The HVAC world is faced with a multitude of challenges every day. As HVAC business owners and techs, your job is to keep customers safe and comfortable. With that responsibility comes situations that can make or break you. Luckily solutions to the top obstacles like lack of proper equipment, new competition, and safety are attainable
THE CHALLENGE
A big challenge for light commercial HVAC techs is that many cooling and heating systems are near water-sensitive equipment. Places like food and grocery, healthcare, small offices, and others are filled with expensive gear. So cleaning them can be a challenge.
THE SOLUTION
So when HVAC systems, like Mini-Splits, including coils, are dirty, they work harder and can produce contaminated air. This leads to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Since the primary goal of an HVAC system is safe, clean heat exchange, the cleaning, and sanitation of the coils is a priority when it comes to commercial HVAC maintenance. May conventional methods for cleaning use a lot of water, and chemicals that may not be friendly to commercial environments. So what are your choices then? The solution is dry steam. Dry steam cleaners can clean HVAC systems quickly and use natural heat to kill odor-causing bacteria. Dry steam is superheated, and contains much less water than regular steam but still powers through grease, oils, dirt, and bacteria. What is the result of steam cleaning? Increased airflow, better IAQ, clean heat exchange, and safety.
THE CHALLENGE
With hot summers and chilly winters, HVAC is here to stay. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth rate of 13 percent over the next 10 years, that’s about 46,000 predicted jobs that will be added to the HVAC industry. With this growth, some challenges may arise. The challenge – how to beat the competition?
THE SOLUTION
Stay educated. You could be fresh out of trade school or on the job 25 years – there is always more to learn. Yes everyone is looking for the best deal – but you know what beats a good deal? Someone who can come get the job done right the first time. A well-educated HVAC tech will be able to convey the confidence that a potential customer is looking for. Especially when dealing with light commercial businesses that do not have time to play around. Do yourself a favor. Keep on learning.
Helpful Resources
Check out HVACR School for awesome – and free content! Plus brands like SpeedClean offer NATE-certified training.
THE CHALLENGE
HVAC techs have always faced many dangers throughout the workday. Ladders, electrical hazards, chemical exposure, respiratory hazards, just to name a few. But one challenge not often talked about – keeping safe behind the wheel.
THE SOLUTION
We have all been there – a job took longer than initially intended and now you have to make it to the next job. Driving is an unavoidable part of the job. No amount of PPE or following every precautionary step will save you from the craze which is the road. Things happen, that is why you make sure every tool is securely placed in the back. No one wants to stop short and have a wrench come flying at their head. The best solution to stay safe on the road is to make sure vans are equipped with a hands-free setup for easy communication with dispatch.
Helpful Resources
Read up on OSHA’s Motor Vehicle Guide
