Happy holidays to you all. This coming year will have many challenges in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry, so I want to provide you with information that helps you plan for this upcoming heating/cooling season.
I have been in the HVACR business for all of my adult life — over 35 years. This is the first time that I have seen little to no equipment availability. It is sporadic at best. It is almost impossible to get new equipment at this point without paying upfront for it (plus shipping costs if needed). The suppliers will not even take a purchase order for new equipment unless it is paid for in full. If the equipment is available, you get it. If not, you will have to wait. Also, pricing can be exorbitant.
There are a lot of reasons for the supply issues. However, the biggest is that the manufacturers had to re-tool their manufacturing for the new HVAC systems that are coming out. As far as the old units go (14 to 20 seer systems), they will no longer exist. If you have one of these old units, you will need to repair it until a replacement unit is available.
So, 2023 is going to be the year of repairs only mostly, and yes, despite what you hear, refrigerant is still available for those older systems. Also available are very decent sealants with dye that can stop a lot of the smaller refrigerant leaks. As of now, most parts are available, unless it is not a very high seer system.
Most of the current technicians in the HVACR field do not have any experience in the technical aspects and repair of older systems since most in the field these days are, what I call, a replacement generation. So, I highly recommend you get a qualified technician as it will take the best of the best to repair these older units correctly. Do not get someone without the correct knowledge or they will attempt the repair from a hit-and-miss perspective, potentially costing you a bundle and then possibly your unit still does not work or works incorrectly.
The upside is that the Inflation Reduction Act, which has been recently passed by the federal government, gives up to $8,000 in rebates per household (with a qualifying income). These rebates are for the new systems and start Jan. 1, 2023. Other rebates include energy-efficient repair/ replacement, insulation, windows, water heaters, electrical panels, and electric vehicle setups — for a maximum benefit of $14,000 per household. The state will be implementing these rebates. However, the state may not be ready until July or August 2023.
Lastly, the price per pound of gasses and refrigerants is expected to go through the roof next year and, in late 2024, the industry will start implementing a new refrigerant called R32. Compared to other refrigerants on the market, R32 is more efficient — and therefore less expensive — and easier to recycle.
Take a moment on the internet and review what your options are. Also, I recommend that you reach out to your local HVAC specialist and have them help you get educated on the changes in the industry.
Whether you need a maintenance check or an emergency repair on a heating or cooling unit, Diamondback Air is available to handle all of your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. We strive to exceed your expectations by ensuring that each of our clients receives individualized service.
Contact Jeh Herman by calling (602) 920-1600 or (602) 910-1212, email John@DBackAir.com, or visit DBackAir.com.