Revised:
June 9th, 2021
At Fire & Ice we don’t like making excuses, but we’re always honest with our customers. The pandemic has put global pressures on manufacturing and shipping, and it is affecting the HVAC industry. In this video we’ll go over the key factors that are causing delays and how we’re working to overcome them so that you get the service you need.
Hi, I’m Scott Merritt owner of Fire & Ice. We have to talk about the current manufacturing and labor shortages that the entire HVAC industry is facing. To ignore it would be a disservice to our customers. There is a shortage of new air conditioners, heat pumps and coils in 2021. This affects both availability and pricing of major equipment. Let’s break down why this is happening.
Factor #1: Lingering Effects of a Global Pandemic
The country is returning to normal after the pandemic, but the effects of the pandemic are still being felt in the workforce. This has caused slowdowns in numerous industries.
Although demand is picking up again, supply chains like the shipping and trucking industries, and manufacturers aren’t always fully staffed again. Negative, and often untrue stigmas about these industries also make hiring difficult. Many offer excellent pay and advancement opportunities, but the candidates just aren’t there. To make matters worse, trade school graduations have also slowed due to the pandemic, so the workforce is very thin.
This bottleneck in manufacturing and shipping is one of the biggest challenges facing the country right now and is greatly affecting the delays seen across the industry. It means long delays are possible in what promises to be a hot summer.
Factor #2: Skilled Labor Shortages in HVAC
At Fire & Ice we’re always hiring because we’re a fast-growing company. However, these factors affect us too. And it’s not just us. This labor shortage is affecting every trade across the board, from roofing and plumbing to electrical and carpentry.
The good news is, we’re not cutting corners with our hiring, so when you invite us into your home, you can be sure it’s a well-trained, professional technician.
Factor #3: Seasonality of the HVAC Industry
The busiest time of the year for an HVAC company is during the summer. When temperatures rise, air conditioners need service and replacement.
At Fire & Ice we’re used to this seasonal cycle. We routinely increase our labor force to help handle this increased demand. However, this year’s challenges are unprecedented even for us, so we’re having to adapt.
To ensure we’re able to serve our customers, we’re in constant communication with manufacturers on equipment availability. Not every product in our normal line will be available this summer, but it means we’re still able to offer a range of options for any budget and comfort need.
Heating and Cooling Solutions For Homeowners
Now you’re probably wondering, what does this mean for you? It means simply be prepared and expect potential delays as we navigate this difficult time. If you think you may need service, repair, or a replacement, call us immediately to get scheduled as soon as possible.
At Fire & Ice we believe in integrity and transparency. Honesty matters, and we’ll never give you the run around with excuses when it comes to the challenges we are facing. In this case, these are the issues affecting every HVAC company across the country. But if you need a new HVAC system, you can’t wait for the global economy to catch up. We’re prepared to help you find a range of options to meet your needs. If you’re ready to see those options, give us a call or “click the get a quote button” on our website to schedule a free estimate. Thank you for watching and we look forward to making your day even better.
