The HVAC industry has changed the ways buildings are constructed, designed and used. Electronic developments are reshaping how the systems are deployed, operated and maintained. The major result has become an unseen standard for HVAC systems. Using cutting-edge products is the starting point for success in any industries but it isn’t enough. The same cases occur in the HVAC field where specific issues are continuously rising and complicate the smooth-running operations.
We have compiled a list of the top 8 biggest challenges in the HVAC industry in this blog.
The State of HVAC Industry
Presently, the HVAC industry is in a flux state, with technologies rendering cooling and heating units smaller, smarter and efficient than before. However, let’s begin first with good news. Regardless of the nonstop problems, the HVAC field is here to stay. In fact, people will never stop availing heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. Over the next 5 years, 45,000 jobs will be added on the industry which showcases an increasing growth rate.
Now, the bad news is – there might be not enough experienced HVAC professionals who will fill in those jobs. In a strained workforce, the industry will face other intriguing challenges for the next years. For HVAC professionals and companies, having awareness is crucial. Being aware of these rising conflicts and industry challenges will help them overcome it all.
Let’s now begin understanding the following top 8 challenges in the industry. Take a look below.
1. Complex Teams
One of the most demanding and challenging processes while working as an HVAC professional is managing technical assistance teams. It is a very time-consuming job with a nonstop distribution of work assignments and planning operations. Besides, there are participating teams who also need supervision during the work. Hence, there is a need for constant monitoring now and then. Without tracking and monitoring, it is impossible to lessen the complexities of managing team and associated tasks.
To make these critical processes much easier, using a builder trends software is highly recommended. The software tool is making the work simpler, functional and easier. With the built-in features, project leaders will find it easier to handle projects from now on.
2. Talent Crunch
Growth has always brought the challenge of skill shortage. Speaking of the baby boomers, they are about to retire the upcoming years. The issue is always about the millennials who are reluctant or uncertain in getting into trade industries. The majority of HVAC enterprises will have to deal a complicated skill-shortage anytime right now.
HVAC companies have to get wiser in many areas, in that way, labor shortage issues will be resolved. Establishing a sustainable recruiting system is one great solution. This type of system will help secure a group of trustworthy, skilled and talented employees. Investing in comprehensive training for employees, re-training and any skill enhancement programs are also worth implementing. Additionally, implementing a construction crew management is also one thing that has to be prioritized once the list is already finalized. There is an increase in work productivity and consistency of communication once this strategy is implemented.
3. Changing Client Behavior
Most clients are becoming more dissatisfied and impatient nowadays. Any delays will turn out to be their greatest displeasure in life. Most of the HVAC companies are not given any other options but give all out in enhancing the efficiency and speed of their services and HVAC operations. In this case, they must embrace all emerging industry innovations. The crew schedule software is one of the most promising technologies that make operations more seamless and easier.
The need to change their current processes and systems is also necessary. To center the customer and their demands should be the first prioritized out of all. Building trust between the parties involved is essential. Indeed, trust and building it is a pressing need. It offers transparency in terms of accurate pricing, operations, and reducing risks for the clients.
4. Climate
HVAC companies are the busiest during extreme heat and cold weather. Rising and decreasing of the temperatures tend to increase the number of requests and calls from clients. Most HVAC technicians become overwhelmed with the increasing number of maintenance requests. For some others, it is a good sign but HVAC businesses usually experience seasonal highs and lows.
Experiencing seasonal high and lows in this field is a sign of making a well-outlined preparation. For companies, it is vital to manage their planning schedule and finances. By doing so, it will be easier for them to make most of their busiest periods and can withstand during the quiet periods each year. Planning a schedule is easier when using construction scheduling software. Essential details are best stored and edited in this application tool.
5. Higher Costs
HVAC service companies have an increasing need to invest in cutting-edge technologies and specialized tools and equipment to keep ahead in the game. Subsequently, they also have struggles in setting up competitive prices because doing so will affect their client’s preferences. Instead of choosing their services, clients will switch to the other rival companies. Furthermore, HVAC companies are also dealing with the following costs:
· Fleet of vehicles
· Insurance
· Marketing
· Skilled Technicians
· Fuel consumptions
Maintaining a balance and counterbalancing what is spent by minimizing costs at other opportunities is the only trick for this. Take note that time is money. Thus, efficient management produces fewer failure corrections, more time optimization and less money wasted.
6. Stiff Competition
According to research from BIS, the HVAC market is projected to reach $208 million by 2025. It only means that the market, specifically for HVAC services, will continuously rise. Hence, competition will become fiercer. For the clients and consumers, it is a great thing because the given options are many. The following are very true for HVAC companies.
· HVAC service providers often rely on brand loyalty
· They often depend on their regular customers because they couldn’t get new clients
· If HVAC service providers tend to increase, the rivalry tends to get serious as well
Dealing with increasing competition is very intimidating. However, one smart way to deal with it is to maintain the integrity of your business consistently. Additionally, make sure to maintain in providing high-quality services to the clients as well. By following such principles, the service provider’s customer base will refer them to other potential clients. High-quality services become more valuable and consistent using a builder software tool. Everything that makes a service high-quality is managed very well using the tool.
7. Fluctuating Busy Periods
HVAC businesses faced another challenge – there are days when the phone rings nonstop and there are stagnant moments when no one calls for services. Low productivity usually means lower earnings. If managing the calls poorly, there might be a chance of losing income due to the inefficiency.
The key is to utilize software like the task scheduler to manage efficiently and boost productivity. Inputting information, saving important details and editing is much less hassle using the software application. Accessing information is much easier anytime and anywhere because the application has a cloud-based feature.
8. Smart Home Challenges
Many people are now picturing their homes as a functionally integrated system. New gadgets have brought a major shift in the mindset of most homeowners. As for HVAC industry, it doesn’t remain easy to offer connected services. With that being said, it needs to invest in leading-edge software ecosystems to function and seamlessly enter in the Internet of Things age. The challenges are expected to extend, even while redrafting the standard forms and contracts. Syncing with any of the latest digital realities is the goal.
Keeping Up with Latest HVAC Technologies!
The latest technology in the HVAC industry will most likely focus more on renewable energy and system efficiency. For HVAC companies, keeping up with emerging trends is crucial to stand out and remain competitive in the market. There will be times that potential clients will come over you and ask you many questions about a specific trend. What is the installation process? What are the pros and cons of this implementation? Most of the questions are usually like this. Being clueless about any of the emerging trends is a shame.
You have to discuss every single thing to the client intelligently. Letting them understand is just a part of the process. Convincing potential clients is easier if you are equipped with the latest ideas and knowledge. Earning their trust is one of the most crucial things that are valuable to the business.
For a quick overview, here are some of the latest top trends in the HVAC industry:
· Sustainable Building Design
· DEVAP HVAC (Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative)
· Geothermal HVAC
· Solar HVAC
· Smart HVAC
Key Takeaways
All HVAC service providers have to face the challenges mentioned above. From largest to smallest HVAC businesses, everyone is dealing with the same set of problems. These top challenges are not something that can be resolved immediately. That is why it requires continuous strategic planning, wise decision making, marketing procedures and the right business mindset.