Replace Now To Save Big
If your air conditioner is approaching its final days, now might be the best time to replace your AC before prices soar. A fresh wave of HVAC tariffs is due to take effect soon, and the cost of cooling your home is heating up. From steel and aluminum to imported components, nearly every part of an AC unit is getting more expensive. And with summer just around the corner, waiting could mean paying significantly more.
Understanding the New Tariffs
The United States has introduced broad tariffs on nearly all imported goods. Certain countries, particularly China, face steep increases that add a hefty percentage to the final cost of HVAC equipment. While some regional trade agreements soften the blow in certain cases, the trend is clear: Key materials and parts are becoming more expensive. That means higher costs for manufacturers and, in turn, higher prices for homeowners.
3 Factors Involved in Rising AC Prices
AC units are the end product of a complex supply chain now facing multiple pressure points. Consider three reasons why prices are on the rise.
Higher Manufacturing Costs
Tariffs on raw materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum are causing production costs to balloon. These materials form the skeleton of air conditioning systems, from coils to compressors. When prices spike on these essentials, manufacturers don’t eat the costs — they pass them on to consumers. That means the price of new units will reflect these markups, even if you’re buying locally.
Rising Costs for Internationally Made AC Brands
Many popular AC brands rely on overseas parts or assembly. Tariffs hit these companies the hardest, forcing them to raise prices or find alternative production sources. U.S.-made options may dodge some of these hikes, but even they aren’t immune — some parts must unavoidably come from abroad.
When choosing a brand, it pays to check where their products are built. You might find that “assembled in the USA” doesn’t always mean what you think it does.
Supply Chain Interruptions
The global game of tariff ping-pong doesn’t just affect pricing — it disrupts timelines. Port delays, shipping cost increases, and unpredictable material availability all lead to headaches for manufacturers and longer waits for homeowners. If your current unit fails in the middle of summer, you may be stuck with two unpleasant options: wait weeks for a new one to arrive, or pay extra for whatever is available.
When Is the Best Time To Replace Your Air Conditioning?
Anticipated price hikes make for loud alarm bells, and they’re already ringing. If your AC doesn’t have much life left in it, now’s the time to act. Waiting too long could mean dealing with shortages, delays, or continually climbing price tags. Plus, replacing your cooling system now ensures you’re not sweating it out while waiting on a back-ordered part. Beat the rush, avoid inflated costs, and get the installation done before summer arrives in full swing.
Why Choose Kobella To Replace Your AC?
Kobella Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has over 15 years of experience serving Northeast Ohio. We’ve built our reputation on professionalism, respect, and doing the job right the first time. As a veteran-owned business, we believe in hiring people who bring a strong work ethic, a positive outlook, and a respectful attitude. Our customers stick with us because we treat them like family, not just another stop on the schedule.
Contact us today for a free installation estimate, and lock in your new AC before tariffs take another bite out of your budget!