Avoid Equipment Shortages With Preventive HVAC Maintenance
The HVAC industry is dealing with equipment shortages due to several external factors. While it’s unclear how long these shortages will last, one thing is for certain: the parts needed to repair your units may not be available.
Luckily, HVAC maintenance helps you work around the shortage by prolonging your equipment’s lifespan until supply chain issues are resolved. Here’s what you need to know.
Causes of the HVAC Equipment Shortage
First, let’s explore how we got here to begin with.
COVID-19
The recent pandemic put our world on hold, and we’re still dealing with the repercussions.
During COVID, the majority of HVAC production facilities were disrupted, as their staff couldn’t work. Equipment production slowed as a result, and the amount of products on the market significantly decreased.
To maintain productivity, HVAC manufacturers began searching for alternative suppliers. Unfortunately, these new vendors came with higher costs, which were then passed along to individual distributors.
With HVAC customers slowing their operations during the pandemic, equipment manufacturers adjusted to the lower demand by producing fewer goods to save money. As businesses began to reopen, product availability became scarce and supply chain issues emerged.
Supply Chain Delays
We can trace supply chain disruptions back to early 2020, when HVAC factories began to shut down. This caused many shipping and logistics companies to cut their schedules, anticipating a drop in demand for moving HVAC parts to consumers.
However, that proved to be a mistake, as demand for certain parts increased. At the same time, newly produced equipment—most of it made outside the U.S.—piled up in warehouses and ports around the world because of a poor anticipation of low demand. Containers were so scarce and the need for shipping was in such high demand that the cost of moving cargo skyrocketed.
Chip Shortages
Most commercial HVAC systems require semiconductor chips to operate. However, semiconductor production also slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When production factories closed, the supplies needed for chip manufacturing became unavailable for months at a time. This brought its own layer of disruption to the HVAC distribution chain. With manufacturers struggling to create enough chips to meet new demand, a backlog of orders began to pile up.
How Preventive Maintenance Helps You Work Around Supply Chain Issues
Navigating supply chain issues can be challenging. But what if there was a way to avoid them altogether? With regular HVAC maintenance, there is.
If you’re looking to get around equipment days, preventative maintenance delivers the following advantages:
Longer Unit Lifespan
We’ve all heard the old adage “nothing lasts forever,” and unfortunately, this is true for your HVAC unit. However, you can extend the lifespan of your system by investing in preventative maintenance.
Reach out to your local mechanical contractors to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment. During your service, the technician will:
- Assess your HVAC system
- Identify any underperforming areas
- Adjust or replace faulty parts
- Tuneup the internal components
Essentially, mechanical contractors will make adjustments to your HVAC unit to improve its efficiency—and its years in service.
No Unnecessary HVAC Repairs
Without regular HVAC maintenance and inspections, your system will sustain greater wear and tear. While these issues start off small, they can snowball into a much larger problem if left unchecked. Before you know it, you’ll be scrambling to make repairs with parts that aren’t available.
That’s where HVAC maintenance comes in handy. Mechanical contractors can monitor your system and fix minor problems before it’s too late. This helps you stay ahead of hefty repair work—and the supply chain delays associated with ordering new parts.
How To Find Dependable HVAC Maintenance Plans in Atlanta
Replacing HVAC parts can get expensive, so it’s essential to find a professional contractor to help you get the most out of your current system.
Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. To avoid getting roped into a service contract with a low-quality HVAC provider, here’s what you need to do:
Read Reviews and Testimonials
The best way to find a reliable HVAC provider is to partner with a contractor who already has an established reputation in the community.
Mechanical contractors who’ve worked with neighboring businesses already understand your local codes and regulations, and they’ll know precisely how to deliver a high-quality project.
Ask your professional connections who they’ve worked with in the past and, more importantly, how they felt about the service. A quick Google search should also do the trick, as you’ll be able to see several HVAC maintenance services in your area.
Make Sure They Have the Proper Credentials
Always make sure your potential contractor carries the proper insurance. Additionally, as a helpful rule of thumb, stay away from HVAC companies not affiliated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Take a look at the BBB website and make sure your prospective company has a good score; contractors with satisfactory BBB ratings typically have a reputation for providing quality HVAC maintenance.
Know Your Options and Negotiate
Lastly, never sign a preventative maintenance contract before the estimate is prepared. Once you know your project’s cost, don’t hesitate to negotiate. You’ll have a lot of options to choose from, and you want to be sure you’re getting a fair price.
Searching for High-Quality HVAC Maintenance in Atlanta? You’re in the Right Spot
For over 40 years, Frazier Service has been providing dependable HVAC service to Atlanta businesses. We’ve developed a reputation for delivering high-quality HVAC maintenance our clients can trust. But don’t just take our word for it—have a look for yourself.
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