Anastacio Valdovinos Air Conditioning Technician: Community Proud
Tara A. Spears
In modern societies, hot, humid summers are made bearable due to air conditioning: it is the magical portal that transports us from hell to heaven. Among the many skilled tradesmen in Jaltemba Bay, Anastasio Valdovinos Garcia, (322 138 9895) expert AC repairman, stands out due to the quality of his work and his commitment to his family and community.
Proudly Nayarito, Anastasio believes that community involvement can enrich the lives of the individual and that La Penita is truly a slice of paradise- he cannot imagine living anywhere else. This hard-working tradesman has several technical certificates as well as university accounting. He uses his professional training and leadership skills by teaching area vocational high school students to utilize their unique gifts and talents to learn the career of AC and refrigeration, besides operating JB’s largest air conditioning store on the highway (next to the Occidental Coffee shop.)
Anastacio learned respect for his community and its natural environment from his father. He believes that a strong community is critical because they’re often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. “Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values, and goals is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life” explained Anastacio. Growing up in a small town in the tropics spurred Anastacio to be interested in methods of staying cool-he like to take machines apart, work with his hands, so when he learned about air conditioning, he immediately signed up for classes. “My family and friends asked me to do work for them and they like my work. I realized that it would be a good business for the community.” His wife, Keny, manages the store which is open 9:00 am til 5:30 pm, closed Sundays.
Anastasio feels the modern man needs to have a sense of equality and respect for others. “It is so important to show love for your family, love your work and to have the desire to be better every day.”
The use of artificial temperature regulators is, in great part, a matter of culture. It has become widespread in Mexico due to the huge influx of expats and the huge hospitality business segment that caters to international visitors. The extensive use of cement block houses is a means of staying cool as is the placement of doors and windows for cross ventilation. While those architectural features help with the intense heat at this latitude, it does little to address the stifling humidity. According to Statista, in 2016 Mexico had a mere16% AC nationwide, most of which is located in commercial hotels, bungalows and affluent homes. However, the growth rate of installed AC units has exploded since then with an approximate 30% yearly.
Most air-conditioned homes in Mexico use the mini-split. With this system, there are no ducts to distribute the air. Instead, there are two components. Hence the term “split.” One part is inside the home, and the other is outside. If you have internal units in different rooms connected to an external compressor, it is referred to as a multi-mini split. Homes in Mexico with air conditioning use a split system which is Anastacio’s specialty.
The author personally prefers the Mirage brand AC for its efficient, low operational cost and reliable performance. Every visitor to my home says, “That is the quietest AC I’ve ever encountered!” Anastacio is the only authorized dealer of this excellent system- his prices are better than Home Depo or shipping from Guadalajara. Don’t underestimate the advantage of training: lots of local guys will say, “I repair/install AC” then ask if you have tools. Not only does Anastacio and his technicians have the appropriate specialized equipment but they are professional, though, and clean up afterwards- a big deal to me.
Lastly, another benefit of air conditioning is more than dehumidifying and a cool temperature. Air conditioners circulate and filter air, removing pollutants and mold from the air. This is especially important for people who suffer from allergies and asthma because it minimizes the irritants that trigger an attack. This only holds true, however, if your system and filters are regularly cleaned.
It is neighbors like Anastacia Valdovino that make the community of Jaltemba Bay standout. He is a great example of the new generation of worker that is redefining the essence of modern Mexico while upholding its traditions. Through his individual effort and daily example, this talented tradesman is combining innovation and technology to better his life and the future of our community.
