincy out of my home, and said that they would come back later.

One hour later, Robert brought Quincy back. Before Quincy tested the machine, I said that my original actuator was good and asked to install it back. At this time, Robert threatened loudly that he would not arrange for me to shut down the water for maintenance in the future. I insisted on my request, Robert had to return my original actuator and then left. Quincy reinstalled the original actuator for me. He tested the machine and everything was normal! The room temperature dropped quickly.

I thank Quincy for his help. Quincy said that my judgment was correct and left happily.

There are still honest people in the world!

Today’s experience is the first time I have expressed my judgment in English and received understanding and help from others. I am very happy about this. I appreciate my teacher Christina and LINC Home Study Program!