3 Opportunities HVAC Businesses Can Carry into 2021

The last 12 months have been a transformative time. Aspects of our everyday lives have shifted and changed, but through it all, the HVAC industry, including Rheem Pros across the country, have stayed part of the frontlines.

For HVAC businesses, adapting to challenges and reimagining essential parts of your business model—such as training, safety, marketing, service plans and much more—have been crucial for continuing operations and moving forward in today’s climate. And while a lot of us were eager to close the book on 2020, many of the newly implemented business practices and learnings allow for continued growth and opportunities in the coming years ahead.

As we jump into the new year, we compiled a list of essential moves HVAC businesses had to make this past year that will continue and likely become the new industry norm, from new technician training opportunities, how we communicate with customers, growing and fostering the right partnerships and more.

1. Remote Appointments and Trainings

When the pandemic hit, industries and businesses around the globe largely shifted to remote work. For the HVAC industry, shifting to 100% remote wasn’t entirely possible, but businesses did find ways to successfully implement it in effective ways:

Virtual Consultations: For the health and safety of technicians and customers, virtual consultations via Zoom, live chat, photo sharing and even more in-depth intake calls helped limit in-person exposure. As social distancing begins to lift in 2021, this practice of connecting virtually first will most likely continue as it helps contractors get a sense of the customer’s situation before coming onsite, better preparing the onsite technician with tools, parts, products or specific issue troubleshooting before knocking on the door.

Remote, Online and On-Demand Trainings: Your knowledge, expertise and trust with customers is your greatest asset in this business, and continuing education and certifications are key to staying on top. To help supplement the inability to effectively conduct in-person trainings, many Rheem contractors and technicians used online and remote training options more than ever. Our own Rheem trainings have changed to better meet contractors and technicians needs, with remote testing options, live and online proctoring and flexible modules via our Rheem Academy. Other HVACR organizations like North American Technician Excellence (NATE) have also transitioned to more virtual options by offering live online proctoring for their exams.

2. Social Media Marketing

Now more than ever people are turning to digital communications, whether it’s for acquiring services, checking a business’s hours of operation, seeking out a direct message touchpoint with a company or provider, getting the latest news and information, maintaining social connections or something else. In fact, according to Business Insider, The Harris Poll found that between 46% and 51% of adults in the U.S. were using social media more than ever since the COVID-19 outbreak began.

If you expanded or kickstarted your company’s social media presence in 2020—keep it up in the new year. The need for digital connection will continue to grow, and the benefits of an increased online presence are priceless: you’re staying top of mind among your current customers, increasing awareness of your business with potential customers, providing better customer service and increasing overall revenue.

If you are a Rheem Pro Partner, then your social presence is a top priority for us too. Our Pro Partners benefit from monthly social content development and publishing assistance to help drive their business, raise awareness within their own customer base and social community. Our marketing support for Pro Partners ensures they have timely, valued social posts that align with the needs of their own business and customer needs.

3. Build Your Small Business Community

If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that your community counts. For small businesses, your community is made up of your employees, customers and partners, and together you’ve pivoted to make necessary changes that have kept your business going in 2020.

But just as 2020 has proven, the future is unknown, and as you continue to grow your business in 2021 and beyond it’s important to foster the community you’ve built. Continue being flexible and prioritizing your customers and employees, and work with partners that ensure you always have the product, support and resources you need to better your business.

As you look to grow your small business in 2021, get the tools and resources you need—from online and in-person training opportunities to marketing assistance and more. Join our team and become a Rheem Pro today.