There’s a lot of things happening in the world of HVAC today. If we go back to the pandemic days of 2020, that’s where it all started and we haven’t caught up with that yet. We know there’s a shortage of computer boards, computer chips, copper, motors particularly coming from Germany, and VFDs.
That combined with the new Department of Energy changes that took place January 1, 2023 and the refrigerant phase out where refrigerants are being changed and updated, all of these things are affecting our lead times.
So as an example, for a standard rooftop unit you’ll see lead times anywhere between 9 and 10 weeks. And for larger, what we call applied equipment, you’ll see lead times 48 to 52 weeks.
Long lead times can be counteracted by planning. As you get ready to do your CapEx expenditures, plan not only one year, but plan three years in advance.
This is the best you can do. Preorder equipment and in the interim, while you’re trying to make sure your equipment continues to run, do the proper service, the proper maintenance, and that should get you by until your equipment arrives.
