Anyone who’s ever had to wait for an order to arrive understands it can be an irritating 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 show up. If you’re considering upgrading your current system with something like furnace installation in Safford, it may be a good idea to order sooner rather than later.
These shortages are a result of several problems throughout the supply chain. We’ll review 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?
Standard HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners are complex pieces of technology. Usually this is a great thing for homeowners, as this means more efficient heating and cooling. But recent turmoil in the supply chain impacts how quickly these products can be assembled and shipped. There are several reasons why your new air conditioner or furnace is delayed, including:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As workers continue to navigate COVID-19, taking sick days and additional safety precautions have gradually contributed to the backlog. A couple extra days here and there adds up over time.
- Supply Chain Issues: Global supply chains are fine-tuned for peak efficiency and can take a while to correct themselves when consumer demands or the availability of materials is affected. While companies find alternatives to help catch up, existing backlogs continue to make steady, if slow progress.
- Rise in Costs of Raw Materials: Metals like 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 in comparison to the spike in demand. Professional HVAC technicians also take time to train to make sure they provide reliable, efficient services.
As you can imagine, all these concerns 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. Fortunately, 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 impacts you.
- Don’t ignore routine maintenance: Services including preventive air conditioning maintenance are one of the best investments you can make in your HVAC system. Components remain in better shape, which means more consistent performance and a smaller risk of problems.
- Look for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown might leave you stuck waiting on a replacement. Listen for unusual sounds and keep an eye on your energy bill for evidence your HVAC system is in trouble.
- Order in advance: If you were waiting to purchase a new furnace or air conditioner, it may be a better idea to go ahead and make the order. Even with existing supply chain issues, you’ll be more likely to receive your new equipment when you actually want it.
- Consider alternative equipment: If an existing make or model is experiencing a shortage, researching alternatives can open up more options. Thanks to modern technology, there are more options for high-efficiency HVAC systems than ever.
Request a Free Quote for New HVAC Systems
The HVAC professionals at B&D Air Conditioning 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 928-432-6018.