Relief is on the way for Cable House residents, who have endured 90-degree days without air conditioning.

The cooling system broke down in the York City apartment complex a few weeks ago, leaving residents of the 83 units to cope using large fans, cold showers and trips to neighbors' swimming pools.

The company that manages the complex originally said it could take as many as eight weeks to fix the system, leaving residents to buy their own units or face the hottest days of the year without any air conditioning at all.

But, on Monday, Wingate Management Co. regional manager Cathy Spinks said central air could return to the Cable House by the end of next week. That's the best-case scenario, she said.

It could take longer because Wingate is still waiting for the new equipment to be delivered. Once it arrives, the system will take about a week to install, Spinks said.

"It's not just a simple repair. It was a big, major piece of equipment," she said. "We're trying to get it done as soon as possible."

Heat wave: Before their air conditioning is restored, Cable House residents will have to endure another heat wave.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for York County for Tuesday, when the heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees. Temperatures could reach as high as 96 degrees Wednesday and 88 degrees Thursday, according to the forecast.

When Wingate has a definitive timetable for the repair, residents will be updated, Spinks said.

News of the system breakdown pushed some Cable House residents to buy portable air-conditioning units, which Wingate is temporarily allowing in the complex. But some residents, like 27-year-old Crystal Miller, couldn't afford the relief.

The building at 400 E. Princess St. is home to families and individuals, including many children and elderly, who depend on government assistance to get by.

"So we're stuck in front of the fan," Miller said. "It's just blowing hot air."

-- Erin James may also be reached at ejames@yorkdispatch.com.