The Future of HVAC Sales: Embracing E-Commerce
By: Will Housh
In today’s fast-paced world, consumer purchasing habits have changed significantly. People expect seamless, digital-first experiences—even when it comes to HVAC systems. E-commerce provides HVAC contractors with a way to meet these expectations, offering practical tools to improve customer engagement and business growth.
This blog highlights key insights from a recent webinar by Contractor Commerce, showing why integrating e-commerce into your business is more important than ever.
The Shift to E-Commerce in HVAC
Consumers are increasingly looking for convenience and transparency in their purchasing experiences. A recent study revealed:
- 71% of consumers prefer working with contractors who provide online pricing.
- Yet, only 31% of contractors currently offer this capability.
This gap represents a significant opportunity for contractors to differentiate themselves by embracing e-commerce. By integrating digital solutions, contractors can:
- Guide customers further into the buying journey online.
- Build trust through transparent pricing.
- Compete effectively against lead aggregators and direct sellers.
Search Trends Highlight the Demand for Pricing Transparency
Search data underscores a growing interest in pricing information. Google reports a 40% increase in searches for HVAC-related terms since 2021, with approximately 1.7 million monthly searches for non-branded HVAC terms such as:
- “Furnace installation cost [City]”
- “Best HVAC company near me”
More importantly, price-related searches are now as common as proximity-based searches. Customers want clarity and confidence in their purchasing decisions, and contractors who provide detailed pricing information are more likely to attract and retain leads.
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The Lennox Dealer Locator Update
A noteworthy example of innovation in HVAC e-commerce is the recent update to the Lennox Dealer Locator. Lennox has added e-commerce features that enable contractors to:
- Offer Instant Estimates and Filter Sales: Customers can access these features directly from the Lennox.com Dealer Locator.
- Drive Traffic to Dealer Websites: Unlike other manufacturers, Lennox ensures that customers are directed to the dealer’s own website, giving contractors control of the customer relationship.
This update demonstrates how manufacturers and contractors can work together to create a better customer experience.
The Benefits of E-Commerce for HVAC Contractors
E-commerce empowers contractors to meet customer expectations while improving business efficiency. Key benefits include:
- Increased Visibility: Offering online pricing and easy purchasing options keeps your business at the forefront of customer searches.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Digital tools streamline the lead capture process, turning more inquiries into actual sales.
- Recurring Revenue: Subscription-based services, like filter sales, provide a steady income stream and keep your brand top-of-mind for customers.
Real-World Success Stories
Contractor Commerce’s platform has delivered measurable results for HVAC businesses:
- Peterman Brothers (Indiana): Their filter subscription service maintains customer loyalty while generating consistent revenue.
- McAfee Heating (Dayton, Ohio): Over 2,500 filter subscriptions and 10,000 filters sold in 18 months, saving significant time on fulfillment.
- GSM Services (Gastonia, NC): In one year, GSM’s e-commerce platform generated over 1,600 leads, resulting in $5.1 million in sales.
These examples, combined with trends in online searches and Lennox’s Dealer Locator updates, show how e-commerce can drive meaningful growth for HVAC contractors.
Steps to Get Started with E-Commerce
If you’re ready to integrate e-commerce into your business, here are some actionable steps:
- Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your website is user-friendly on mobile devices, as 70% of e-commerce activity occurs on mobile.
- Promote Instant Estimates: Add clear calls-to-action on your website and marketing materials.
- Respond Quickly: Be prepared to follow up with leads, even after hours or on weekends.
- Nurture Leads: Maintain contact with prospective customers over time to stay top-of-mind when they’re ready to buy.
- Integrate Across Pages: Include e-commerce functionality on every relevant page of your website.
Why Choose Contractor Commerce?
Contractor Commerce specializes in helping HVAC contractors implement e-commerce solutions tailored to their needs. From filter sales to system quotes, their platform simplifies the process for both contractors and customers, ensuring a seamless experience.
The Lennox Dealer Locator’s integration is a prime example of how Contractor Commerce enables contractors to stand out, making it easier for customers to connect and take the next step in the buying journey.
Take the Next Step
E-commerce isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of HVAC sales. If you’re ready to modernize your business and reach more customers, Contractor Commerce is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation. Let’s build a better customer experience together.
Is It Time to Bring Ecommerce to Your Service Business?
By: Will Housh
In today’s fast-paced world, consumer purchasing habits have changed significantly. People expect seamless, digital-first experiences—even when it comes to HVAC systems. E-commerce provides HVAC contractors with a way to meet these expectations, offering practical tools to improve customer engagement and business growth.
This blog highlights key insights from a recent webinar by Contractor Commerce, showing why integrating e-commerce into your business is more important than ever.
The Shift to E-Commerce in HVAC
Consumers are increasingly looking for convenience and transparency in their purchasing experiences. A recent study revealed:
- 71% of consumers prefer working with contractors who provide online pricing.
