The HVAC (short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry in Australia is poised for strong growth in the years to come. As our climate seems to grow hotter every year, more domestic and commercial clients alike will be seeking out expert assistance in finding ways to improve cooling systems while lowering costs through increased energy efficiency.
Existing HVAC systems will also need to be replaced over the years, as they reach the end of the product lifespan or as new technologies emerge to offer better solutions. In many locations, this demand is currently being served by independent contractors and small startups. If you’re considering an HVAC cleaning and repair service business, here are six ways you can stand out from the competition.
Use location to your advantage
Commercial property leases can be expensive in large cities. However, major centers do offer the opportunity to service large commercial clients, so if you can afford a prime location for your HVAC business, the investment could really pay off in the long term. If that’s not feasible at the moment, don’t worry. Try to partner with clients who can expand your network – government agencies and real estate brokers, for instance.
Diversify your services
While your initial services might be limited to cleaning and repair jobs, remember that many clients will be looking for a one-stop solutions provider. Keep an eye out for opportunities to partner with quality dealers and manufacturers of air conditioning, ducting supplies, electrical hardware, and pipes, for example. You may eventually be able to offer full HVAC systems installation and related jobs such as plumbing or electrical work.
Invest in your fleet
Your HVAC business will always rely on being able to get your employees to their designated job sites and help clients. At some point, the scale of your operations will be limited by the effectiveness of your fleet. Inefficient vehicles consume more fuel and may break down en route – both ultimately costing you revenue. Expanding your fleet will help you deliver your services reliably and efficiently.
Hire for diversity
Any employer in the HVAC industry will be looking for a minimum of experience and certification among its technicians. While more experience is always a bonus, you can be deliberate in looking for diversity among your team. Individuals with a background in engineering or design can have a big impact on your capabilities when it comes to tackling large scale HVAC systems installation for commercial facilities, for example.
Build local relationships
Although you want to bring in newer, bigger clients whenever possible, remember that local clients are the foundation of your reputation. Make sure that your technicians are committed to handling each job professionally and giving great customer service, no matter if it’s a simple household repair or industrial-level operation.
Embrace digital innovations
Not all HVAC service providers are competing in the digital realm. Stepping up your digital presence through social media, content marketing, search engine ads, and ranking optimization will help expand your reach and market share. A simple feature such as offering online bookings for service calls on your website can make you the preferred provider, especially for first-time customers.
Getting started in the HVAC services business can be pretty easy, as the demand is always there – who hasn’t had problems with their air conditioning at some point? But taking it to the next level with one or more of these improvements can really establish your share of the market and set you up well for the future.
