Hourly Rate For HVAC Contractor In Detail

Unsure how to charge hourly rates for your services? Read on to know the rates offered by HVAC professionals to their clients. Moreover, learn why most of the contractors ask for hourly rates following the completion of repair works.

Jeel PatelJeel Patel
||12 min read
Hourly Rate For HVAC Contractor In Detail

Key Takeaways

  • 01HVAC contractors in the U.S. charge $45-$100 per hour on average
  • 02Average hourly rate for HVAC repair is $88 and $78 for maintenance services
  • 03Hourly rates vary based on location, service type, and contractor experience
  • 04Peak demand seasons include spring, fall, summer, and festival periods
  • 05Consider materials, permits, and warranty costs when setting your hourly rate

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is a serious and slogging job. From digging holes to switching on the machine, HVAC professionals like you have all the HVAC-related responsibilities on your shoulders. Besides, you also need to maintain the electrical components when you are turned up for repair. Mostly, HVAC contractors also indulge in heating and air conditioning repairs.

Comprehending all the activities, it becomes crucial for HVAC contractors to consider their hourly rates.

According to HomeAdvisor, the hourly rate for HVAC contractors in the United States is $45-$100 per hour. Besides, the average hourly rate for HVAC repair is $88 and $78 for HVAC maintenance.

These rates are decided on the basis of location, type of HVAC services, and contractors' experience and certifications.

Moreover, there are other factors to consider when deciding hourly hvac pricing guide for contractors. So, stay tuned and you will know in a while some vital information that will help you decide to price.

$45-$100
Hourly Rate Range
Average U.S. contractor rate
$88
HVAC Repair
Average hourly rate
$78
HVAC Maintenance
Average hourly rate

Table of Content

  1. How HVAC professionals Can Help Residents?
  2. Why To Charge Hourly Rates?
  3. Types of HVAC Services and Corresponding Hourly Rate
  4. Know When To Expect Peak In HVAC services
  5. Hourly Rates Offered By Professional Contractors
  6. Costs to Consider to Decide Hourly Rate
  7. Other Rates For HVAC Experts
  8. FAQs
  9. Conclusion

How HVAC professionals Can Help Residents?

When a contractor receives a service call or repair call, they send their best tradesman to help the customer. The HVAC machine requires operation from professional hands. And therefore, it is up to you that HVAC inside and outside units keep running.

Key HVAC Services You Provide

  • Analyze the faulty parts at the time of service
  • Regulate the airflow of the machine as per user requirements
  • Clean gas valves, indoor coil, and heat pumps
  • Keep furnace serviced periodically
  • Inspect the outside unit to ensure no breakdown in the future
  • Adjust internal HVAC units to the user's preferred location
  • Restart the system to check if the unit fan operating normally

The repair work is not over after the contractor's visit as you also have to perform the annual tune-ups. Yes, the HVAC technician has to be up to date with the HVAC unit. This would be helpful to the customers as they can have a better performance of heating and air conditioning unit.

Why To Charge Hourly Rates?

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system needs service and maintenance at regular intervals. Homeowners lookout for a contractor whenever they feel poor air quality or minor sound coming from the internal unit. While flat rates usually consist of more than one task, contractors ask rates per hour to keep track of working hours.

Perks of Offering Hourly Rates

Fewer Late Payments Of Your Work

When you are on a visit to a new client, there are chances that the working period may get extended. In such situations, flat rates may not give you the desired return on service. Thus, you can charge hourly rates as per the job done. Let us understand: flat rate vs. hourly rate, which is better for you?

Clients Will Give Priority To Your Service

Mostly, customers also look after the HVAC technician who can give them better service. So, while they are on the search, they do compare your work with a few others. Hourly rates will not only simplify the client's job but also make clients prioritize your service.

Beneficial For The Long Term Projects

HVAC business owners will need support from their clients to keep up the excellent work. By offering hourly rates, you can expect faster payments in your long-term projects. This would be helpful for you to attract more customers.

If the HVAC company sends their specialist far away for heating repairs, cleaning gas valve, or furnace repair, contractors charge hourly rates for HVAC repair costs. In such cases, you may have the approval of payment prior to the work done.

Types of HVAC Services and Corresponding Hourly Rates

There are seven types of HVAC services, which we have sorted out and mentioned their hourly rates.

HVAC Services and Hourly Rates

TypeWorkHourly Rate
InstallationDuctwork$50-$150
RepairTroubleshooting & Diagnostic$75-$125
MaintenanceCleaning & Inspecting HVAC Systems$50-$100
ReplacementAir Filters & Compressors$75-$125
Duct CleaningVents & Ductwork$75-$150
Zone Control SystemInstallation & Repair$75-$125
Smart Home IntegrationInstalling HVAC Systems$75-$125

Source credit: (Homeadvisor)

So these are different HVAC services and costs.Other Rates For HVAC Experts

Know When To Expect Peak In HVAC services

Being a professional contractor, you should grab the opportunity when you receive more service calls are high. But, when? Let's see when there can be a higher demand for your services.

