Do you get along with most people? Enjoy fixing things around the house? If so, then becoming an HVAC or HVACR technician may be the right career for you. An HVACR technician must be good with their hands, a problem solver, someone that pays attention to detail and must be a good communicator. Why? As an HVACR technician, you will deal with the public. Whether it is a residential customer or construction supervisor, working in HVAC, now widely known as HVACR, 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 HVACR Industry?
Customers are the life blood of any HVACR business. Before you can make any money or work on an HVACR 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 HVACR 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 HVACR systems. Next time your customer needs maintenance or repair on their HVACR 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 HVACR 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 HVACR customers.
Communication
When you are not working on an HVACR system, you will spend the rest of your time talking with customers, coworkers, supervisors or vendors. When you are not fixing an HVACR system, you are talking with someone about an HVACR 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 HVACR 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 HVACR 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 HVACR system. It is important to be methodical and not miss anything that can make the HVACR 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 HVACR 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 Angi. Everyone gets to see it, and it is a reflection of your work for future customers.
Respect
A customer will respond to a respectful HVACR 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 HVACR services. If they like you enough, they may even give you a positive review.
Final Thoughts
Whether you work for an HVACR system or open up your own shop, customer service is key to customer retention. With customers, you will have cashflow, 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 HVACR customers.
Does a career as an HVACR technician interest you? Our HVACR Technician program in Canton, Michigan, is nine months in length for full time students, assuming there are no interruption in training.* 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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