Anyone who’s ever had to wait for an order to show up understands it can be an aggravating experience. The wait is even more annoying when it’s a central piece of HVAC equipment like 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 a service like furnace installation in Magnolia, it may be a good idea to order sooner rather than later.
Current shortages are a result of a few problems within the supply chain. We’ll review 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?
Popular HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners are complex pieces of technology. Generally this is a good thing for homeowners, as this means more efficient heating and cooling. But recent hiccups in the supply chain impacts how quickly these systems can be produced and shipped. There are a few reasons why your new air conditioner or furnace is taking longer, such as:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As workers continue to navigate COVID-19, taking sick days and additional safety precautions have somewhat contributed to the backlog. A few extra days here and there adds up over time.
- Supply Chain Issues: International supply chains are fine-tuned for optimal efficiency and can take time to correct themselves when consumer demands or the availability of materials change. While companies find alternatives to help catch up, existing backlogs have made steady, if slow progress.
- Higher Costs of Raw Materials: Metals like steel and copper are invaluable for modern HVAC equipment. Important 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 experiencing 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 different elements have slowed the gears of the HVAC industry. As products take longer to arrive, people sometimes have to wait longer for services like air conditioning installation. Thankfully, you still have options for reducing delays.
4 Ways to Lower 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 impacts you.
- Stay on top of routine maintenance: Services like 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 effective performance and a lower risk of problems.
- Keep an eye out for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown may leave you stuck waiting for a replacement. Listen for unusual sounds and monitor 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 may be a good idea to go ahead and make the order. Even with current supply chain issues, you’re more likely to receive your new equipment when you actually want it.
- Explore alternative equipment: If a current make or model is experiencing a shortage, researching alternatives might open up additional 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 experts at JTech Mechanical 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 a head start. Request your free estimate today by giving us a call at 281-231-8768.