Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2025

News Magazine September 2025

Whose Fault Is It ?

Mfgs bad planning

It ’ s no ones fault

454B Shortage & High Price : A time for L oyalty

By this time everyone knows there is a 454B shortage and the price is beyond anything we could have predicted. So, why and who is at fault for this debacle? One thing I am sure of. It is not the fault of the distributors. I talked to several distributors who placed significant orders early on but those orders have been delayed. How long? Some until the fall. Orders for several pallets have been delivered as one pallet. They have reacted by trying to take care of their dealer network. That is only fair. Ya ’ got to take care of those that take care of you. In this industry there is little loyalty.

Dealers buy whatever product they can from whichever distributor has it in stock. Can ’ t say I blame them for that. On the other hand, this shortage highlights the need for loyalty. Select an equipment brand and a distributor and purchase parts from them as well. When times are tough, we need each other and you can ’ t blame a distributor for being loyal to their dealer base. If you are a regular, loyal customer, you expect support from your supplier. You deserve it and that is what we are experiencing now. You want 454B, you kinda ’ need to be a loyal dealer to your distributor.