In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many industries across the nation to a grinding halt. Unfortunately, the HVAC industry was not an exception. As facilities shut down, so did the production of HVAC equipment. As a result, there is currently a shortage in the number of products readily available, versus the demand. And, as more people are entrusting the air they breathe to specialty products, such as advanced filtration and other indoor air quality devices, it becomes more difficult for contractors to meet customer needs in as timely a fashion as pre-pandemic.
As HVAC contractors face shortages of supplies, as well as a decreased workforce, it is important for consumers to understand some fundamentals regarding the effect COVID-19 has had on the HVAC industry, and what it means for them. In this article, we will discuss the disruption in the supply chain, how this has impacted our company, and ultimately, how it may affect you as a valued customer.
What’s causing a disruption in the supply chain?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that the production of HVAC equipment was halted for a significant period of time when the pandemic caused shut-downs at most of the manufacturing facilities that build HVAC equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, and ductless products. By the time the manufacturing facilities could reopen, there was an unequal balance between supply and demand for HVAC equipment.
Another problem is that there are components (such as computer chips) that are used in the production of HVAC equipment, that are also in short supply. The chip shortage is on a global scale and affects many different industries aside from HVAC, including the automobile and electronics industry. As a result, the price of these products has had to increase, of course placing the burden on the contractor and the end consumer.
Finally, while most manufacturing facilities have reopened, like many other industries they are facing a shortage of workers, which has slowed the production of HVAC equipment down. Additionally, the trucking industry is also dealing with a lack of workers, causing backlogged shipping ports, and an increase in shipping times. It is, however, important to note that many HVAC distributors are doing all that they can to keep up with the demand. An article in ACHR News indicated that most distributors are “carrying well over normal levels [of product], just to make sure that they’ll have products as demand continues to rise.”
How is T.F. O’Brien handling the lack of supply?
Obviously, T.F. O’Brien has not been immune to the lack of equipment, or the reality of a decreased workforce. However, we have worked diligently to maintain great relationships with our suppliers. Because of the mutual trust and consideration we hold with them, we have been able to keep inventory on equipment and materials and minimize price increases for our customers. While there is no possible way to avoid some of the associated costs incurred, we are doing all that we can to keep these increases manageable.
Additionally, we have been working diligently to maintain, and increase, the team at T.F. O’Brien. As we mentioned above, in addition to a shortage in products across the board, there has also been a shortage in manpower. It’s been a priority for us to hire and maintain a qualified workforce so that there will be minimal downtime for our customers, and their needs will be met as promptly as possible.
Can I still rely on T.F. O’Brien to meet my needs?
At T.F. O’Brien, we are truly committed to providing our customers with the products and services they need, in as timely a fashion as possible. While the increased cost of HVAC equipment is, unfortunately, an unavoidable truth, we will, as always, continue to work to ensure that our customers are offered any rebate and incentive opportunities available. And, we will continue to employ highly skilled HVAC technicians in order to provide you with the best possible experience.
We are here to serve you and provide you with the excellent products and services you deserve, and we appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this shortage. If you have any questions regarding the equipment shortage, and how this might impact you, please feel free to contact T.F. O’Brien at (516) 488-1800. We will be happy to discuss this with you.
During the summer months, people may notice that their homes feel damp or “muggy.” While on occasion this can be a fleeting concern, sometimes, people have ongoing problems with too much moisture in their homes. While at best overly humid air in the home can cause its residents some discomfort, unfortunately, there is a whole host of other issues that can be cause for concern.
Today’s homes are built for better energy efficiency, which in and of itself is a great thing. Using less energy not only helps your wallet, but it helps the earth, too. Unfortunately, though, this means your home is more tightly sealed than an older home might be – and this can lead to some indoor air quality concerns, including too much indoor humidity.
Now that the summer weather has arrived, most homeowners are turning on their air conditioning systems to escape the outdoor heat. If you have an older system, though, you might be thinking that you’re not as comfortable as you’d like to be. As air conditioning systems age, they can become less efficient and less effective, so you end up paying more to cool your home while experiencing diminished comfort. And, if you have to make frequent repairs to your system, the costs may seem to outweigh the benefits.
If you’ve had a central air conditioning system, or if your home has ductwork, central air is likely a good choice for you. Central AC systems provide cooling throughout your entire home via your system of ductwork and vary in size and configuration based on your home’s unique needs.
Heat pump systems are one of the most highly efficient means of cooling your home available. That’s because they absorb the heat from the indoor air and release it into the outdoor air or into the ground. Much like traditional central air conditioning, the system is comprised of an indoor and outdoor unit and uses your home’s ductwork to move the cooled air throughout your home.
Ductless systems generally rely on heat pump technology, which makes them a highly efficient way to cool your home. So, you may be wondering, why get a ductless system when you can just get a heat pump? There are many benefits to ductless that make it a great choice for any home.
Once the summer heat arrives, the last thing anyone wants to think about is their air conditioning system not working well. A broken-down AC system is certainly never convenient and not a welcome situation on a hot day. However, there are a few signs your air conditioner will give you if it’s not working properly that can help you avoid a complete breakdown – and a potentially costly replacement.
More and more, people are becoming concerned about how they impact the planet. From shopping with reusable bags and looking for products with environmentally-friendly packaging, to taking measures in their homes to minimize their carbon footprint, people are looking for ways they can protect the world around them.
Do you or someone in your household suffer from springtime allergies? If so, you know how awful they can make you feel, from itchy, stuffy noses, to watery, red eyes. While enjoying the great outdoors when pollen counts are high is usually not on the books for spring allergy sufferers, unfortunately, it can be just as uncomfortable indoors. That’s because those allergens can enter your home on shoes, clothing, and through windows, and then get circulated through your home over and over again through your HVAC system.
Recently, T.F. O’Brien was featured in an article in the ACHR News, a publication dedicated to promoting heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration news and information. Written by Ted Craig, the article, “Long-Time HVAC Contractor Still Works to Prove Value Every Day,” illustrates the T.F. O’Brien story from the company’s inception in 1934, through the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the intro below:
You might not think of it very often, but your home’s heating and cooling system does some of the most crucial work in your home. When your HVAC system operates smoothly, it’s easy to forget about how hard it works to keep your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your system breaks down, however, its necessity usually becomes readily apparent.
The pandemic has meant that more and more people are using their homes for work, education, and communicating with friends and family. “Zooming” is now a part of our vocabulary, and many people spend a good part of their day in Zoom meetings with either coworkers or classmates. That means that for many of us, our homes are now both offices and classrooms – and space in the home can be at a premium.