If you’ve tried to get air conditioning fitted recently, you’ve probably run into the same frustrating wall: out-of-stock equipment, endless waitlists, and installers booked up for months.
With UK summers getting warmer and heatwaves hitting harder, more of us than ever are looking to bring climate control into our homes and businesses. But why has equipment suddenly become so tricky to find, and what can you actually do about it?
What’s Causing the Stock Squeezes?
It isn’t just one thing causing the delay—it’s a bit of a domino effect across the whole supply chain.
- We All Buying at Once: In warmer countries like Spain or Italy, air con is fitted year-round as standard home equipment. In the UK, we tend to wait until the first big heatwave hits before making the call. When millions of us reach for the phone in the same week, warehouses get cleared out in days.
- Storage Space Is Limited: AC units—especially outdoor condensers—are big and bulky. Wholesalers can’t store endless backup stock just in case, so they order based on average British summers. When temperatures soar past 30°C for weeks, standard stock runs out fast.
- European Demand Is High: UK suppliers often share central stock hubs in Continental Europe. When heatwaves sweep across Europe, everyone is dipping into the exact same inventory pool.
- Restocking Takes Time: Getting fresh stock shipped from international manufacturers, through customs, and into local trade counters isn’t quick. Replenishing warehouses can take anywhere from six to ten weeks.
- Installer Schedules Are Full: Even when the hardware is ready, certified F-Gas engineers are working flat-out. Most reputable installers find their diaries fully booked long before the summer heat peaks.
How We Are Beating the Shortage at Ace Energy
While nationwide wholesalers are struggling with empty shelves, Ace Energy in Bath has managed to secure dedicated stock on the ground.
“We were lucky enough to be offered a selection of AC units right at the beginning of the season, so we actually have dedicated stock ready to install now—even when other suppliers have completely run dry.”
— Nicola Seviour, Director of Ace Energy
As the leading HVAC Air Conditioning installer in the Bath area, by planning ahead and expanding our manufacturer partnerships, Ace Energy have secured high-efficiency units directly from leading brands including Daikin, Hitachi, and Haier.
While remaining stock is limited due to high summer demand, having these units on the ground right now means our customers don’t have to wait on long international shipping delays and we can prioritise those who really need it such as the elderly and those with long term health conditions who really need a respite from the heat.
To make sure local Bath air conditioning customers aren’t left waiting weeks in the heat, Ace Energy have expanded their inventory and strengthened direct manufacturer supply chains. Ace Energy are currently stocking high-efficiency units from leading brands, including Daikin, Hitachi, and Haier.
While local stock is still limited due to high demand, expanding manufacturer partnerships means we they offer flexible, high-tier alternatives that fit your budget and get installed without the nationwide backlogs.
Call Ace Energy on 01225 729005 or email hello@aceenergy.co.uk or come into our showroom on London Road in Bath to explore the options.