contractors

HVAC technicians or contractors are well-trained professionals who are experts in everything HVAC. They are well versed in every component inside the HVAC system. Besides, for HVAC repair or maintenance tasks, they follow the proper guidelines and handle the HVAC unit very cautiously.

But should you consider hiring an HVAC contractor or do DIY for HVAC repairs?

1.   Follows Strict Protocols During HVAC Cleaning

HVAC systems are complicated and need to be handled cautiously. When you hire a novice HVAC technician or handyman who doesn’t have enough experience handling an HVAC unit, he will likely damage the HVAC system. On the flip side, when you hire an expert HVAC contractor, he strictly follows the HVAC cleaning protocols.

For example, for cleaning the outside AC unit, an experienced HVAC contractor will first disconnect the cooling system. Then if there is debris in the cooling unit, he will clean them. After that, he will clean the AC fins and coils. When the HVAC contractor cleans the AC fins and coils, he will straighten the AC fins and level the HVAC unit. Similarly, there are protocols for cleaning the parts inside the AC unit.

When the protocols are followed strictly, there is zero risk of damaging your HVAC unit. But a person who doesn’t have experience in handling HVAC systems doesn’t know this HVAC cleaning protocol. As a result, if that person tries to clean the HVAC system, it can cause severe damage to the HVAC system. This is why for HVAC cleaning, you should never DIY. Instead, it is advised to hire an HVAC contractor to clean the unit.

2.   Fast & Reliable HVAC Service

HVAC contractors are well versed in the HVAC unit. They undergo extensive training, and most professional HVAC contractors have an HVAC license. Having an HVAC license indicates that you know the ins and out of an HVAC unit and can handle any type of issue. Besides, an HVAC contractor has all the necessary tools to repair an AC or furnace.

On the flip side, when you hire a regular repairman, they don’t have the required tool to handle the HVAC unit. As a result, at first, they will have to collect all the required tools and start working later. But this will take a lot of time and make the HVAC repair or maintenance process less efficient.

This is why if you want efficient, quick, and reliable HVAC service, you must call an HVAC contractor or technician.

3.   Helps Increase HVAC Efficiency

Over time, HVAC units start to lose their efficiency and have wear and tear. But HVAC efficiency can be increased by regular maintenance. Here, an HVAC contractor will help you out.

A professional HVAC contractor knows which type of repair to do to keep the HVAC system efficiency at an optimum level. On the other hand, a regular repairman won’t know what to do to increase efficiency. As a result, he will suggest random AC or furnace repairs. But these repairs are of no use. That is why for the correct type of HVAC service, you must hire a professional HVAC technician or contractor.

4.   Does Home Evaluation

When using an HVAC unit, you will have to factor in your home’s condition and size. Without proper home evaluation, you will have issues such as hot and cold spots, inefficient cooling, high energy bills, etc. However, you can avoid these issues by hiring an HVAC contractor.

An HVAC contractor not only looks after the HVAC system but also evaluates your home’s condition. For example, if you are planning to purchase a new air conditioning unit, you will first have to consider the size of the room. Because if you purchase an AC with less or more capacity than the actual demand, you won’t get the desired comfort.

Besides, ventilation plays a key role in keeping your house comfortable, and without proper home evaluation, correct ventilation design is not possible.

Measuring the room size, ventilation design, calculating the HVAC capacity, etc., may sound a bit complicated. But when you hire an HVAC contractor, he will do all these and provide you with the best HVAC solution.

5.   HVAC Insurance

Mistakes can happen during a repair, and if the component isn’t covered by insurance, you will have to pay from your own pocket. But when you hire an HVAC contractor, you won’t have to worry about it at all because most HVAC contractors have HVAC insurance coverage. As a result, if there is a need for additional repairs, HVAC insurance will cover those costs. But when you hire a handyman, they usually don’t have such HVAC insurance. Thus, if it requires additional repairs, you will have to pay for it.

Conclusion

For HVAC cleaning or regular maintenance, always call an HVAC contractor. Besides, when it comes to an HVAC unit, you should never rely on DIY methods. Because sometimes, DIY ways are not effective and cause more harm than good to the HVAC system.

Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business to Co-Host March Workshop on Business Cash Flow Management

The Home Depot^® is launching a series of virtual workshops designed to help Pro contractors manage and grow their businesses. The retailer is hosting free, interactive livestreams offering expert lessons taught by industry experts. The workshops will run every other month.

Built exclusively to help Pros run their businesses more efficiently and profitably, each virtual workshop takes a deep dive into topics that Pros want to hear. Themes include best practices in social media for business, managing business expenses, home improvement industry trends and more.

The March 8^th workshop “Money in. Money Out. Manage Your Cashflow to Boost Your Business’ Success” is focused on managing expenses and maximizing net operating income. Dr. Jonathan Clarke from The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business and The Home Depot Credit team will discuss cash flow management tips to boost business success.

The Home Depot began its in-store workshop programs in 1997 with the launch of its Kids Workshop program. Currently, there are three different virtual livestreams for DIYers including Homeowner 101, DIY Workshops and Seasonal Workshops.

In addition to the new Pro Virtual Workshops, The Home Depot helps Pros through its Pro Xtra™ loyalty program which offers members-only benefits including credit offerings, volume pricing, exclusive product offers, paint rewards, perks and more.

Pro contractors with a Home Depot Pro Xtra membership can register for upcoming workshops by visiting https://www.homedepot.com/c/pro_workshops.

For more information on Pro Xtra, visit www.homedepot.com/ProXtra or by visiting the Pro Desk at a local Home Depot store.

