Consumers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about what they want when working with heating and cooling contractors. Thanks to the internet, word-of-mouth referrals, advertising, and advice from the realtors, contractors, and other professionals in their lives, most have a fairly good idea of the different HVAC services, technologies, and products that are currently available. Accordingly, the best way to compete with other HVAC companies is by delivering exactly what customers want. The following are 5 things customers are looking for right now you too can offer to get more jobs:
1. Offer Indoor Air Quality Services (IAQ)
These days homeowners care a lot about their home’s air quality. They worry about allergens–things like dirt, dust, and dander; and chemical contaminants potentially trapped in their home. IAQ solutions, designed to monitor and improve homes’ indoor air quality, can give customers peace of mind. And, that’s exactly why many are investing in IAQ devices nowadays.
For this purpose, customers want HVAC contractors who both offer and install air cleaners, whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers, UV lamps, and more. And why offering IAQ Service to your customers is a very good idea).
In addition to offering IAQ, you should also advertise you offer these services to boost your business’s visibility on search engines like Google and Bing. A simple way to get started is to include information about Indoor Air Quality on your website. Things like helpful tips about IAQ–on blog posts and social media–can go a long way in attracting more customers to your business’ homepage. And getting you and your team hired for more jobs.
2. Offer Ductless Multi-Split Systems
Here’s an interesting fact. Ductless systems generally give central heating and cooling ones a run for their money. Here’s why–Firstly, many customers like the ability to customize their indoor climates. Secondly, customers also find the energy efficiency that zoned heating and cooling provides to be a big plus. Finally, ductless multi-split systems also eliminate the need for duct maintenance. Hence, many homeowners are willing to pay the additional cost for this type of install.
On the whole, educating your customers on the benefits of ductless systems is a great way to attract more customers. As with your IAQ offers, marketing this kind of service can give you a competitive edge. And get more customers knocking at your door.
3. Offer Service Agreements & Maintenance Plans
In today’s busy world, customers appreciate the value of automated solutions (i.e., set it and forget it).
Offering service agreements and maintenance plans is another way to put your HVAC company on customers’ radars. Here’s why. Firstly, your customers have a reliable way to stay on top of their systems’ seasonal maintenance and annual inspection requirements. And secondly, your customers have the option to add the cost of these plans to their budget.
This way, your HVAC company monitors the health of customers’ HVAC systems for an affordable monthly price. And, in exchange, they get no unpleasant surprises (like, a broken AC in the middle of summer that’ll cost them a bundle to replace).
As always, it’s important to let your customers know you offer these services. You can do this easily via email, social media, or any other marketing channels you use to advertise your company. Just get the message out there you offer these services and make it clear why they’re valuable!
4. Offer your credentials
Here’s something every HVAC business owner should always keep in mind. Every potential customer will most likely research your company before giving you a call (this includes customers who find out about your company through word of mouth). Yet, if your customers can’t find the information they’re looking for about your company easily, you can count on them moving on to someone else.
That’s why you need to make sure customers can find everything they may want to know about your HVAC company online. Ideally on your website. Think basic information, like license numbers, insurance certificates, special offers and promos, and customer reviews. Plus, publicly share certifications you and your team may have for working with specific equipment types and brands. Or anything else that can strengthen your companies’ image.
Keep in mind, the more information you provide about your company, the more trust you can build with prospective customers. And the higher the chances they’ll give you a call.
5. Offer your Experience, Professionalism and Innovation
Customers usually prefer to hire HVAC professionals with lots of experience. So, if you’ve been working in HVAC for decades, you need to highlight that experience all over your website. And anywhere else you advertise your company.
However, if you’re just starting out, you can try different approaches. One option is to highlight the combined industry experience of your team members. Or, you can also emphasize your company’s professionalism. Finally, you can also promote your use of technology that can elevate the customer experience–making the whole process easier, more convenient, and hassle-free (like digital proposals, online bookings, and paperless financing applications customers can complete in seconds).
To sum up, whether you’re an HVAC veteran or a new contractor, it is important you’re able to: 1. provide customers with the latest HVAC products and services. And 2. Provide the best customer experience. In the end, making it clear to customers you can provide exactly what they’re looking for is the best way to get hired for the job.
