The last two years have been full of challenges for everyone in the country. Although we can now see an end to the major period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the near future, the disruptions to manufacturing and the global supply chain caused by the virus will continue for at least the rest of this year. 

These ongoing supply shortages have hit the HVAC industry hard. The current area of major concern is a shortage of flexible ductwork that’s used in ventilation systems. We want our valued customers to know why this shortage is occurring and what it means for them. 

Why is flexible ductwork currently facing a shortage? It’s due to a general shortage of stainless steel, one of the key commodities affected during the pandemic. The shortage of stainless steel started to become an issue in January of 2021, when approximately 30% of steel production went offline, mostly due to COVID-19 restrictions. The import of stainless steel was also interrupted because of supply chain problems, exacerbating the shortage and increasing in prices for the numerous products that rely on it, from car grills to outdoor BBQs. 

The standard flexible ducts that make up most of the ventilation systems in homes have a heavy-duty stainless steel spring as their core. Manufacturers of these ducts are having difficulties procuring enough stainless steel to make flexible ducts at normal production levels. 

For the most part, you don’t need to worry too much. Many parts of the HVAC industry are dealing with shortages in several areas due to troubles with the supply chain. Mostly, this has meant an increase in prices for retailers to purchase from suppliers, and a resulting increase in prices for consumers. 

In the case of flexible ductwork, the main concern is with making upgrades to current HVAC systems. However, we pride ourselves on being as flexible as flexible ductwork, so we can offer you many different solutions when it comes to handling repairs, replacements, and installations for your HVAC equipment. We may have to connect new AC and heater units to existing ducts if we don’t have access to the necessary amount of flexible ductwork for full upgrades. 

If you need repairs and replacements for your ducts, we recommend you act as soon as possible to avoid future price increases. If you have had concerns about your ventilation system in the past, arrange with our technicians to inspect the system and see what we can do regarding maintenance and repair. Staying vigilant is key during this time, as is acting speedily. We’ve adapted successfully to the changing times of the last two years, and we expect to see the same success at meeting customer needs during this shortage. 

If you have any questions about duct services in Indianapolis, IN and how the shortage of flexible ductwork may affect the work you need, feel free to call our team. We’re here to help you through these difficult times, and we’re dedicated to providing the best for our customers. 

Call Vital Heating & Air because “Your Comfort Is Vital!” We’re your local Indianapolis Licensed HVAC Contractor!