Let’s be honest—shopping for a new HVAC system or water heater is not what most consider a fun weekend activity. Now, throw in something called tariffs and suddenly you’re not just battling the Mississippi heat… you’re trying to decipher global trade policy, too.
If you’ve noticed prices creeping up (or jumping up like a cat on a hot tin roof), you’re not imagining things. Even though many HVAC brands wave the “Made in America” flag, a whole lot of their parts are catching flights from China or road-tripping in from Mexico. And when tariffs hit those countries, the cost of your comfort goes up.
But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. At Environment Masters, we’ve been keeping Central Mississippi homes cool (and cozy) for over 60 years. Here’s what you need to know about tariffs, how they’re affecting your equipment, and how to beat the price hikes.
What Are Tariffs and Why Should You Care?
Simply put, tariffs are taxes on imported goods. They’re meant to encourage buying American, but in a global industry like HVAC, they can have a big ripple effect. Why? Because even the most American-sounding HVAC systems are built with parts from overseas, like compressors, circuit boards, sensors, and even filters for tankless water heaters.
That means when tariffs go up on components from China or Mexico, so do the prices you pay here at home, even for systems built and assembled in the USA.
How HVAC Equipment Is Affected
It’s the classic iceberg situation. You see the brand name on the outside of the unit, but below the surface are dozens of imported parts. Here’s a quick peek at some components that are feeling the tariff pressure:
- Compressors (often made in Mexico)
- Control boards and electronics (China)
- Navien tankless water heater filters (China and Korea)
- Refrigerant valves (a mixed bag—many imported)
So even if your AC says “assembled in Texas,” it might still be rocking imported parts under the hood.
And yes, more efficient systems (like dual-stage HVAC units or tankless water heaters) often rely more heavily on these high-tech components, meaning they’re likely to see the biggest price increases.
What This Means for Your Wallet
So what will this mean for you when it comes to replacing your HVAC system or water heater? Let’s break it down:
- Higher Equipment Costs: You could see a 10–20% bump on some HVAC systems and water heaters.
- Repair Part Delays: Longer shipping times mean it might take a while to get your system back online if it needs a part that’s on the tariff list.
- Shrinking Rebates: Manufacturers may scale back promotions as their own costs rise, meaning fewer discounts will be available to you.
Translation? The longer you wait, the more you may pay—and the fewer deals you’ll find.
How to Beat the Tariff Blues
What can you do about it? Here are 4 ways to beat the tariff blues.
1. Upgrade Sooner, Not Later
The prices we’re seeing now are likely the lowest they’ll be for a while. With changes on the horizon and some rebate offers ending soon, acting now could save you thousands. And who doesn’t love locking in a good deal?
2. Ask About Stocked Inventory
At Environment Masters, we’re not just prepared—we’re stocked. Our warehouse is full of equipment we’ve secured at pre-tariff pricing. If you need a new system, we might be able to offer you yesterday’s price… today.
3. Use Financing to Your Advantage
Big purchase? No problem. We offer competitive financing for qualified buyers that make upgrading your comfort more affordable than ever.
4. Get Preventive Maintenance Now
Keeping your system in top shape can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns (and costly, tariff-affected repairs). Our Priority One Maintenance Plan gives your system the TLC it needs and saves you money in the long run.
Bottom Line? Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late.
Tariffs might be out of your control, but how (and when) you respond isn’t. If your HVAC or water heater is getting up there in age, now’s the time to act. Waiting could cost you more, and nobody likes paying more for the same thing (especially when it doesn’t even come with better efficiency).At Environment Masters, we’ve been serving Central Mississippi for over 60 years. Our team stays ahead of industry changes—like refrigerant shifts, supply chain slowdowns, and yes, tariff impacts—so you don’t have to. From expert system recommendations to seamless installations and rebate handling, we make it easy to upgrade with confidence.
Call us today at (601) 300-2564 for a free system quote. Let our experts help you stay comfortable, save money, and avoid tariff-driven headaches down the road.
