HVAC

Microchip scarcity inflicting concern for HVAC contractors forward of winter

MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – A shortage of microchips could affect how Wisconsinits heat and cool their homes. HVAC contractors began seeing the shortage in the spring, but concerns about the shortage are increasing as the winter months approach. The deficiency could complicate furnace repairs and replacements when adequate heat is critical.

Microchips are basically miniature computers found in several devices, including ovens, thermostats, and water heaters. The chips sit on printed circuit boards.

“It’s amazing how something like this is putting so many things on hold right now,” said Bruce Perkins, logistics manager at Harker Heating & Cooling.

Perkins explained that these chips are how thermostats and stoves or air conditioners communicate with each other and keep the home at a comfortable temperature.

“That determines when the furnace starts, when it shuts off, how the fans work,” he described.

However, makers of these microchips are behind schedule due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Due to the backlog, HVAC contractors are struggling to get the equipment they need.

“We’ve had instances where … we’ve ordered these air conditioners for two months and we’ve been waiting for them,” Perkins said.

Kendall Richards, president of All Comfort Services, faced the same problems.

“There are stoves and air conditioners that we really had to wait weeks for,” he said, adding, “Wholesalers would have them available the next day. Now we want to get these 50-gallon water heaters in seven or nine days.”

Richards and Perkins are both concerned that the chip shortage could make repairs difficult in Wisconsin’s cold winter.

“As we get into the colder months where we can see sub-zero temperatures, there are serious concerns as to whether we will be able to get the parts we need to fix existing equipment we can the new ones Got devices?” asked Perkins.

Both contractors will take steps to avoid delays. Perkins stocks up on equipment and spare parts.

“I just ordered, probably as recently as today, $20,000 worth of maintenance-related parts,” he explained. Perkins added that Harker also stocks more ovens than ever before.

Richards ensures he also has a short term solution for customers who are having problems with their oven.

“We try to have an adequate inventory of portable heaters,” he explained.

Both men said the best thing people could do to avoid problems this winter is run their furnace now and do their annual maintenance before it’s too late.

“Turn it on for 20 minutes, just make sure it’s giving off heat and there aren’t any problems,” Richards recommended, adding that people should listen for any rattling or other unusual noises.

Perkins added, “If there are any issues that may arise, [you] can usually catch some of those on the front end.

Contractors are unsure how long the shortage will last. Richards said it depends on the pandemic — if facilities continue to have to close due to COVID-19 outbreaks, shortages will continue. He hopes the problem will clear up next spring.

Copyright 2021 WMTV. All rights reserved.

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