How do I Run an Air Conditioning & Heating Repair Business?

Running a heating and air conditioning business can be profitable

Running your own Heating and Air Conditioning business (called HVAC for short) can be a lucrative enterprise. Industry websites and forums suggest self-run HVAC businesses can make $40,000 to up to several hundred thousand dollars per year, depending on the size and success of your business. Ultimately, the success of your business is going to depend on how you run it.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance
• License
• HVAC tools
• Employees (optional)
• Vehicle (optional)
• Office (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide what your role in the business will be. You may want to handle all elements of the business. You may want to work only on the technical side, doing HVAC repairs for customers. You may want to handle only the business aspects, and leave the repairs to someone else.

2. Formulate a business plan. Talk with other HVAC business owners in your area. Network with HVAC trade organizations, like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. (See Reference 1) This organization will be able to give you the best idea of what to expect in the industry.

3. Get the training you'll need to work in the industry. If you decided to work directly in HVAC repairs, you'll need some technical education. Visit sites like HVACtraining.com and HVACtraining.org to see if you already have the skill set necessary to work in the field. If you want to work behind the scenes managing the business elements of your company, you may benefit from getting an MBA degree.

4. Purchase the tools you'll need to run your company. You'll need standard, hand-held tools as well as power tools. If you don't already have one, you may also need a vehicle to drive you and your tools from job to job.

5. Establish a relationship with a heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturer. Many HVAC companies are self-owned and operated but work in conjunction with a manufacturer, who supplies the materials directly to the business owner.

6. Hire your employees. Depending on your role in the company, you may be looking for trained HVAC technicians or someone to run the books and place orders while you are out working on repair jobs.

7. Secure insurance for your business. Failure to incorporate your business into an LLC can leave your personal assets vulnerable in the event of a lawsuit or other legal action against your company.

8. Register with your local Better Business Bureau or government office. Many municipalities require businesses to register for or obtain a license to work in the area, or both. Check with your city or town to see what requirements it has.

9. Advertise your new business. Put up fliers, place an ad in the paper or start a website so customers know how to reach you.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not expect to earn too much the first few years your business is up and running. Profits will grow over time as your customer-base expands.

• It is not necessary to have an office for an HVAC business. The majority of the work will be done on site. All you'll need is a place to store your tools. A vehicle, preferably a truck or van, will suffice.

• Only send licensed and trained HVAC repairmen to a job. A person who does not have the right training may perform the work incorrectly, leaving your company open to legal action.

References

• Air Conditioning Contractors Of America
• HVAC Talk: Forums
• HVAC Directory: Associations
• HVAC Training
• The Training Source: Contractor Continuing Education