How to Keep Your HVAC Running During Winter Supply Chain Shortages
Winter supply chain shortages are coming. And when your heating goes out this winter, manufacturers will have difficulty supplying parts or equipment to repair or replace your HVAC.
You may end up waiting months for a resolution. This can cause a serious (and potentially life-threatening) problem.
While we are taking steps to increase our inventory on hand to help keep our customers comfy, there are also steps homeowners can take ahead of those coming cold nights.
In this article:
Why HVAC Supply Chain Shortages Are Happening
The most pressing causes of winter supply chain shortages are a lack of plastics, steel, aluminum, copper, and semiconductors. Shipment delays also slow down production timelines. COVID-19, The Suez Canal blockage, and Japan’s Renesas semiconductor factory fire impacted HVAC delivery this past year. The Texas snowstorm that damaged Trane’s Tyler manufacturing plant also shut down three key semiconductor chip makers.
These raw material and component shortages cause HVAC manufacturers to cut shifts on the assembly line, reducing unit production.
How To Prepare Your Unit
To stay ahead of these supply chain shortages, don’t wait until the first cold day to check your HVAC. Instead, start preparing your HVAC system for winter in advance.
1. Maintain your air filters. First, check and replace your air filters for any dust accumulation every 90 days (and sooner if you have allergies or have pets). Clogged HVAC air filters often cause system failures. If dust and debris settle into your HVAC, this prevents proper airflow from circulating in your home.
2. Switch to a smart thermostat. These wi-fi-enabled and app-compatible units increase your energy efficiency and savings during winter months. By using your smartphone, you can also remotely control your home’s temperature. To achieve the most savings, set your thermostat to 68° when you’re home and lower your temperature by 10-12° when you’re away.
3. Test your system before cold weather. And to check if your system is working the way it should remember to turn on your heat pump or furnace 2-3 times before winter hits.
Why You Need to Schedule A Professional Maintenance Appointment
By maintaining your HVAC early on, you can track and report any unusual leaking, smells, or noises during your bi-annual maintenance with an HVAC company. This not only lowers your energy bills, it also prevents many system breakdowns before they happen.
Fall is the best time to call an HVAC technician to inspect your unit and perform any maintenance needed.
During your service appointment, your technician will look at your system wiring, heat exchange, and potential gas leaks. By running these diagnostic tests, your technician will ensure your system is in shape before winter weather hits.
Stay ahead of winter supply chain shortages, and don’t wait until the last minute to replace (or repair) your HVAC system!
With less equipment in stock now more than ever, you may be without heat for weeks.
As your local Trane Comfort Specialists, Carolina Comfort Air is here to help you choose the right system for your home and budget. We also offer specials and flexible financing options with approved credit.
Schedule a free in-home consultation today and keep your home comfy for the winter months ahead!
Stay ahead of winter supply chain shortages, and don’t wait until the last minute to replace (or repair) your HVAC system!
With less equipment in stock now more than ever, you may be without heat for weeks.
As your local Trane Comfort Specialists, Carolina Comfort Air is here to help you choose the right system for your home and budget. We also offer specials and flexible financing options with approved credit.
Schedule a free in-home consultation today and keep your home comfy for the winter months ahead!