The Importance of Customer Service in HVAC

Do you get along with most people? Enjoy fixing things around the house? If so, then becoming an HVAC technician may be the right career for you. An HVAC technician must be good with their hands, a problem solver, someone that pays attention to detail, and they must also be good communicators. Why? As an HVAC technician, you will deal with the public. Whether it is a residential customer or construction supervisor, working in HVAC demands good communication and customer service.

What is Customer Service?

Customer service is the experience that a customer has when purchasing a product or using a service. Good customer service allows the customer to get what they ask for in a timely manner and at a price that is expected. Good customer service will create loyal customers and help build a clientele through positive experiences.

Why is Customer Service Important in the HVAC Industry?

Customers are the life blood of any HVAC business. Before you can make any money or work on an HVAC system, you will need to get customers. Good customer service is infectious. Happy customers will leave positive reviews on Yelp, and they will tell their friends when they need a referral. Whether you work for an HVAC business or you go out on your own, having happy customers is important to creating a loyal clientele. You want to be the go-to for HVAC systems. Next time your customer needs maintenance or repair on their HVAC system, they should know exactly who to call.

What are Elements of Good Customer Service?

Certain skills and qualities come together to help you offer good customer service. Some of the skills include communication, active listening, and patience. The qualities of an HVAC technician that help you offer good customer service include honesty and respect. With these elements, you can offer your customers good service and create loyal HVAC customers.

Communication

When you are not working on an HVAC system, you will spend the rest of your time talking with customers, coworkers, supervisors, or vendors. When you are not fixing an HVAC system, you are talking with someone about an HVAC system. Offering quality communication helps reduce any misunderstandings and creates a positive experience for customers.

You will also need good written communication skills as an HVAC technician. After monitoring, maintaining, or repairing a heating, air conditioning, or ventilation system, you will need to write up a report and convey the work completely to the customer. The ability to write concisely and clearly helps you communicate with your customers.

Active Listening

If you listen to your customers, you will know exactly what they need. Good customer service involves active listening to hear what they are saying and understand what they need. Also, make sure you clarify what they are saying if something does not make sense.

Patience

Many customers will not know anything about HVAC or how it works. Customers can be unhappy if their air conditioning is not working in the middle of summer. The ability to stay patient with a customer and answer all their questions will put them at ease.

You will also need patience when working with an HVAC system. It is important to be methodical and not miss anything that can make the HVAC system malfunction. You don’t want your customer’s heating or air condition to stop working when they need it the most.

Honesty

When helping a customer, make sure to offer them an estimate of what the work will cost. Whether it is labor, parts, or other expenses, it is important to be honest about the cost of the HVAC work. You may make an extra buck by charging a customer too much; however, they will leave a review or tell a friend about a poor experience, and you will lose future business. Nothing is worse than a negative comment on Yelp or Angie’s List. Everyone gets to see it, and it is a reflection of your work for future customers.

Respect

A customer will respond to a respectful HVAC technician. When entering someone’s home, make sure to wear the proper coverings to not track dirt and grime on their carpet. Always clean up after you are done, and put it back to its original condition. Showing respect to your customers will allow them to create a positive attitude toward you and your HVAC services. If they like you enough, they may even give you a positive review.

Final Thoughts

Whether you work for an HVAC system or open up your own shop, customer service is key to customer retention. With customers, you will have the cashflow needed to be successful, so treat your customers right. You never know when they will meet someone that needs your services. A positive experience, honesty, and respect will help you build a loyal army of HVAC customers.

Does a career as an HVAC Technician interest you? The HVACR Technician Program at MIAT is 9 months in length for full time students, assuming no interruption in training, and is offered at both the Michigan and Texas campuses. The training allows students to focus on their chosen field, graduating faster than it takes to earn a traditional 2 or 4-year college degree or complete a 3 to 5-year apprenticeship. To learn more about HVACR Technician career training and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page.

Contact us if you are interested in becoming an HVACR technician today!

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