There are hundreds of HVAC online communities that you can join. If you join these groups, you get access to the expertise of the members, who can help you solve some of your most difficult problems (**spoiler – sometimes its as simple as using HVAC software). Here are some specific online groups you should consider joining.
Being an HVAC professional isn’t an easy job. In addition to the day-to-day challenges of running your business, you may at times run into problems or situations that you’ve never encountered before. In these moments, you need the support and expertise of other HVAC professionals.
But where do you find that support and expertise?
Why you should be a part of an online HVAC group
One simple, yet effective place to look is in online HVAC communities. In these communities, you can find thousands of experienced, passionate HVAC professionals who are eager to help you in whatever way they can.
In this post, we’re going to lay out the benefits of being part of these online communities, how to participate in them, and where you can find them.
Joining an online HVAC community can improve your business
You may be thinking,
I don’t have time to be part of HVAC online communities!
I’ve got a business to run.
And while that’s certainly an understandable sentiment, being a part of online HVAC communities offer some significant benefits. Here are four big benefits that come with joining online HVAC communities.
Get help with problems
Sometimes you run into a sticky problem that you’re just not sure how to solve. Maybe it’s something you’ve never seen before or involves a piece of equipment that was just released. Or maybe you need to replace an old piece of equipment.
Whatever the case, you may find yourself in a situation where you simply don’t know what to do.
During these times, having the support and insights of other HVAC experts can be tremendously valuable. They can help troubleshoot problems, examine photos you supply, and provide expertise that you may not have. With the help of other HVAC professionals, you may be able to solve a problem much faster than you would have otherwise.
Find mentors
When you’re first starting out in the HVAC business, having a mentor (or group of mentors) can be tremendously helpful. Online HVAC communities can serve as that group of mentors.
They can answer your questions, provide you with sound business advice, and guide you if you run into sticky situations. After all, many of the members of these online communities have been in business for years. They have significant experience and by being a part of these communities you can take advantage of that experience.
Provide support for other HVAC pros
Being an entrepreneur is challenging, and there are times when you simply need the support of other entrepreneurs. Maybe you’re going through a lean time or struggling to generate leads. Maybe you had to let a key employee go. Or maybe you’re just worn down from the constant work.
In those moments, you need friends who can both relate to you and cheer you on. You need the encouragement and advice of those who have been in the same position you’re in and have made it to the other side.
Online HVAC communities are a great place to find that kind of support. If you’re having a down moment or just need someone to give you clap on the back, an online community can provide just that.
Find new employees
Finding reliable, trustworthy employees can be especially challenging. Members of an online community can provide recommendations when you’re searching for that perfect employee.
If you’re sorting through a pile of resumes and aren’t sure which person to choose, soliciting the advice of the group can be a great way to narrow the selection process. The members of the group can also give you advice on what sorts of things to watch out for when hiring a new employee.
Get involved in online communites
Now that you know why online communities can be so beneficial, let’s talk about some of the best ways to get involved in said communities.
Leave comments on blogs
HVAC industry blogs can be a helpful place to find advice, get inspiration, and connect with other like-minded business owners. Commenting regularly on these blogs allows you to connect with both the writers and other people in your industry.
Some popular blogs to consider following and commenting on are:
ACHR News: This blog is geared toward HVAC professionals who are interested more in a high-level analysis of the industry rather than nitty-gritty details. It’s a good place to examine HVAC industry trends.
Builder Online Blog: This site looks at all aspects of construction and real estate development. Their HVAC section looks at new HVAC technology that is coming to market, as well as climate quality concerns.
Contracting Business HVAC Blog: With Contracting Business being a leading publication in the home services industry, their online HVAC section is a wonderful resource for anyone in the business. They feature everything from new products to analysis of new technologies, as well as companies that are making an impact.
National Air Warehouse Blog: The National Air Warehouse blog writes about high-level, in-depth HVAC topics in a way that is easily understandable for everyone from HVAC professionals to homeowners trying to learn more.
HVAC.com: As a third-generation HVAC professional, Will Housh wanted to turn his business’s website into one of the leading online HVAC resources. The site offers content, directories, and videos that are directed toward homeowners with heating or air conditioning questions.
Housecall Pro: The Housecall Pro blog is regularly updated with industry leading HVAC content. Whether you need to learn which HVAC trade shows you should attend or how to write the perfect HVAC tech description, you’ll find it on the blog.
Be active on message boards
Even more so than blogs, message boards are a great way to connect with fellow HVAC business owners. Because the boards are explicitly designed to foster communication, they are an excellent way to get answers when you have questions.
Some HVAC message boards to consider following include:
HVAC Talk: With over 40 different forums and more than 3 million posts, it’s safe to say that you find whatever it is you’re looking for on HVAC talk. Geared primarily toward professionals and “enthusiasts”, you can post photos, conduct polls, and also gain access to a section they call “Ask A Professional”. It’s absolutely free to create an account.
Houzz: The popular online store also has a robust HVAC discussion community. You can post polls, pictures, and have just about any question answered. It should be noted that this particular forum isn’t geared exclusively toward professionals.
HVAC Pro Forums: Geared almost exclusively toward HVAC professionals, the HVAC Pro Forum is a place where you can get your most difficult and challenging questions answered by experienced pros. With almost 30,000 members and nearly 1.4 million posts, HVAC Pro Forums is a robust discussion group dedicated to those whose livelihood depends on HVAC.
HVAC Site: Although somewhat smaller than HVAC Talk or HVAC Pro Forums, HVAC site is still a valuable resource for HVAC professionals. Featuring product reviews, blog posts, photos of recent projects completed, discussion forums, and a number of other features, this site is robust enough to warrant your attention. It is primarily geared toward HVAC professionals.
Be a part of Facebook groups
You may be surprised to know that there are a number of large, robust Facebook groups dedicated almost exclusively to HVAC matters. These groups are an excellent place to interact with fellow HVAC professionals.
Some groups you may want to consider joining are
- HVAC UNCENSORED: With more than 15,000 members, this group is for HVAC techs and installers to “hang out and share” (their description).
- HVAC World Knowledge Forum: With over 5,000 members, this group is described as: “HVAC refrigeration plumbing air conditioning knowledge and experience sharing group.” That about covers all your bases.
- HVAC Information & Knowledge Sharing: With a whopping 39,000 members, this is certainly a group worth being part of. You’ll certainly find the answers you need among this many members.
- HVAC 4 Life: Touting the group as, “HVAC all day all night every day for the rest of your life!”, it appears that this group is a good place to connect with others who are passionate about HVAC work.
Final thoughts
HVAC online communities are a great place to connect with other HVAC professionals, get insights into your stickiest problems, and tap into the expertise of those who have been in the business for a long time.
Yes, being a part of these communities does take some investment of time. But in the end, it’s well worth it. The knowledge you gain, as well as the camaraderie you foster with fellow HVAC professionals, pays dividends in the long run.
So get out there and start being active in these communities!
