How to Become an Air Conditioning Specialist

Running a franchise is an exciting and profitable way to become your own boss and run your own business at a far lower level of risk. If you’re looking to invest in a sector that’s currently enjoying growth and rising demand, why not consider becoming an air conditioning specialist? Here’s what you need to know.

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8.4 million air conditioning units were sold across Europe in 2018, an increase of 11% from 2017 [Wired]. This path of growth has only continued in the intervening years, and right now, it’s a great time to think about starting an air conditioning franchise and positioning yourself in a thriving sub-sector of the construction industry. This article will explain exactly what air conditioning specialists do, and show you how you can become one.

What does an air conditioning specialist do?

An air conditioning specialist is responsible for designing and installing AC systems, as well as running quality checks and sourcing and fixing any issues. As summers get hotter in the UK, many people across the country have realised how ill-prepared they are for heatwave conditions, as unlike in America, very few UK homes and buildings have air conditioning.

These same people are rushing to air conditioning franchises and specialists to solve this issue and install AC, especially in highly trafficked commercial locations. There are many advantages to installing AC, including the fact that it prevents people and electronics from overheating, and the fact that it’s been proven to boost productivity. As a franchisee with an air conditioning company, you’d enjoy all of the following advantages:

• A chance to work in a dynamic role, interacting with customers regularly
• The opportunity to enjoy steady work and rising demand
• The ability to turn to your franchisor for support whenever it’s needed
• The expansive room for growth and business development down the line

How to become an HVAC specialist

If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC specialist, you should start by doing your research. Franchising is an exciting prospect, and it’s easy to get carried away and rush into an investment, but franchising is also a big commitment, and it requires you to do your due diligence at every step along the way, ensuring you’re always making the right choice. You should research:

1. The suitability of your transferable skills and abilities

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Qualifications might not be required by all of the franchise networks that interest you, but even if you don’t need industry experience, you will need certain transferable skills and baseline abilities to succeed as an HVAC specialist. Skills and abilities like the following:

• Technical and practical ability
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving and initiative
• Patience
• Determination
• Computer literacy
• Customer service

2. Relevant and potentially necessary qualifications

Oppositely, some franchise opportunities will require a qualification, or you might simply like to achieve one anyway, ahead of investing, to make sure you feel 100% comfortable and ready to build a business in the air conditioning industry. Here are some relevant qualifications to look into:

• A Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering
• A Level 3 Diploma in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
• A T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

3. The industry and the daily work of an air conditioning specialist

An understanding of the industry and the work you’ll undertake would be helpful for you to have ahead of investing and signing a legally binding franchise agreement. Know what the industry looks like, and what trends are currently shaping it, and you’ll then be able to figure out where you fit in and what you’d like to do.

Ask yourself what you’d like your daily work to consist of. Do you want to survey sites? Or plan and design layouts? Would you enjoy installing and maintaining components with your own two hands, or would you prefer a more managerial opportunity that would allow you to look after a team of engineers on a macro level, while you handle incoming customer enquiries and coordinate the franchise?

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Franchise opportunities in the air conditioning industry

If you’re more ready than ever to get stuck in now you know what your first steps should be, here are just a couple of air conditioning franchise investment options to jumpstart your research process...

1. Envirovent

Envirovent was established in 1997 by Frank Farmer. The air conditioning franchise manufactures and supplies energy-efficient and sustainable ventilation products. Since its inception, Envirovent has grown at a substantial rate, forming partnerships with various organisations in the industry.

• Becoming an Envirovent franchisee: No previous experience is required to become an Envirovent franchisee, but the business is looking for partners with the drive to manage and run their own ventilation franchise. Ideally, an Envirovent franchisee would also possess a good sense of business judgement, solid communication skills, the ability to maintain a client base, and a great passion for sales.
• How much you need to invest: To franchise with this air conditioning business, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £19,950. After two years as an Envirovent franchisee, your revenue is expected to be around £100,000.
• What you get for your investment: In return for your investment with the franchise, you’ll be entitled to a comprehensive training programme, an exclusive operational territory, product samples and demonstration units, top-of-the-line products, bespoke web-based software and support with marketing and sales.

2. Pirtek

Pirtek, founded by Peter Duncan, began its life in Australia. Peter turned his garage into a successful, thriving franchise, and by the 80s, the first Pirtek franchise had been successfully established in the UK. Now, Pirtek is a recognised industry leader when it comes to the provision of emergency hydraulic services.

• Becoming a Pirtek franchisee: While no specific experience or qualification is required to open a Pirktek franchise, you’ll need to be able to take on a leadership role, managing a team of technician engineers. You’ll also need a passion for what you do, and the ability to provide excellent services with commitment and enthusiasm, always following the proven methods set out by Pirtek.
• How much you need to invest: To become a Pirtek franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of £70,000, reaching £100,000 for larger operators.
• What you get for your investment: In return for your investment with the air conditioning franchise, you’ll be provided with extensive training via a programme that takes place over two to four weeks. This programme will focus on administration and staff training and recruitment.

Start running your own air conditioning business today

If this article has shown you you’re on the right path, it’s time to get the ball rolling. Check out three of the UK’s top air conditioning franchises, and browse available AC investment opportunities. If you’d like to continue your research and look more deeply at the whole construction industry, stay on Point Franchise. Discover the latest tech trends innovating construction, or six top tips for running a construction franchise.