A lack of available parts is forcing some Mainers to live in the cold while they wait for repairs to their home heating systems. Paul Raudonat’s home in Unity has been fluctuating between the low 60s and mid-40s since his propane furnace broke down more than a week ago. The gas valve inside the furnace is no longer working properly. Replacing that part would normally be an easy fix, but ongoing supply chain issues have delayed the new valve’s delivery. “Here I am waiting for this part to show up. Can’t run the furnace until it shows up,” Raudonat said. In the meantime, he’s found workarounds to keep his home relatively warm, including running electric space heaters in nearly every room and using his stove and oven as often as possible to get a quick blast of heat into his kitchen. Raudonat is far from alone. According to HVC Informed, mechanical parts are in short supply across the country. There is limited availability of computer chips, as well as commonly used motors and compressors. Technicians recommend homeowners get their heating systems checked and cleaned annually to spot potential issues early.
A lack of available parts is forcing some Mainers to live in the cold while they wait for repairs to their home heating systems.
Paul Raudonat’s home in Unity has been fluctuating between the low 60s and mid-40s since his propane furnace broke down more than a week ago.
The gas valve inside the furnace is no longer working properly. Replacing that part would normally be an easy fix, but ongoing supply chain issues have delayed the new valve’s delivery.
“Here I am waiting for this part to show up. Can’t run the furnace until it shows up,” Raudonat said.
In the meantime, he’s found workarounds to keep his home relatively warm, including running electric space heaters in nearly every room and using his stove and oven as often as possible to get a quick blast of heat into his kitchen.
Raudonat is far from alone. According to HVC Informed, mechanical parts are in short supply across the country. There is limited availability of computer chips, as well as commonly used motors and compressors.
Technicians recommend homeowners get their heating systems checked and cleaned annually to spot potential issues early.
