Everyone makes mistakes, right? It’s a natural part of life; when you mess up, you learn from it. Unfortunately, when you’re a professional, making mistakes in a specific job can be costly for a business or client.
Being an HVAC contractor is a job where you’re not really allowed to make mistakes. Doing so can harm your reputation and put customers at risk. HVAC contractors are human, so the odd mistake will occur. But before your next callout, you should avoid these five common HVAC mistakes contractors make.
- Ignoring Air Flow
One of the telltale signs that there’s something wrong with a client’s system is the airflow. Not many contractors will look into the issue because service calls are usually about something more serious. However, airflow is significant for the functionality of an HVAC system.
Uneven airflow can stem from several issues, such as:
- Clogged air filters
- Incorrect unit sizing
- Blocked air ducts
- Poor duct installation
If a client tells you the airflow in their property has changed recently, check the above areas to weed out any issues. Once you diagnose the problem, repair the components as necessary.
- Neglecting a System’s Performance
On average, an HVAC system has a lifespan of 10 – 15 years. Anything longer and a client will find themselves with an inefficient system. If you see the system has a lot of wear and tear, providing minor repairs may lead to more issues in the long run. Customers will let you know what’s wrong with their unit, and it’s your job to find the best solution.
Instead, advise the customer on the best HVAC solution. They may not want to spend the extra money replacing a part or the entire system. But it’s your job to ensure the unit meets industry standards; customers avoid health issues and are satisfied with their unit’s performance.
- Forgetting the “V” in HVAC
As you know, HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Most service calls will focus on the heating and AC. After all, those options are used most frequently throughout the year. But as a contractor, you should pay attention to ventilation because it’s equally essential to the system’s functionality. Forgetting ventilation is one of the most common mistakes HVAC contractors make.
As mentioned above, an HVAC system needs proper airflow to meet heating and cooling demands. But it’s more than making sure air moves throughout the property freely. Good ventilation also promotes better indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the area. So, on your next call, check to see if any ventilation spaces are obstructed and provide proper maintenance.
- Forgetting Combustion Safety
Sometimes, you’ll get the odd call about carbon monoxide, a lethal gas. Most contractors will check the alarm batteries or the furnace for cracks. If there are no visible issues, many will call it a false alarm and go about their day.
However, sometimes, it may not be a false alarm. Some combustible appliances can cause a backdraft of carbon monoxide in specific spaces. That can be a potentially dangerous situation for any property owner. As the contractor, it’s up to you to test for toxic gases to ensure the environment is safe for the occupants. Avoiding this step can be a dangerous and costly mistake a contractor can make.
- Being the Lowest Bidder
We get it; you’re trying to make a living. And the best way to do that is to show you have the most affordable prices. However, this is one of the most common mistakes HVAC contractors make. While it may provide short-term gain, you’ll start seeing adverse compounded effects in the future. How? It’s because you’re cutting costs elsewhere.
Setting your prices below the market average will affect your ability to complete service calls effectively. You’ll be using substandard equipment each time. Furthermore, the inefficiency and lack of planning can put your reputation at risk. Yes, running an HVAC business can be challenging. But instead of shortchanging yourself, optimize your business with the help of the Motili contractor app.
Rather than spending large sums on marketing campaigns, signing up as a Motili contractor will make it easier for you to land jobs. The app is a central point for HVAC contractors to answer service calls. Anytime a job becomes available, you’ll have the ability to accept it from within the app. You’ll no longer have to compete with others for jobs. Plus, with over 90,000 service calls each year, plenty of work opportunities exist.