Peak seasons for HVAC services demand
When to expect peak demand in HVAC services

During Spring and Fall

To keep your system healthy, one should avail of the service during the spring or fall season. During this time, it may not be more expensive.

Scorching Summer

In summer, poor air quality might lead to multiple health troubles. And so, whenever owners find very poor air quality, they call a nearby contractor for HVAC repair.

Festival Season

Amid the festival celebrations, owners approach the door of contractors to prevent damage to their HVAC system.

Season Sales

New Buyers and old users may get attracted to the new service plan. Especially, when they find an offer on HVAC systems maintenance, they seek assistance from the contractor.

Hourly Rates Offered By Professional Contractors

An HVAC specialist charges a different figure to cover the HVAC technician wage, travel cost, and other business operating costs. Hourly rates are charged when there is a necessity to replace parts in the heat exchanger or air conditioner. HVAC repairs are based on hourly rates at the cost of $75 to $150.

Hourly rates offered by professional HVAC contractors
Standard hourly rates for professional HVAC contractors

Emergency Service Rates

Hourly rates are also considered when there is an urgency and therefore, charges are a bit high. For instance, your client has a complaint regarding a broken furnace at midnight, then you can charge them around $200 or more.

Costs to Consider to Decide Hourly Rate

Materials

The hvac flat rate pricing formula for contractors can be greatly impacted by the cost of materials. The following are some ways that materials may affect the hourly rate:

  • Cost of materials: The contractor's hourly rate will take the price of the materials required for a project into account. In order to pay their expenditures, the contractor might have to charge a higher hourly rate if the supplies are pricey.
  • Material quality: The hourly rate can also be impacted by the caliber of the materials utilized. Higher-quality materials could be more expensive, but they might also be more durable and need less upkeep, ultimately saving the contractor time and money.
  • Material accessibility: The contractor would have to charge a higher hourly rate to compensate for the added time and costs associated with locating particular supplies if they are in great demand or difficult to come by.
  • Customization: If the project calls for specific materials, locating and installing them may take more time, and this extra time will be charged at an hourly rate.
  • Warranty on the materials: If a contractor utilizes products that have a warranty, they can charge less per hour because they won't have to return to remedy potential problems as often.

Permits

It may have an effect on contractors' hourly rates in one of the following ways:

How Permits Impact Your Hourly Rate

  • Extra time and effort: Obtaining licenses could take the contractor a substantial amount of time and work. This requires researching the requirements, filing paperwork, and occasionally making multiple trips to the permitting office. This extra time and effort may be factored into the contractor's hourly rate.
  • Costs: The cost of obtaining a permit may vary depending on the area and type of permission. These costs include, among others, application fees, inspection fees, and plan review fees. Additionally, the customer might be charged extra per hour to compensate for these costs.
  • Liability and compliance: Getting the required permissions can help ensure that the contractor's work complies with regional building laws and regulations. In the event of any problems or legal conflicts, this may offer the contractor additional protection. It also indicates that the contractor might demand a higher fee to offset the possibility of non-compliance.
  • Insurance: In some instances, getting permits may need having a specific kind of insurance. This can raise their overall insurance costs, which they might then charge the client more per hour as a result.
  • Competitiveness: Permit regulations can differ from one area to the next, which may impact contractor competition. Because the permission procedure is less time-consuming and expensive, a contractor may be able to charge less for their services if they are working in an area with fewer permit requirements.

Warranty

Contractors' hourly charges may be impacted by warranties in the following ways:

  • By raising or lowering the cost of materials or equipment, warranty coverage might affect the hourly rate.
  • Warranties may lower or increase the contractor's level of liability, which may have an impact on the hourly cost. A contractor may charge a higher hourly rate if they provide a warranty in order to cover the expense of any potential liabilities.
  • The kind of warranty offered may also have an impact on the hourly fee. For instance, a contractor may charge a higher hourly rate to offset the cost of giving a longer warranty period if they do so than their rivals.
  • The reputation and experience of a contractor might also have an impact on the hourly fee. A contractor may be able to charge a higher hourly rate for their services if they have a reputation for producing high-quality work and offering great customer service.
  • A warranty can help contractors stand out from the competition by fostering customer trust and luring in new business, which could result in better hourly rates.

Considering these factors could really help you to decide on your HVAC hourly rates.

