High outdoor temperatures are a great indicator of demand for HVAC services, and HVAC companies are feeling the heat as they struggle to meet higher demand for services even as they face unprecedented supply-chain challenges and a critically tight labor market.
HVAC contractors across the country agree that demand this summer is higher than ever. The phones are ringing off the hook, and HVAC employees are working long hours just to keep up. Some are working 12-hour days and on the weekend. The situation is basically ‘all hands on deck.’
Supply-Chain issues
HVAC pros are keeping their cool during a hot weather season that most agree is even busier than last year. Ensuring the health of employees working in the scorching heat is a concern, both for employee well-being and because labor is in such short supply.
However, depending on the availability of parts, completing a repair may take additional time
There is no end in sight for the tight labor market. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted the demand for HVAC jobs will increase by 13% by 2028, faster than the average of other industries. HVAC contractors are still mostly capable of answering customer service calls within 24 hours. Some offer service 24/7 and can respond to an emergency anytime. However, depending on the availability of parts, completing a repair may take additional time, up to several weeks or more depending on availability and supply-chain issues. Some contractors are searching multiple supply houses to find the needed parts.
Prioritising customer Service
Customer service should be a top priority during a stressful time for the HVAC company and for the customer. Patience all around ensures the best outcome and paves the way for additional business in the future, hopefully under better circumstances.
Price increases are also a challenge, both to consumers and for contractors seeking to manage their overhead. In a time of inflation, HVAC maintenance and repair costs would be expected to increase. However, price hikes should be discussed delicately with customers who are already stressed. In any case and at all costs, contractors should avoid the perception that they are somehow taking advantage of a customer’s HVAC emergency.
Demand for HVAC services
When business is booming, HVAC contractors work extra hard to prioritize the calls
When business is booming, HVAC contractors work extra hard to prioritize the calls, pushing systems that have totally failed to the front of the queue. They are also working to prioritize customers with small children, elderly individuals, those especially sensitive to heat, and/or the immunocompromised.
Summer heat is the biggest factor driving demand for HVAC services, but aging systems are also contributing to the problem. Systems older than 15 years may still be operating, but the end is approaching. Depending on how well they were maintained, system life can vary widely and is mostly unpredictable. When the system dies, especially in 100-degree temperatures, replacement is critical.
Improving energy efficiency
Even in the rush of summer heat, contractors should advise their customers on how they can keep their AC units running smoothly. Replacing filters is the main preventative measure customers can take to keep HVAC systems operating trouble-free.
Periodic filter changes make all the difference and should be completed monthly in households that have children or dogs. In other situations, changing the filter quarterly may suffice. Customers should be monitoring how dirty their filter gets and changing it as needed. Washing condensing units can also improve energy efficiency and avoid system failure. Ideally, a contractor can complete the job in advance of the summer rush.
