Gone are those days when one could live without an air conditioner. Global warming, together with man’s own need for comfort, has made air conditioners a basic necessity. You would hardly come across a home that does not have a central heating or cooling system. Buying an AC is no child’s play. One needs to plan their finances and budget for purchasing it. An air conditioner is already an expensive piece of equipment, but the dilemma is that it keeps getting even more expensive each year. Have you been wondering why that happens? Well, now you don’t need to wonder anymore. This post is all about informing the buyers of the reasons behind the increasing cost of air conditioning systems.
Reasons Behind The Increasing Cost Of Air Conditioning Systems
The repeated increase in the price of air conditioning systems is, in fact, the culmination of many factors. None of these reasons are unreasonable, rather a simple demand of time. Now, let us have a brief look at why the price of air conditioners is continually increasing.
1. Increase In Cost Of Raw Materials – The primary raw materials used in the making of air conditioners are steel and copper. Across the board, the price of these materials has been on a steady rise year after year. No industry remains untouched with its impact, which filters down to the air conditioning or the HVAC industry as well. The manufacturers now have to pay a greater price to procure the materials. As a result, the manufacturing cost increases, and so does the selling price. With an increase in raw materials’ price, there is no way for the manufacturers to stick to the old price tag. To accommodate the increase in expenses, they increase the price tag attached to the final product.
2. Redesigning Systems Due To Federal Regulations – The Environment Protection Agency or the EPA has been a forerunner in chalking-out laws and regulations that impact the environment. One such regulation has been the phased banning of “Freon” or R-22, the refrigerant used in air conditioners. R-22 is a chlorofluorocarbon which destroys the Earth’s protective Ozone layer. But when it comes to air conditioners, using a different refrigerant or coolant means redesigning the systems. It cannot happen in the blink of an eye. Only through time-consuming research, testing the prototypes, and modifying the manufacturing process allow the change to be incorporated in the air conditioners. All this costs millions of dollars, and someone has to bear that expense. In the end, it is the consumer who bears a fraction of the expenditure through a hike in the price of the AC.
3. Increase In Labor Prices – The cost of living index has been increasing steadily. It is because everybody wants to lead a better and more luxurious life. But the desire to live better is not the only reason. There has also been an increase in inflation, and the demand for better pay directly results from it. The installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC are all labor-intensive jobs. These have now become even more expensive due to improved workman’s compensation. Besides, every HVAC company bears overhead expenses, provides uniform and mobiles to employees, rents office premises, and pays for its utility bills. Together, these expenses go a long way in increasing the cost of air conditioners.
4. Increase In Insurance Rates – The insurance rates for the HVAC industry have increased. The work itself is complicated and also hazardous to both the men and the machine. The increase in rates is primarily to cover the health of the workers while on the job and also the damage, if any, that could be caused to the building or the unit of the customer. Insurance is a necessity which gives the customers confidence in the HVAC company. Also, it is a mandate by the state for the companies to have suitable insurance. The cost of this increase in insurance is reflected in the increased price of the air conditioners.
5. Gas Becoming More Expensive – Over the years, utilities have become increasingly expensive. The price of both gas and electricity has seen a gradual yet relentless surge. This increase has come because of changing regulations, increased safety parameters, and diminishing reserves of fossil fuels. No matter what the exact reason, the utility companies have no choice other than to transfer the burden of expense that they incur to meet the high demand. Making utilities costlier is the most feasible and direct way to do it. The HVAC manufacturing company pays a higher energy bill and offsets that expense by increasing the cost of the finished merchandise, which in this case, is the air conditioner.
6. Demand For Better Services – Today’s customer is extremely wise, demanding, and informed. They desire 24/7 services, quality products, doorstep delivery, emergency services, and extended warranties. The companies land up paying more to the technicians and other employees in hazard pay, overtime, and late-night charges. All this only to accommodate the needs of the clients. Nevertheless, somebody has to shoulder the expense, which most obviously is the customer.
How To Cut Unnecessary Expenditure On AC?
Just because the air conditioning units are so expensive, one wants to make theirs last for as long as possible. For that, you need to:
1. Stick to the annual maintenance schedule of the AC.
2. Never ignore any signs of trouble.
3. Only allow a trained technician to inspect and repair the AC or carry out the maintenance or installation work.
4. Never fall for the low ball figure schemes as they can cause more harm than good.
Aztil For All The Air Conditioning Needs
Aztil Air Conditioning is a premier HVAC company in West Palm Beach, Florida. We are a family-owned business that has been around since 1981. We are a one-stop-shop for all your HVAC needs. Right from installation to repairs and maintenance, we take care of it all. Our hardworking team of trained technicians strives to ensure your comfort at all times. We are open around the clock, so you don’t have to wait for a convenient time when facing any HVAC issue. Give us a call at +1-888-729-8452, and we shall try to resolve it as soon as possible.