- Yet, only 31% of contractors currently offer this capability.
This gap represents a significant opportunity for contractors to differentiate themselves by embracing e-commerce. By integrating digital solutions, contractors can:
- Guide customers further into the buying journey online.
- Build trust through transparent pricing.
- Compete effectively against lead aggregators and direct sellers.
Search Trends Highlight the Demand for Pricing Transparency
Search data underscores a growing interest in pricing information. Google reports a 40% increase in searches for HVAC-related terms since 2021, with approximately 1.7 million monthly searches for non-branded HVAC terms such as:
- “Furnace installation cost [City]”
- “Best HVAC company near me”
More importantly, price-related searches are now as common as proximity-based searches. Customers want clarity and confidence in their purchasing decisions, and contractors who provide detailed pricing information are more likely to attract and retain leads.
The Lennox Dealer Locator Update
A noteworthy example of innovation in HVAC e-commerce is the recent update to the Lennox Dealer Locator. Lennox has added e-commerce features that enable contractors to:
- Offer Instant Estimates and Filter Sales: Customers can access these features directly from the Lennox.com Dealer Locator.
- Drive Traffic to Dealer Websites: Unlike other manufacturers, Lennox ensures that customers are directed to the dealer’s own website, giving contractors control of the customer relationship.
This update demonstrates how manufacturers and contractors can work together to create a better customer experience.
The Benefits of E-Commerce for HVAC Contractors
E-commerce empowers contractors to meet customer expectations while improving business efficiency. Key benefits include:
- Increased Visibility: Offering online pricing and easy purchasing options keeps your business at the forefront of customer searches.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Digital tools streamline the lead capture process, turning more inquiries into actual sales.
- Recurring Revenue: Subscription-based services, like filter sales, provide a steady income stream and keep your brand top-of-mind for customers.
Real-World Success Stories
Contractor Commerce’s platform has delivered measurable results for HVAC businesses:
- Peterman Brothers (Indiana): Their filter subscription service maintains customer loyalty while generating consistent revenue.
- McAfee Heating (Dayton, Ohio): Over 2,500 filter subscriptions and 10,000 filters sold in 18 months, saving significant time on fulfillment.
- GSM Services (Gastonia, NC): In one year, GSM’s e-commerce platform generated over 1,600 leads, resulting in $5.1 million in sales.
These examples, combined with trends in online searches and Lennox’s Dealer Locator updates, show how e-commerce can drive meaningful growth for HVAC contractors.
Steps to Get Started with E-Commerce
If you’re ready to integrate e-commerce into your business, here are some actionable steps:
- Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your website is user-friendly on mobile devices, as 70% of e-commerce activity occurs on mobile.
- Promote Instant Estimates: Add clear calls-to-action on your website and marketing materials.
- Respond Quickly: Be prepared to follow up with leads, even after hours or on weekends.
- Nurture Leads: Maintain contact with prospective customers over time to stay top-of-mind when they’re ready to buy.
- Integrate Across Pages: Include e-commerce functionality on every relevant page of your website.
Why Choose Contractor Commerce?
Contractor Commerce specializes in helping HVAC contractors implement e-commerce solutions tailored to their needs. From filter sales to system quotes, their platform simplifies the process for both contractors and customers, ensuring a seamless experience.
The Lennox Dealer Locator’s integration is a prime example of how Contractor Commerce enables contractors to stand out, making it easier for customers to connect and take the next step in the buying journey.
Take the Next Step
E-commerce isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of HVAC sales. If you’re ready to modernize your business and reach more customers, Contractor Commerce is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation. Let’s build a better customer experience together.
TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF CONTRACTORS
“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air ConditioningIndustry-Leading Contractors Use Contractor Commerce
“The fact is, consumers would rather shop online than in person. If you don’t build an e-commerce presence, you won’t have the opportunity. Now is the time.”
Lou Hobaica, Hobaica Services“It was scary-easy to get set up. It’s plug and play. I drive people to the site, and I collect on the backend. Contractor Commerce takes the order, processes the order, and ships it…any HVAC company would be crazy not to start an online store with Contractor Commerce.”
Bob Reilly, Courtney's Heating & Cooling“Working with the Contractor Commerce team is simple. It’s great. They’re understanding, and they will do anything possible in their power to accommodate your needs. It’s an added service for us…it’s good for our customers”
Jeremy Shellabarger, Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning“Having our website store powered by Contractor Commerce gives us a unique competitive advantage in our market. Our friends in the industry look at our website and say, ‘Wow! That’s super cool. I don’t know why my company isn’t doing this.”
Lizeth Melisa, Comfort Pro“Having an online store from Contractor Commerce is great for our customers! It is convenient and easy for customers to order filters. It saves time when they can go right to the website, place their order and have the filter delivered within a couple of days. Plus, the Contractor Commerce team is great to work with. They are very responsive and helpful and I know they really care about my success!”
Karen B, Liberty Comfort Systems“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air Conditioning