HVAC Equipment Lead Times

[ME27272727]

This probably isn't news to anyone in the field, but equipment lead times are absolutely out of control and getting worse. VRF seems to be the only equipment in stock, with VAV RTU's / DOAS units sometimes 30-50 weeks out depending upon capacity. Boilers, chillers, pumps are from 10 to 50 weeks depending on the roll of the dice. From what I'm hearing, COVID lockdowns and supply chain issues were contributing factors, but another big reason is the 2023 energy code DOE / refrigerant regulation changes.

Are you guys coming up with creative ways to mitigate impact on construction schedules and owner concerns?

 

[EnergyProfessional]

It is what it is and whatever lead time they told you at time of design, could be much different when you actually order and that can be much different from when it actually happens. And you only need one thing missing and the entire project is not functional. So I just design a usual and then it is what it is.

I wouldn't design for VRF just because it is available unless that is a good solution (you still need ventilation AHU anyway).

 

[nuuvox000]

We've told owners and GC's about long lead items and we've had some success in them issuing funds for the long lead equipment at about the same time we get city comments back from the permit set. Saves a few weeks or months but it's really all we can think of to do. The lead times you mentioned are consistent with what I've heard as well.

We've also done a little bit of storage of flex duct since large orders can take 6 months or more and we know we're going to use it eventually. Some GC's in my area have started buying as much pipe, equipment, wood, conduit, etc as possible at the beginning of the project and storing it in a warehouse.

I don't know much about the department of energy code. We still use IECC 2018 around here.