The busy cooling season is upon us, and weather services are forecasting a wet summer with warmer temperatures than usual in New Jersey. Hot weather is good for HVAC companies whose livelihoods depend on keeping customers comfortable during the summer months, but our industry, like so many others, has a number of obstacles to deal with this year.
First, as we all know, the price of gas and materials are up, and labor rates have increased. Many contractors are raising hourly service rates and imposing fuel surcharges to compensate for the added expenses. Supply chain problems and long lead times on heating and air conditioning supplies and equipment have been plaguing our industry for some time now, and although these issues may ease toward the fourth quarter of 2022, they continue to impede business for the time being.
Ultimately, consumers drive the market, so HVAC businesses, engineers, and suppliers are watching them closely to see what they will do in these unique times. Industry predictions are that many home and business owners will lean more toward servicing and maintaining existing HVAC systems this summer rather than investing in new equipment. This indicates that HVAC contractors should turn more focus on service and maintenance while product shortages, long lead times, and market uncertainty exist.
HVAC companies should also consider stocking more critical spare parts than usual this summer and, if possible, pre-purchasing several split systems in common sizes, and perhaps a number of ductless mini-splits to have on hand when failed equipment is beyond repair.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, and many more.
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