It’s been five years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. While supply chain disruptions were rampant in all industries at the time, many have stabilized since then. Unfortunately, the HVAC industry continues to be plagued by supply chain problems, including significant delays in obtaining parts and materials.
HVAC installers and contractors need reliable products to move forward with their jobs. Parts that are delivered months later are of little use. Due to the critical nature of HVAC systems — buildings without reliable heating or cooling are uninhabitable throughout most of the year — supply chain delays can bring a project to a grinding halt.
One strategic method for increasing the resiliency of your supply chain is choosing products that are manufactured in the U.S. rather than overseas. When you use products made domestically, such as plastic condenser pads, you can avoid many of the supply-chain bottlenecks that come with importing products.
The Global Supply Chain Challenge in HVAC
Lead times for HVAC are only expected to increase in 2025, particularly with regulations requiring manufacturers to phase out existing HFC refrigerants in favor of more environmentally friendly options and the recent increase in tariffs. These changes, along with critical material shortages, are making it harder to source materials and increasing the costs when you do find them.
We’re seeing this, particularly with some imported condenser pads. Supplies are spotty and unpredictable due to shipping delays and bottlenecks at major ports and transportation hubs. Suppliers who can navigate these days are still charging higher prices due to increased global demand, more expensive raw materials, geopolitical conflicts, and rising tariffs.
All of these factors combined have left contractors and distributors in the lurch, having to figure out new sourcing for essential products or even delaying some projects and frustrating customers.
The Benefits of U.S.-Made Plastic Condenser Pads
Switching to U.S.-made plastic condenser pads can help you overcome the challenges associated with global supply chain issues. Some of the benefits of domestic plastic condenser pads, such as DuraPlas’ PolarPad, include the following:
Readily Available
When you buy plastic condenser pads manufactured in the U.S., you don’t have to deal with shipping delays due to bottlenecks in crowded ports, labor shortages, or trade restrictions. They’re shipped within the U.S. on a steady, reliable schedule, so they’re delivered on time and available when you need them.
Not Subject to Tariffs
The U.S. has recently imposed or is threatening to impose or increase tariffs on imported goods, which will only increase the price of international condenser pads. With importers having to pay a higher price for foreign goods, those price increases get passed to buyers. You can avoid this issue completely by buying domestically manufactured condenser pads such as the PolarPad.
Consistent Quality Control
While some imported condenser pads are well-made, the quality can vary considerably. You may end up with a subpar pad—something you may not realize until the product fails on the job.
U.S. manufacturing standards place a higher priority on quality control, environmental protection, and worker safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) institute regulations are designed to guarantee durability, strength, and safety.
Support American Manufacturing
Offshoring manufacturing is one of the biggest contributors to global supply chain issues. When you support U.S.-based manufacturers, you contribute to a stronger economy and solid, well-paying jobs in America. DuraPlas PolarPads are manufactured in the U.S. and are made to exacting standards to be strong and lightweight.
Fortunately, HVAC customers support buying American-made products. According to research by PickHVAC, most customers are willing to pay more for HVAC parts manufactured in the United States.
Why HVAC Professionals Should Care
If you can’t get the equipment you need, you can’t deliver results for your customers. Being able to complete jobs on time has a huge impact on your customer satisfaction rates. When someone’s HVAC isn’t working, they want it fixed immediately.
When your parts are delayed, it slows down the entire project. Idle time on a job is not only frustrating for your customers, but it’s bad business for you. Delayed projects take longer to generate revenue and interfere with scheduling additional projects. This can result in decreased overall revenue and lower profits.
In addition to the job delays and lost revenue, out-of-stock supplies can cost you customers. Even though you can’t control many of the factors that affect the supply chain, your customers simply expect results. When you can’t complete a job on time, it turns into a negative customer service experience.
According to a report from Better Business Bureau (BBB), delays are a factor in 55% of negative reviews. Since most people read online reviews before they make a purchasing decision, negative reviews can impact your ability to attract new clients.
U.S.-manufactured condenser pads are reliably in stock, so you can count on them to be available when you need them. You don’t need to engage in complex, redundant planning, which simplifies project management and allows you to complete jobs on time and within budget. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your condenser pads are always in stock when you need them.
A Smarter, More Reliable Choice
Given that supply-chain are unpredicatable and tariffs are likely to increase, consider rethinking your reliance on imported HVAC materials. Switching to American-manufactured plastic condenser pads is a strategic decision that can help you grow your business and improve customer satisfaction.
DuraPlas’ PolarPad is always in stock and ready to ship. It is injection-molded from polyethylene, a durable yet lightweight material. The PolarPad is an ideal base for condensers, as it’s easy for one person to handle and install. Available in a variety of sizes, it offers the flexibility needed to meet different project requirements.
DuraPlas’ PolarPad gives you the power to create a more resilient, efficient supply chain. With its guaranteed availability, affordability, and unwavering quality, it’s the reliable choice you can depend on. Contact us now for your free quote and take the first step toward strengthening your operations today!
