HVAC Contracting

Install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems providing climate control services for residential and commercial properties

Startup Cost
$15,000-$50,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
4-10 months
Profit Potential
$7,000-$25,000/month

Overview

HVAC contractors install and service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems - furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductwork, and HVAC controls.

You provide installation, repair, maintenance, and emergency service as licensed HVAC technician.

Service calls range from $100-$500 for repairs to $4,000-$15,000 for system replacements.

Revenue reaches $90,000-$300,000 solo or $300,000-$1.2M+ with crews with 30-50% margins.

Target clients include homeowners, property managers and landlords, commercial buildings, new construction, businesses, and maintenance contracts.

Services include HVAC repair and troubleshooting, system installation and replacement, preventive maintenance, duct cleaning and repair, indoor air quality, thermostat installation, commercial HVAC, refrigeration, seasonal tune-ups, and emergency HVAC service.

Success requires HVAC license and EPA certification, technical knowledge of HVAC systems, diagnostic and repair skills, sales ability for system replacements, customer service during comfort emergencies, and business management skills.

Many HVAC contractors build service agreements providing recurring maintenance revenue, offer seasonal tune-up programs, specialize in residential or commercial, focus on service and replacement versus new construction, potentially offer financing for system replacements, and grow by hiring HVAC technicians.

Required Skills

  • HVAC Systems
  • Refrigeration
  • Diagnostics
  • Sales
  • Customer Service

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Strong demand for climate control
  • Service agreements provide recurring revenue
  • System replacements generate large sales
  • Essential service year-round
  • Can scale with technician crews

Cons

  • Requires HVAC license and EPA certification
  • Seasonal demand fluctuations (summer/winter peaks)
  • Physical demanding work in extreme conditions
  • High equipment and vehicle costs
  • Competition and price pressure on commodity services

How to Get Started

  1. Complete HVAC training and apprenticeship
  2. Earn HVAC license and EPA 608 certification
  3. Obtain contractor license and insurance
  4. Invest in HVAC tools, equipment, and vehicle
  5. Build customer base through marketing
  6. Develop service agreement programs
  7. Hire certified HVAC technicians to scale

Explore More Specialty Contracting Ideas

Discover additional business opportunities in this category.

View All Specialty Contracting Ideas →