Let’s be real. Starting a new business venture is an uphill battle. You may be an excellent technician with great customer service skills, but can you juggle that while also hunting down new business?
A lot goes into starting an HVAC business from scratch. It’s not just about the work anymore, it’s about building a company that can operate in your occasional absence with a solid plan for growth.
As an owner, you’ll have to handle a lot of things you might be unfamiliar with like managing dispatching and figuring out a marketing plan to drum up new business when the weather is mild outside.
You may feel uncertain as to which marketing strategies to work on first because in the age of digital advertising, there are so many possible lead sources for you to test out.
Maybe you’re not sure what type of HVAC services you should offer or which marketing channel to choose from.
This guide from Webology has your back. From deciding the right services to developing a solid marketing plan, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
By the end of it, you’ll have all the tools and tips to kick-start your HVAC business and grow it with confidence.
Let’s get started.
How to Start Your Own HVAC Business: In 7 Steps
Here are the 7 most essential steps to launching and growing a local HVAC service business.
Decide Your HVAC Services
One of the first things you need to do is identify the services you want to offer.
This depends on a couple of factors:
- What’s your specialty?
- Which services are most in demand in your locality?
Get comprehensive answers to these questions to pick the right HVAC services for your startup. For instance, if no one in your market offers commercial refrigeration and it is work you’re comfortable with you should get that license and create a service pages for it on your website that you can promote to local convenience stores, restaurants, and grocers.
Common HVAC services include:
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Repair
- System Upgrades
- Duct Cleaning
- Thermostat Installation and Repair
- And more
Get Licensed and Certified
Before you can start marketing your HVAC business, get it licensed and certified.
Sometimes, all it takes is an accredited program. But, the process may vary depending on your location or state.
Note that you don’t need a degree to start and grow an HVAC business.
However, some programs and certifications can help you stand out and build trust as a service provider.
Choose a Name
The next step would be to pick a suitable business name.
While it’s an important step, try not to overanalyze it.
Keep your business name:
- Short
- Simple
- Relevant
You don’t have to add too many details, such as your HVAC services, to your business name.
Also, perform a quick online research to make sure the business name isn’t already taken. If possible, search for a .com domain that matches your business name.
Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT (free) to brainstorm ideas.
Register Your HVAC Business
This step might seem overwhelming from a distance, but it’s pretty simple depending on where you’re located.
In some cases, you might only have to fill out some paperwork.
Why is registering a business important? Working as a person has some legal implications you want to avoid. You also will have to have a license for the areas you service if you wish to do any sort of vehicle advertising.
As a legitimate business owner, your personal assets aren’t at risk and your trucks are properly marked with your license number and important information about your brand.
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Create an HVAC Business Plan
A well-thought-out business plan is a must for every business.
Whether you’re funding your business yourself or working with an investor, you always need a plan.
In addition, having a clear business plan helps you stay focused and motivated.
Take your time to develop a comprehensive business plan. Here’s a basic outline of what it looks like:
- Cover page
- Business Overview
- HVAC services
- Market analysis
- Business strategy
- Financial plan
- Marketing plan
- And maybe more
Importantly, creating a business plan isn’t a one-time thing.
Keep yourself up to date with the latest developments, analyze your plan every once in a while and make the necessary adjustments.
Hire the Right HVAC Technicians
Having a financial plan helps you allocate resources wisely.
Once you know how much you can invest, you can hire the right HVAC technicians for the right jobs.
When hiring a technician, double-check their credentials, experience, and other important details.
A simple background check and thorough interview is often enough to know if someone is right for the job.
Once someone passes the interview and satisfies the job criteria, do a background check on them.
For instance, if they have a history of stealing, you may not want to hire them for your business.
When starting an HVAC business, developing trust with clients should be at the top of your priorities list. Get uniforms ASAP and make sure your team always presents themselves professionally.
In addition, ask for a few references from past employers and get in touch with them to double-check the important information you’re legally allowed to ask.
Lastly, make sure the technician is legally allowed to work. For instance, they should have the required visa and certifications (If any).
Important Note: We’re Marketers not Lawyers so if you’re not sure about any of this, you should seek legal counsel from someone local who specializes in employment law. This post is just general info and does not constitute advise!
Come Up with a Marketing Strategy
This is probably the most intimidating part.
Marketing an HVAC business and attracting high-quality leads consistently is a challenge.
But, when you have a clearly defined strategy and the will to take action consistently, nothing can stop you from building a successful business.
Here are the most powerful marketing strategies for an HVAC business.
Traditional Marketing
Digital marketing is a cost-effective way to get new clients.
But, as a local service provider, you don’t want to ignore traditional marketing strategies.
For instance, wrap your van with your company logo, name, services, slogan, and contact information. Consider mailers, referral networking and customer incentive programs for this.
Prepare business cards for key team members and design a uniform with business branding for your HVAC technicians.
This way, you’ll get more eyeballs as you move along performing day-to-day HVAC tasks.
Google Business Profile
An optimized GBP helps you get in front of prospects when they’re actively searching for a business like yours.
The goal of GBP optimization for an HVAC business is to rank for keywords like these:
- AC duct cleaning service
- AC repair service
- 24/7 HVAC service
So, while optimizing your GBP, create a list of keywords you want to rank for and include them in your description.
When it comes to building your reputation as a service provider, GPB reviews play a crucial role.
Get your customers to leave a review on your profile. Make the process easier by sharing the URL of your review page.
Create and Optimize Your HVAC Website
Your HVAC website is a virtual home for your business. It should have all the important pages, including:
- Services
- Contact
- Homepage
Follow SEO best practices to improve user experience as well as search engine visibility.
Wrapping Up Your HVAC Business Planning
Like any other venture, building a successful HVAC business from scratch requires consistency and the right strategy.
A business plan helps you get on the right track, stay motivated, and invest wisely.
When it comes to attracting customers to your new HVAC business, use a mix of different strategies.
Start with creating and optimizing your GBP and website. Use traditional van wraps and branded uniforms to get more eyeballs in your locality.
Related: The 3 Worst Ways to Invest Your HVAC Marketing Budget
