We Have Air Conditioners IN STOCK! - Menards (2024)

FAQs

Why is there a shortage of AC units? ›

What's Causing the Shortage? We all know how hard the past year has been, and it's impacted the supply chain. Multiple compounding factors plus COVID-19 have led to a global raw materials shortage for multiple companies, which includes HVAC manufacturers.

Here's how long some of the most common types of AC last:

Portable AC — 5-10 years. Residential single whole-home AC unit — 15 years.

HVAC prices are rising throughout the US because of parts shortages. Parts shortages are because of global shutdowns and other issues. Those issues make manufacturing and shipping parts difficult, slow, and expensive. Homeowners should expect higher prices and delays on replacement parts.

A 12,000 BTU air conditioner typically uses 10-12 amps of electricity during normal operation. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the unit's efficiency, voltage, and specific model.

The world has seen some big supply chain issues in the last few years. Due to disruptions and production shortages, there has been an ongoing shortage of HVAC supplies, meaning commercial HVAC repair companies are struggling to get enough equipment to meet all of their clients' needs. This issue may last for a while.

Unlike furnaces, air conditioners are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year, which shortens their life expectancy. Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years.

In the dead of winter, HVAC companies are extremely busy installing heating systems across the country, making their installation prices much higher due to the demand for service. For this reason, buying an air conditioner in the fall or spring may be your best bet for getting the cheapest units and installations.

You might think you're saving money by turning your AC off when you step out of the house. However, a wave of heat and humidity can sneak into your home in the interim. Therefore, leaving your air conditioner on all day in hot temperatures is more energy efficient.

Repairing the 20-year-old AC unit with a SEER of 10 would cost $500 upfront, but the annual operating cost would be higher at $1,884 compared to $1,334 for a new unit with a SEER of 14. Over a 10-year period, the total savings from replacing the unit would be $5,500, outweighing the higher upfront cost of replacement.

You may think winter is the best time to buy an AC because the temperatures are cooler. While you may find a deal or two, this isn't the case. The best time to purchase an air conditioner is the fall or spring.

Does a new AC mean higher insurance premiums? ›

A new HVAC can also increase your insurance rates. This is because of its value. An older HVAC is likely to be more expensive to repair, and it will be more difficult to replace the unit. If it is damaged, your insurance company will cover the repairs for you.

As a guide, consider 5,000-BTU models for rooms 150 square feet or smaller, 8,000 BTUs for medium-size rooms (340 square feet), and 12,000 to 14,000-BTU models for rooms with square footage from 550 to 800. Having the correct power is imperative.

As stated, cooling capacity can be affected by many things, but in general, an 8,000 BTU unit will cool a room up to 350 square feet, one with 10,000 BTUs will cover up to 450 square feet, and an air conditioning (AC) unit with 14,000 BTUs will accommodate 700 square feet.

It's been looming for years, without much done to combat the problem's sources. Here are a few issues you'll find in just about every article about labor shortages in trades industries: There's currently a shortage of 110,000 HVAC technicians, with about 25,000 technicians leaving their company each year.

You might be low on refrigerant or have a worn-out motor or a dirty evaporator coil. Not all AC problems demonstrate themselves with loud sounds or funny odors coming from your system. Some of them simply reduce the AC's ability to run, and all you notice is less cool air in the house.

The global supply of HVAC compressors is facing significant disruption. Waiting until your air conditioner fails could leave you and your family enduring unbearable heat while you scramble for a solution amidst a global compressor shortage.

California law and building codes require residential units to maintain temperatures of 70 degrees inside during cold weather. But there is no requirement for air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms to keep residents safe from the extreme heat, which is quickly becoming our routine heat.