How to Start a Heating & Air Conditioner Business
Starting a heating, ventilating and air conditioning business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. Homeowners often hire experienced contractors or entrepreneurs with the skills, talent and dedication to do the job well. Starting a HVAC company requires you to be well trained and licensed in the field. Managing a HVAC company requires you to purchase equipment, budget expenses and hire employees. Once you become experienced in the industry, you can establish your own business and set competitive prices.
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Instructions
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Get licensed and insured from an accredited institution. Many educational institutes and trade schools offer licensing and certification programs for HVAC. After completing a program, you need to apply for a license with your state's professional licensing division. In addition, you must have insurance before starting your business.
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Write a business plan. Lay out your goals for your business, including how you'll handle all finances and costs. Detail all cash flow and costs for each month in a spreadsheet.
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Register your heating and air conditioning business with your state. Incorporate your business and file your business name. In the beginning, familiarize yourself with the tax requirements for your business. You may be required to pay quarterly estimated tax payments if you work as an independent contractor. If you hire employees, you need to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
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Purchase equipment and tools. Supplies may include multimeter, capacitor tester, coil fin tools, foil duct tape, spout oilers, gas leak detector, senor tubing, gas analyzer, carbon monoxide detector, pressure gauge, thermometer, refrigerant leak detector, a combustion analyzer, refrigerant recovery machine, pumps, ventilation, gloves, goggles, shoe covers, first aid kits and head protection gear.
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Purchase a truck or van. Advertise your business on the side of your truck using signage with custom lettering.
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Promote your heating and air conditioning business in local newspapers and fliers. Mail out coupons to new customers or for referrals. Offer discounts to customers who allow you to put advertising signs in their yards. Launch a website and market your assets on your site. For example, if you are an expert on energy saving products or services, focus on that information on your site's homepage.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider buying a HVAC franchise. Franchises already have the equipment and clientele built in, but it will cost you a lot of cash upfront.
Business laws very from state to state. Hire a business attorney to help you register your new business in your state.
