HVAC Shops Unlock Growth with AI

Contractors are facing a perfect storm of labor shortages, rising costs, and growing demand — pushing many to turn to automation as the only sustainable path forward.

Shops adopting AI report 2x faster growth, with 70% of professionals having tried AI solutions and 40% using AI tools regularly.

Industry Under Pressure

Converging workforce and cost challenges are forcing operational evolution. These aren't just temporary issues; they're permanent shifts that are reshaping how successful contractors operate.

The traditional labor model is becoming unsustainable. Wages are rising as shops compete for talent, and there aren't enough young people entering the trades to replace the techs aging out. Trade schools can't keep up. Many shops are finding they can't hire their way out of capacity constraints anymore.

Meanwhile, costs are increasing. 83% report budget overruns as a major operational issue, while 64% expect material costs to continue rising. These dual pressures are squeezing margins and forcing operational innovation.

"We're not looking to replace our technicians, we need them more than ever. But the administrative burden is killing our efficiency. AI helps us do more with the team we have." -Sarah M, Director of HVAC Operations (35 employees)

Strategic Response: Automation

While their competitors are drowning in administrative tasks, smart contractors are using technology to scale operations without increasing overhead.. Their technicians spend time diagnosing problems, not filling out forms.

Are you planning to explore back-office automation this quarter?

Companies using AI for administrative tasks report 2x faster growth rates. Technology can handle a variety of back-office functions, from answering phones to pulling permits to coordinating field assignments — freeing skilled workers for revenue-generating activities.

59% percent are driving growth through improved project efficiency rather than just cost-cutting. This represents a strategic shift toward using automation as a competitive advantage, not just a cost reduction tool.

"The companies that figure out AI integration first are going to dominate the next decade. It's not about the technology, it's about having your administrative operations run so smoothly that your techs can focus entirely on the work that actually requires their expertise." - Mike T, HVAC Business Owner (85 employees)

AI Approaches Are Not All Created Equal

The biggest barrier isn't cost or complexity, it's knowing where to start.

There's a lot of noise in the market. Vendors making big promises. Software that doesn't fit how contractors actually work. It's confusing! Most contractors who haven't explored automation just don't know which tools will move the needle.

The companies winning with AI have one thing in common: they worked with someone who understood their business.

The contractors seeing real results didn't figure this out alone. They partnered with providers who understand the day-to-day realities of running an HVAC business.

That's the different between another software tool sitting on the shelf, and automation that actually works. Companies who partner with a vendor for their AI automation achieve material revenue growth 3x more often.

Promatic Can Show You How

Ready to scale without the overhead?

Most contractors who aren't using AI simply don't know where to start. Promatic can help you leverage automation effectively.

Book a demo today to get started!

Research References

"The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025" report by MIT NANDA

Housecall Pro Survey of 400+ HVAC contractors, March-April 2025

Thrive Analytics Survey of 1,028 owners and executives of specialty contractors, Jan 2025

Procore Survey of 1,200 construction decision-makers