Timing is everything in life, and that includes in business, and starting up a traditional HVAC contractor shop is no exception. In fact, good timing applies to an HVAC launch, or re-launch, more than many businesses because climate and geography are very often critical factors.
There’s much more to getting an HVAC business off the ground, of course. A strategic plan must come first, covering a host of key components such as management and staffing, products and markets, branding and positioning — not forgetting budgets and the bottom line.
Source: Dreamstime
At the same time, though, it’s important to keep in mind that, no matter how well-conceived the plan, disaster could stare you in the face if you trip up over your timing. The primary factor is the climate-affected seasonality of the HVAC contractor business that involves outdoor installation and repair.
Depending on geographic location, downtime can last as long as four or five months. In situations like this, it clearly makes sense to time a launch, or re-launch, for Spring or early Summer in anticipation of a long stretch of palatable weather through into the Fall season. Starting in the Winter months is out of the question, and waiting too long into the Summer is not advisable either.
But, as always, there’s an exception. While timing is everything, it’s worth noting that exceptions prove the rule! For many HVAC contractors, opportunities arise to undertake an expansion of their business by providing home energy upgrade services. This type of energy efficiency activity is likely to be more labor-intensive and less profitable, but it takes place indoors and can therefore be conducted year-round. Energy upgrades can then lead to annual service and maintenance checks, offering HVAC contractors the opportunity to build lasting relationships.
Notwithstanding this exception, climatic factors and resulting seasonality will always be of vital significance for HVAC contractor start-ups. Take our word for it.