Anyone who’s ever had to wait for a delivery to show up 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 existing system with a service like furnace installation in South Beloit and Belvidere, it may be a good idea to order sooner rather than later.
Current shortages are a result of a few problems along 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?
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 hiccups in the supply chain impacts how quickly these systems can be assembled and shipped. There are several reasons why your new air conditioner or furnace is taking longer, including:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As workers continue to navigate COVID-19, taking sick days and additional 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 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 including steel and copper are invaluable for efficient HVAC equipment. Important 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 experiencing a shortage of workers compared to the spike in demand. Professional HVAC technicians also take time to train to ensure they provide reliable, 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. 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 stuck without heat or air conditioning? Whatever your reasons are, there are ways to minimize how the HVAC product shortage affects you.
- Don’t ignore routine maintenance: Services including 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.
- Watch for signs of equipment failure: A surprise shutdown may leave you stuck waiting for a replacement. Listen for strange sounds and monitor your energy bill for evidence your 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 want it.
- Research alternative equipment: If a current make or model is struggling with a shortage, researching alternatives may 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 Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc 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 877-389-2465.