Anyone who’s ever had to wait for an order to arrive understands it can be an aggravating experience. The wait is even more annoying when it’s a vital piece of HVAC equipment such as a new furnace or air conditioner. With backlogs and supply shortages, some people are waiting weeks for their new HVAC system to show up. If you’re considering upgrading your existing system with something like furnace installation in Marshalltown, it may be a good idea to order sooner rather than later.
Current shortages are a result of multiple problems throughout the supply chain. We’ll explore how these issues have affected the HVAC industry as well as what you can do to minimize 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 convenient heating and cooling. But recent disruptions in the supply chain impacts how quickly these products can be produced and shipped. There are a few reasons why your new air conditioner or furnace is taking longer, like:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As workers 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 adds up over time.
- Supply Chain Issues: International supply chains are fine-tuned for peak efficiency and may take a while to correct themselves when consumer demands or the availability of materials shift. While companies find alternatives to help catch up, existing backlogs have made steady, if slow progress.
- Rise in Costs of Raw Materials: Metals like steel and copper are vital for quality HVAC equipment. Valuable materials also include plastics and even finished electronics like microchips and semiconductors. These two components are particularly scarce.
- Worker Shortage: As industries start back up, they’re also facing a shortage of workers in comparison to the spike in demand. Professional HVAC technicians also require time to train to ensure 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 may have to wait longer for services like air conditioning installation. Luckily, you still have options for reducing delays.
4 Ways to Reduce the Impact of HVAC Product Shortages
Are you actively looking for new HVAC equipment? Or do you just want to avoid being stuck without heat or air conditioning? Whatever your reasons are, there are things you can do to minimize how the HVAC product shortage affects you.
- Don’t ignore routine maintenance: Services like routine air conditioning maintenance are one of the best investments you can make in your HVAC system. Components remain in better shape, which means more effective performance and a smaller risk of problems.
- Keep an eye out for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown could leave you stuck waiting for a replacement. Listen for strange 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 order a new furnace or air conditioner, it might be a good idea to go ahead and make the order. Even with existing supply chain issues, you’ll be more likely to receive your new equipment by the time you actually need it.
- Research alternative equipment: If a current make or model is facing a shortage, researching alternatives can open up other options. Thanks to modern technology, there are more choices for high-efficiency HVAC systems than ever.
Request a Free Quote for New HVAC Systems
The HVAC professionals at B & G HVAC want to help lower your wait times for a new furnace or air conditioner. If you’re thinking about new or replacement installation, it’s a good idea to get a head start. Request your free estimate today by giving us a call at 641-316-3360.