We’re still in the middle of the perfect supply-chain storm: The usual summer weather in Florida, combined by the many issues caused by the pandemic. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: An issue or delay at any point in the supply chain will have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences; Covid has caused issues at multiple points. We will be seeing its effects for many months, if not years.
And we’re not being pessimistic or doomsayers! We remain incredibly grateful to be able to continue to serve southwest Florida. We live in paradise, and we get to do business in paradise. We’re incredibly lucky.
We just want to keep our clients and neighbors in the know. Air conditioning is such a vital part of life here in Sarasota-Manatee. We know how valuable our services are, and we are dedicated to providing them in ways that are as convenient and as affordable as possible.
But instead of being caught off guard, we want you to be prepared for the ways this year’s climate—that is, the industry’s climate as well as Florida’s actual weather climate—has affected the way AC companies have to do business.
Higher Prices Are an Inescapable Reality
Our vendor prices are going up again this month. We do our best to form professional partnerships that allow us to offer the fairest possible prices to our clients. But our vendors are having to pay more, which means we have to pay more, which means parts are simply more expensive across the board.
Paying more for parts has made us as a company adjust our expectations and plan better for what we have to work with. Unfortunately, the same goes for our clients. This will mean that AC repairs and replacements will be more expensive, and will represent a higher percentage of your overall spending, than they did in the past. Budget accordingly.
Shortages Continue
Product continues to be even harder and harder to get. This drives the prices up even further. It also means big-time delays. We’re only in early October, but even at this point, some of our specific brand orders won’t arrive until mid-December.
It’s Still Summer
The heat, we suspect, is going to hang around for a while longer. Yet another issue driving up demand in the midst of shortages and delays. We can’t do anything about the weather. All we can do is ask that you act now, before emergencies happen. And we promise that we will continue to do everything we can to keep you comfortable.