After a challenging year resulting from the global pandemic that hit full force in March 2020, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) reports that – one year later – there are signs that conditions are improving.

A contractor sentiment survey conducted by PHCC finds that 84% of respondents rank the continuing impact of COVID-19 on their businesses as having either a “low” or “medium” impact compared to 57% in spring 2020, when PHCC first began tracking trends during the pandemic. In addition, the number of people ranking impact as “medium high” to “high” has dropped to 9% from 43% in spring 2020.

“A year after COVID-19 hit, PHCC members indicate that they are cautiously optimistic that we are turning a corner toward better times ahead,” says PHCC President Hunter Botto. “Respondents also noted that their businesses have stabilized after several difficult months of disruption. They also see new business opportunities in the future, which is very good news for our industry.”

In fact, an annual environmental scan conducted by PHCC in January 2021 predicted an increased demand for home improvement spending; touchless products; upgraded and energy efficient equipment; smart technology; air and water filtration and purification; and IAQ markets, including UV and bipolar ionization.

While the overall outlook is positive, the plumbing and HVACR contractors responding to the sentiment survey cite several ongoing challenges, including maintaining a safe and fully operational staff; increased operating costs related to new safety requirements; addressing employee and customer health and safety concerns; customer delays on projects because of economic concerns; disruptions in the supply channel; and a fear of a potential recession.

Regarding manufacturers and suppliers’ responsiveness to supply chain issues, respondents noted many have been helpful by offering creative alternatives to products currently unavailable. There was an overall recognition that manufacturers and suppliers are also facing material cost increases and shortages, transportation challenges, workforce issues, etc. “They have been super helpful, but have had their own people issues, concerns and interruptions,” one contractor said.

Contractors indicate they have established many safety procedures to mitigate safety risks for employees and clients, including employee screening, social distancing, disinfection measures, increased communication about safety protocols and requirements for Personal Protective Equipment.

“As we look back on the last year, PHCC members – operating as essential businesses – illustrated time and time again that they are true professionals committed to keeping their employees, customers and communities healthy and safe,” Botto says. “As always, our members have shown they are extremely resilient in tough times.”

Another positive indicator is that – after recently completing its annual membership renewal process this spring – PHCC realized an increase in both renewing and new members.

“We are grateful for the loyalty demonstrated by our members throughout this crisis,” Botto says. “We are also excited to see growth in membership when business owners are assessing the ROI on every expenditure. Now more than ever, they can see the value of supporting and engaging with their association.”

To help navigate the many unexpected changes they faced, members relied on PHCC resources and videos via its COVID-19 Recovery Center, as well as monthly webinars, state and local support, advocacy, member discounts and access to Personal Protective Equipment.

Launched during Jobber Professional Development Day, Boost by Jobber will help launch, grow, and strengthen small home service businesses

Jobber, the leading provider of home service management software, today unveiled Boost by Jobber, a grant program to further support the hard-working entrepreneurs within the home services sector. Aspiring entrepreneurs, new business owners, and longtime home service entrepreneurs are invited to apply for free grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the category their business qualifies for. Twenty home service businesses across 50+ industries such as lawn care, plumbing, residential cleaning, and painting, will be awarded $100,000 in total. Applications are now open through May 5, 2021. Finalists will be announced in July 2021 with the list of winners announced in August 2021.

“Home service entrepreneurs impact their local communities and neighborhoods in meaningful ways,” said Sam Pillar, CEO & co-founder at Jobber. “They employ millions of people while operating behind-the-scenes to keep homes, offices, and other spaces safe and in good working order—yet, despite their important contributions, small businesses are largely underserved when it comes to business financing. Boost by Jobber helps address this gap by providing service business entrepreneurs with some extra working capital that may not otherwise be available through traditional banks and government grant programs.”

Royce Ard, who owns My Amazing Maid with his wife, Tamara, further validates this statement. “Typically when I see a grant, I’m almost always assuming it’s for a specific cohort and I wouldn’t qualify,” explained Ard. “Loans are very, very, very hard to get. As far as going to a bank and getting $10,000 for a small business like ours, you’re not going to get it.”

Boost by Jobber grants are organized into categories that reflect various stages of company growth, from ideas on paper to recently launched ventures to established businesses—as well as an additional category for COVID-19 support. Five winners will be selected from each of the following:

• Almost-entrepreneurs (pre-business): Those who have the drive to start and run a home service business, but need funds to get started.
• New business owners (0-3 years): Entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building their team, client list, and services.
• Experienced business owners (3+ years): Entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their mature business to the next growth stage.
• COVID-19 support: Entrepreneurs seeking financial support or resources for their team’s well-being.

Jobber spoke with dozens of service professionals to better understand the impact extra cash flow could have on a business, to create the grant categories, and to determine the dollar values assigned to each grant. Whether a company is looking to purchase new equipment, increase marketing dollars, launch a new service, train teams, or is in need of financial relief, funds from the Boost by Jobber program can make a big difference in helping small business owners be more successful.

“People don’t understand the value of the cash flow,” stated Steven Knight, Partner at Mosaic Home Services Ltd. “It’s not necessarily only helping the business. It’s helping the business owners. Their ability to lead people and calm down. Cash flow helps them be a better business leader.”

Boost by Jobber is one of many initiatives within Jobber’s home service ecosystem that is dedicated to supporting the home service entrepreneur, whether it’s through the company’s award-winning business management software, resources such as Jobber Academy, community building via the company’s Entrepreneurship Group on Facebook, and more.

To learn more about Boost by Jobber or to apply, visit: http://boostbyjobber.com.