Improve Operations With Must-Have HVAC Software It’s no secret that there is a shortage of skilled HVAC technicians in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15% more mechanic opportunities will appear between 2019 and 2029. This tremendous demand for technicians means there’s a challenge for business owners to overcome.
How do you find the right people to fill the vacant spots on your team? And what do you do in the meantime?
HVAC software makes it easy to schedule and manage your current appointments while you look for new technicians. Keep reading for the best HVAC tools contractors can use to improve operations, regardless of their staff size.
Contents
Gain Visibility Into Equipment Failures
As an HVAC business owner, you know that having your equipment fail at the wrong time is bad. It’s no fun when the air conditioning goes out during the summer or the heat pump fails during winter.
HVAC software offers clarity on your equipment’s status so you can take action before it’s too late. You’ll be able to schedule maintenance before the equipment fails, which saves you money on parts and repairs.
Monitor and Manage HVAC Assets in the Cloud
Gone are the days of hoarding hardware. Cloud computing offers the convenience of hosting services over the Internet.
And it’s not just for big tech companies like Google anymore. Lots of businesses are ditching their old-school storage files and hopping on the cloud because it’s more secure.
It’s also budget-friendly, so you don’t have to pay for expensive upgrades. Instead, you’re responsible for a flat monthly fee.
Communication
Thanks to mobile access on HVAC software solutions, all the important info is right at your technicians’ fingertips out in the field. With this nifty little tool, not only will repairpersons avoid errors, but they’ll have open contact with the office.
Bosses can even send data-packed text messages and email alerts. Your technicians can stay ahead of the game with reports of impending storms or parts that need to be replaced.
Invoicing
Many businesses spend too much time trying to keep track of their bills with pen & paper. Some online tools even result in lost revenue because of invoices being sent out late or incorrect amounts being charged. If you automate this process using a reliable HVAC solution, there will be fewer errors.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRM software is like a loyal and attentive assistant who never forgets a detail about your customers’ preferences and buying behaviors. This data allows you to tailor your marketing campaigns to better connect with your audience.
Speaking directly to your target market is the best way to engage them. Engagement leads to curious customers who want to learn more about what you’re selling.
Service Reports and Analytics
Without reports to examine your business’s performance, you won’t know if you’re making money or losing it. Analytics help you predict future sales and customer behavior, so you can make strategic decisions that will increase your revenue. For example, if you notice a dip in sales during winter months, you could advertise on more platforms when the temperature drops.
Forget guesswork and trial and error. You can use real-time data to plan and act confidently.
Service Scheduling and Dispatching
When you’re in the middle of a project, it’s hard to keep track of all your employees’ needs and availability, let alone their workloads. Field service software will ensure you never miss an appointment or leave a client hanging. It can also help keep employees happy by reducing their stress levels.
The best scheduling software will go beyond basic time management—it will account for service availability, weather, and traffic.
Asset Inventory Tracking and Management
This tool will help you keep track of every appliance, piece of equipment, and building in your fleet. When an HVAC system crashes, you’ll know exactly where the broken equipment is. This way, you’ll avoid wasted time and unnecessary fuel expenses. There might even be a feature for finding replacement parts.
Service Management
With service management functions, you can schedule technicians more efficiently. Tracking their work progress is also easier.
If someone slacks off, you’ll know. Special features are available for you to send reminders to technicians who haven’t completed their field service operations.
Contract Agreements
You wouldn’t want customers to slip away from paying for your precious services, would you? This feature guarantees that won’t happen! HVAC software will let you create binding contracts with your customers.
Consider throwing some late fees and penalties into the mix for those clients who can’t seem to pay on time. You can even set up automatic payments, so they don’t forget to settle their bill.
Integration With Accounting Software
Accounting software from companies like Intuit, Inc. can be linked to HVAC management programs. Your team won’t have to learn new systems, and you won’t have to worry about double-bookkeeping. You’ll have full control over your finances from one location, which saves time and money.
Get Better HVAC Software
To improve your HVAC operations, pick software that lets you get all your work done. You should be able to track time and expenses, manage projects, and even send out invoices.
Your chosen HVAC software should be simple enough that your team shouldn’t have to spend weeks learning how to use it or constantly search for answers on Google. The best programs are intuitive. Use our apps section for buying guides and tips on picking business applications.