The most challenging time for HVAC contractors comes during extreme weather conditions, when demand is at its peak and every unanswered call translates to lost revenue. The truth is brutal: whenever you are fixing an air conditioner in July heat or an emergency heating repair in January cold for one customer, three other potential customers may be calling your competitor. The opportunity (and pressure) of peak seasons can break or make your business year.
If you miss calls during these peak periods, it can result in lost customers who require urgent resolutions and are not going to wait. And those lost sales can mean thousands of dollars in lost revenue- and goodwill. This is where the answering service from Signpost comes in. Let us learn more about it in detail below.
Peak Season For Contractors: What Is It?
HVAC contractors are busiest when the weather is most extreme, and peak season is generally whenever heating or cooling systems need to work the most. During the warm summer months from June to August, demand for air conditioning repairs and installations is at its peak. From December to February, things ramp up again as heating systems break down, and emergency fixes are imperative.
These seasons yield ideal storms of soaring demand and system breakdown. Stress the dependability of older units, prompt new installations, and multiply maintenance calls. With high outside temperatures, HVAC systems are pushed beyond the norm and will likely break down, resulting in emergency service calls that need immediate attention from professional contractors.
Why HVAC Contractors Cannot Miss a Single Call in Peak Season
Missed calls during rush season translate into top-line losses and long-standing customer conversions. When they reach an answering machine, 80% of callers will not leave a message. This behaviour becomes more pronounced during emergencies, however, when quick solutions are needed.
High-value services, Peak season calls, Emergency repairs, system replacements, and urgent installations are generally considered to be more lucrative than regular maintenance. Just one failed emergency contact can cost you a position worth between $3,000 and $8,000. Lower acquisition costs mean more of their customers will come back for ongoing maintenance and future upgrades.
How An Answering Service Can Help
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24/7 Availability Coverage
They never miss your calls, even during nights, weekends, and holidays when HVAC emergencies often happen, thanks to professional answering services. Your customers are always greeted by a live person who quickly evaluates what they need and books them for the correct service call.
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Emergency Call Prioritization
Skilled agents can differentiate between regular service requests and an actual emergency, ensuring your most urgent issues are prioritized and addressed immediately while also effectively scheduling your day during peak periods.
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Professional Customer Experience
All of your callers receive the same professional service, thus giving your business a good image. Operators follow your exact protocol while they deliver basic service and pricing information and gather detailed consumer insights and preferences information.
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Appointment Scheduling Integration
Today, answering services integrate with scheduling software so that operators can book appointments straight into your calendar system. It prevents overbooking and ensures that your technicians have an organized route.
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Lead Qualification and Filtering
Operators can qualify leads by asking questions about the type of equipment, service needed, and urgency. This ensures proper call prioritization and that your technician arrives prepared with the right tools and parts.
Get the Right Service!
Seek providers that are versed in home services, HVAC jargon, and emergencies. The service should be integrated with your existing systems, and extensive call reports should be provided.
Sign Post Services offers HVAC contractors complete lead capture with experienced, industry-trained operators who know the ins and outs of heating and cooling emergencies. They are available 24/7, guaranteeing your business is connected with customers at their desired time. At busy times of the year, outsourcing call handling can turn missed opportunities into long-term profitable relationships, keeping your business healthy all year round.
