Anyone who’s ever had to wait for an order to show up understands it can be a frustrating 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, many people are waiting weeks for their new HVAC system to arrive. If you’re considering upgrading your existing system with something like furnace installation in Muskogee, it may be a good idea to order now.
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 avoid 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 manufactured 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 other safety precautions have somewhat contributed to the backlog. A couple extra days every now and then adds up over time.
- Supply Chain Issues: Global supply chains are designed for peak efficiency and may take a while to correct themselves when consumer demands or the availability of materials shift. While companies seek 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 invaluable for efficient 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 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 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 could have to wait longer for services like air conditioning installation. Thankfully, you still have options for minimizing delays.
4 Ways to Reduce the Impact of HVAC Product Shortages
Are you actively searching for new HVAC equipment? Or do you just want to avoid being stuck 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 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 efficient performance and a smaller risk of problems.
- Keep an eye out for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown could 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 might 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 need it.
- Consider alternative equipment: If an existing make or model is experiencing a shortage, considering alternatives can open up other options. Thanks to modern technology, there are more options for high-efficiency HVAC systems than before.
Request a Free Quote for New HVAC Systems
The HVAC experts at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. want to minimize 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 918-682-8238.