Anyone who’s ever had to wait for a delivery to arrive understands it can be a frustrating experience. The wait is even more annoying when it’s a vital piece of HVAC equipment like a new furnace or air conditioner. With backlogs and supply shortages, many people are waiting weeks for their new HVAC system to be installed. If you’re considering upgrading your current system with a service like furnace installation in Litchfield Park, it may be a good idea to order now.
These shortages are a result of a few problems throughout the supply chain. We’ll explain how these issues have affected the HVAC industry as well as what you can do to reduce the impact.
Why Is There an HVAC Product Shortage?
Popular HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners are complex pieces of technology. Normally this is a good thing for homeowners, as this means more efficient heating and cooling. But recent disruptions in the supply chain impacts how quickly these products can be manufactured and shipped. There are several reasons why your new air conditioner or furnace is taking longer, including:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As people continue to navigate COVID-19, taking sick days and other safety precautions have somewhat contributed to the backlog. A couple extra days every now and then accumulates over time.
- Supply Chain Issues: Global supply chains are designed for optimal efficiency and can take a while to correct themselves when consumer demands or the availability of materials shift. While companies set up alternatives to help catch up, existing backlogs continue to make steady, if slow progress.
- Higher Costs of Raw Materials: Metals including steel and copper are crucial for modern HVAC equipment. Key materials also include plastics and even finished electronics like microchips and semiconductors. These two components are especially scarce.
- Worker Shortage: As industries wind back up, they’re also facing a shortage of workers compared to the spike in demand. Professional HVAC technicians also require time to train to make sure they provide dependable, efficient services.
As you can imagine, all these different elements have slowed down the gears of the HVAC industry. As products take longer to arrive, people might have to wait longer for services like air conditioning installation. Luckily, you still have options for reducing delays.
4 Ways to Minimize the Impact of HVAC Product Shortages
Are you actively searching for new HVAC equipment? Or do you just want to avoid being left without heat or air conditioning? Whatever your reasons are, there are ways to minimize how the HVAC product shortage affects you.
- Stay on top of routine maintenance: Services including routine air conditioning maintenance are one of the best investments you can make for your HVAC system. Components stay in better shape, which means more efficient performance and a smaller risk of problems.
- Look for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown might leave you stuck waiting for a replacement. Listen for loud sounds and keep an eye on your energy bill for evidence the HVAC system is in trouble.
- Order in advance: If you were waiting to purchase a new furnace or air conditioner, it might be a good idea to go ahead and make the order. Even with current supply chain issues, you’ll be more likely to receive your new equipment by the time you actually need it.
- Research alternative equipment: If an existing make or model is experiencing a shortage, exploring alternatives could open up other options. Thanks to modern technology, there are more choices for high-efficiency HVAC systems than before.
Request a Free Quote for New HVAC Systems
The HVAC experts at Cooler Tymes LLC want to help reduce your wait times for a new furnace or air conditioner. If you’re considering new or replacement installation, it’s a good idea to get started soon. Request your free estimate today by giving us a call at 623-208-6444.