Congratulations on finishing your HVAC certification! Now it’s time to focus on establishing yourself in the industry and setting up a business. Though your particular choices may differ, you can generally follow a few key steps to successfully create your new HVAC business.
Ready to start your own HVAC business? Here's how to get started! Click To TweetA Successful HVAC Business
Of course, no business goes from new to booming overnight. But with careful planning and strategic marketing, you can become a successful business owner in your newfound career. Here’s what you can expect to be doing:
- Finish any certification you need
- Decide how independent you’ll be
- Secure insurance
- Bid strategically
- Market yourself
1) Finish Any Certification You Need
Once you graduate from your class, you have all the knowledge necessary to get started. However, some states require additional certiticates or tests. Research local requirements for your area of work and make sure you’re covered before getting started.
2) Decide How Independent You’ll Be
Would you prefer to start your own small business or open a franchise location? Both have their pros and cons. If you prefer total independence and the complete freedom to set your own hours, you’d probably enjoy creating your own business. On the other hand, opening a franchise gives you the good reputation and resources available to the rest of the company. Either way, you’ll be doing all the work, so the choice just comes down to your long-term preference.
Pro Tip: If your goal is to run your own business but that isn’t quite possible yet, try to open a franchise location first. Once you’ve established yourself in your community, you can move toward independent work.
3) Secure Insurance
Your HVAC business will absolutely require general liability insurance as a precaution. If you hire employees, you’ll also need worker’s compensation insurance to protect yourself in the event of an on-the-job injury. Exact requirements for both vary between states, so make sure to do your research.
4) Bid Strategically
HVAC contractors land jobs by bidding their own prices. Learning this skill will help you secure work immediately as well as in the future. See what other local HVAC technicians are charging, and consider your own experience level and the amount of work you can provide. What’s a fair asking price for this job?
5) Market Yourself
Every business needs advertising, and you can’t go wrong with word-of-mouth. Hand out brochures and business cards, and consider offering discounts for referrals or first-time clients. Build up a positive reputation through time, experience, and quality customer service.
Starting a New Business
HVAC is a rapidly growing career field with plenty of chances to start your own business. But as with any business, every step requires careful consideration and planning. Keep yourself prepared and protected as you step into the HVAC industry.
Join the conversation to see how other HVAC contractors created and continue to manage their own businesses today!