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 crucial 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 arrive. If you’re considering upgrading your existing system with something like furnace installation in Manassas, it may be a good idea to order sooner rather than later.
These 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 reduce the impact.
Why Is There an HVAC Product Shortage?
Standard HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners are complex pieces of technology. Generally this is better for homeowners, as this means more convenient heating and cooling. But recent disruptions 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 delayed, including:
- COVID-19 Precautions: As people continue to navigate COVID-19, taking sick days and other safety precautions have gradually contributed to the backlog. A couple extra days every now and then accumulates 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 is affected. While companies find alternatives to help catch up, existing backlogs continue to make steady, if slow progress.
- Higher Costs of Raw Materials: Metals like steel and copper are vital for quality 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 facing 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 the gears of the HVAC industry. As equipment takes 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 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 ways to minimize how the HVAC product shortage affects you.
- Stay on top of routine maintenance: Services such as routine air conditioning maintenance are one of the best investments you can make for your HVAC system. Components stay in better shape, which means more efficient performance and a lower risk of problems.
- Look 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.
- Explore alternative equipment: If an existing make or model is struggling with a shortage, researching alternatives might open up additional 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 Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. want to help lower 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 703-260-1148.