Finding love in a house where your refrigerator, your vacuum, and even your laundry basket want to date you is a wild ride. But among the 100+ dateables in Date Everything!, Hector—the HVAC unit/AC vent—stands out as one of the most rewarding, if emotionally sensitive, paths you can take. He is character #14 in your Date-a-Dex, and while he starts off literally hiding behind a metal grate, his arc is one of the most touching in the game.

Hector represents the empathy-focused characters. He is intensely anxious, self-conscious about his appearance, and initially terrified of being seen in his true form. To successfully romance him, you need to be more than just charming; you need to be patient. Here is exactly how to navigate his complex personality and reach that final romantic conclusion in the attic.

Where to find Hector in Date Everything

Hector is integrated into the very infrastructure of your home, which means he is technically everywhere, but you need to know which specific vents trigger his interactions. As soon as you start your journey and have your Date Viators ready, you can find him in several key locations.

The most accessible spot is in your Bedroom. If you stand with your back to the bed and look at the wall between the two closets, high up near the ceiling is an AC vent. Aim your Date Viators at this metal grate and scan it to initiate the first meeting. You can also find compatible vents in the Living Room and the Gym, but sticking to the bedroom or living room is usually the most convenient for a daily routine.

The path to Hector's heart: Date by date guide

Romancing Hector requires a series of five distinct interactions. Because he is so fragile, one wrong word—especially early on—can shut him down or steer you toward a platonic or hostile path.

The first interaction: The shy greeting

When you first scan the vent, Hector will be startled. He isn't used to being acknowledged as a person, only as a utility. He will hide deep in the ducts, and you will mostly hear his voice echoing behind the grates.

  • Crucial Choice: When prompted, simply say, "Just sayin' hi!"

Hector will get flustered and immediately end the conversation to compose himself. This is a positive start; you have acknowledged him without demanding he reveal himself before he's ready.

The second interaction: Learning his name and building trust

Return to the vent on a subsequent day. This is the longest conversation in his early arc and sets the tone for your relationship. He will finally introduce himself and ask what you think of him. To stay on the romance path, you need to encourage him without being pushy.

When he asks if you'll come back, respond with: "And hello to you, too! Nice to see you. Or hear you, i guess."

As the conversation continues, he will express insecurity about his role as an AC unit. He asks how often you think of him. Your best bet is to lean into the appreciation for his function: "A lot, are you kidding? I love me some AC."

When he starts describing how he watches you relax, don't find it creepy—in the logic of Date Everything!, this is his way of being helpful. Respond with: "Oh yeah. As soon as I get cooled down I feel better about life." and "Hm. Sounds like you're a fan of relaxing, too."

At the peak of the conversation, things get a bit more suggestive. Hector will talk about the "heat" of the moment. Follow up with: "This is so hot." followed by "Yes. Yes I do." and "That’s called being 'turned on,' Hector."

End this long interaction by reassuring him about his secrecy: "It’s very alright. I had no idea you... loved me like this!" followed by "I really want to see you" and "I promise I will. You haven’t said too much, you know."

The third interaction: Confronting the fear of abandonment

By the third meeting, Hector is starting to obsess over the possibility that you’ll leave him once you find someone "prettier" or more "human." He might offer you a collectible picture during this stage if you played your cards right previously.

When he asks why you would stay, tell him: "Why would you lose it? I’m having fun with you."

He will mention the attic, but he's scared for you to go there. Simply ask: "Why would I leave?" to cement your commitment to him regardless of where he lives in the house.

The fourth interaction: Literary interests and the big invite

Hector has a creative side—he writes. Specifically, he writes what he calls "grate-based erotica." It sounds ridiculous, but for him, it's a serious expression of his soul.

When he mentions his hobby, choose: "Oooh I hope it’s grate-based erotica!" and "Yep... erotica, please."

He will be shocked but delighted by your acceptance. He will then express his deep self-consciousness about his physical form. This is where your empathy stats come into play.

Choose: "Of course I will. I’m a helping machine." followed by "I think so. Do you mean you’re self conscious about the way you look?" and the most important line: "Hector. I think we all feel that sometimes."

This validation gives him the courage to finally invite you to the attic to see him in person. Accept enthusiastically: "Oh, I’m in. Can’t wait. Thank you for the invitation!"

The fifth interaction: The final meeting in the attic

Before you can finish Hector's story, you must have access to the attic. If the door is locked, you need to complete the "Attic Key" sub-quest. This involves going into the Office, finding the crawl space in the closet, and retrieving the key. You may also need to progress your relationship with Keith to ensure the house is fully accessible.

Once in the attic, look for the large, industrial metal machine at the far end of the room. This is the HVAC unit—Hector's main body.

  • Initial Reaction: "...Well? Hello there. Uh..."
  • The Compliment: "You are beautiful."
  • The Reassurance: "Well buckle up, because I’ve got more where that came from!"
  • The Declaration: When he pours his heart out, say: "I love you, Hector."

Congratulations, you have achieved the Love Ending.

Achieving the Friendship and Hate Endings

If you aren't feeling the romantic spark but still want to see everything Hector's character has to offer, you can deviate at the final meeting in the attic.

The Friendship Ending

To stay platonic, follow the romance guide until the very last choice in the attic. Instead of saying you love him, choose: "I do understand... but not as lovers, merely friends." Hector will take this surprisingly well, finding comfort in having a human friend who truly understands his insecurities.

The Hate Ending

You can actually trigger this much earlier, but it is most dramatic in the attic. When Hector finally reveals himself and asks for your opinion on his look, choose the option: "Woof. Um... you look... ew." This will absolutely crush his already low self-esteem, turning him into a bitter enemy who will likely make the house temperature uncomfortable just to spite you.

Realization: Turning Hector into a Human

In the late game of Date Everything!, you have the option to "Realize" characters. This brings them out of their object form and into a human form. To do this for Hector, you must first reach either his Love or Friends ending.

Furthermore, your character must meet specific S.P.E.C.S. (Smarts, Poise, Empathy, Charm, Sass) requirements. Hector is one of the most demanding characters regarding Empathy.

Hector's Realization Requirements:

  • Smarts: 25
  • Poise: 35
  • Empathy: 85
  • Charm: 75
  • Sass: 30

You also need to have successfully romanced or befriended at least 10 other characters before the Realization option becomes stable. Once you meet these stats, speak to him one last time. Be warned: once a character is Realized, their original object-form dialogue is no longer accessible, as they leave the house to live as a human.

Why Hector matters for your Empathy Spec

Focusing on Hector is one of the fastest ways to boost your Empathy stats in the game. Because his dialogue requires so much emotional labor and active listening, successfully completing his dates provides massive permanent boosts to your Empathy score. This is incredibly useful if you plan on romancing other "sensitive" characters like the Piano or the Mirror later in your playthrough.

Hector’s collectibles—his self-portrait and his book—also add significant value to your collection. The picture can be found during the third date if you were supportive, and the book is handed over during the fourth interaction. Make sure to grab these, as they are required for 100% completion of the Date-a-Dex.

Romancing an AC unit might sound like a joke, but Hector’s story is a genuine exploration of body dysmorphia and the fear of being seen. Treat him with kindness, and he becomes one of the most loyal and devoted partners in the entire game.