When it comes to HVAC equipment, the lead time can vary greatly depending on the current market conditions. Before the pandemic, a survey revealed that 41% of respondents expected a delivery time of five to eight weeks, 32% said nine to twelve weeks, and 24% said one to four weeks. Only 3% anticipated a delivery time of more than twelve weeks. However, due to recent tariffs imposed by the current administration, production costs in the US have skyrocketed.
This has caused prices and delivery times for air conditioning equipment to increase significantly. It is estimated that between 20 and 30% of intermediate goods used in manufacturing are imported, and tariffs have increased the cost of steel by 25% and aluminum by 10%. As a result, manufacturers have had to pass these higher costs onto consumers. The price hikes have caused an influx of orders from customers who are trying to get their orders in before the price increases take effect.
This surge in orders has resulted in longer delivery times as production lines are overwhelmed with new orders. It is important for customers to be aware of the lead time for HVAC equipment when planning their projects. Knowing the expected delivery time can help customers plan accordingly and avoid any delays or unexpected costs. In general, most new commercial HVAC units have a minimum delivery time of two to three months, if available.
However, this can vary depending on the current market conditions and the type of equipment being ordered. Customers should always check with their supplier for an accurate estimate of delivery time.