Other Rates For HVAC Experts

Other hourly rates for HVAC experts
Additional pricing structures for HVAC services

Cost for HVAC Repairs

On average, an HVAC repairing service can cost between $150 and $450. Most HVAC experts charge $319 and $268 on air conditioner service and furnace repair respectively. HVAC technicians charge a minimum service call fee of $75 to $200 as far as HVAC repair costs are concerned.

Cost for HVAC Service & Maintenance

HVAC contractors charge $144 to $451 for most AC (air conditioner) and furnace services with a minimum. Moreover, you can also charge $89 for detecting the fault.

Cost For Tune-Ups

Generally, HVAC experts perform tune-ups by charging $70 to $200 approximately. In this process, the HVAC tech will closely analyze and clean the dust from pipes. Two or more tune-ups can be included if you choose an annual service plan.

Call Rates for HVAC Service

As an HVAC business owner, you can also charge anything between $75 to $200 for a visit. Usually, contractors offer call rates when they have on-site consultations.

Now that you know what to charge, you can create estimates and invoices with InvoiceOwl.

Create Professional HVAC Invoices in Minutes

Whether you're handling construction, landscaping, consulting, photography, auto repair, or HVAC services, invoicing gets easy when you use InvoiceOwl.

Start Your FREE Trial

Frequently Asked Questions

The hourly labor rate for HVAC jobs depends upon the repair work and the scope of the job. However, on average, the labor rate for HVAC repair work is between $75 to $150.

According to Howell's Heating & Air, the average HVAC repair cost falls somewhere between $100 to $150. Having said that, it depends on various factors, such as emergency, complexity, size, type, and age of the HVAC system. Besides, the cost may also vary with the HVAC technician duties.

Yes, they do. The HVAC industry is a booming industry. It was evaluated to have a market value of USD 57.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 82.5 billion by 2026. So, the HVAC contractors have a lot of opportunities to grow and scale their business.

The HVAC companies charge fairly due to the high business operating costs. HVAC business owners have to bear high overhead expenses. The traveling cost to reach various sites adds to the fuel costs. Moreover, to do effective furnace repairs, a ductwork contractor should require all the material and equipment.

Conclusion

As an HVAC service provider, you deserve to get paid well. And to make a good profit out of your HVAC contracting business, you need to know what exactly are others charging?

So we hope this blog gave you an idea about charges that most HVAC companies ask for cleaning and maintaining the entire HVAC system.

Now you would want to win more jobs and get paid faster right?

To do so, you would need the best hvac quote software like InvoiceOwl.

Related Resources

How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)
How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)

Know the best way to price HVAC jobs and make the maximum profit. This blog helps you know how to calculate the best price that covers your labot, material used, subcontractor fees, and taxes.

Read more
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it

Learn how to track and increase construction profit margins with expert strategies. Maximize profits and ensure sustainable business growth. Start today.

Read more
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?

Complex projects involving detailed designs and multiple revisions may incur some charges for estimates. Learn when to charge for an estimate as a contractor.

Read more
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees

When determining how much to charge clients for consultations as a contractor, here's how to ensure your consulting fees are based on industry standards.

Read more
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)

Compare the top invoicing software solutions for small businesses and contractors. Find detailed reviews, pricing, features, and user feedback to choose the right tool for your needs.

Read more
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]

If you are a construction contractor struggling with cash flow issues and chasing payments from clients, invoice factoring is what you need to practice. Know more about it in this blog.

Read more
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide

Compare the top 15 flooring estimating software solutions. Detailed reviews, pricing, and features to help contractors make informed decisions.

Read more
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials

To estimate the construction cost accurately and earn profit out of it, you must know the 5 levels and the 3 methods of doing it professionally. Let's discuss this in detail.

Read more
How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)
How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)

Know the best way to price HVAC jobs and make the maximum profit. This blog helps you know how to calculate the best price that covers your labot, material used, subcontractor fees, and taxes.

Read more
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it

Learn how to track and increase construction profit margins with expert strategies. Maximize profits and ensure sustainable business growth. Start today.

Read more
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?

Complex projects involving detailed designs and multiple revisions may incur some charges for estimates. Learn when to charge for an estimate as a contractor.

Read more
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees

When determining how much to charge clients for consultations as a contractor, here's how to ensure your consulting fees are based on industry standards.

Read more
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)

Compare the top invoicing software solutions for small businesses and contractors. Find detailed reviews, pricing, features, and user feedback to choose the right tool for your needs.

Read more
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]

If you are a construction contractor struggling with cash flow issues and chasing payments from clients, invoice factoring is what you need to practice. Know more about it in this blog.

Read more
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide

Compare the top 15 flooring estimating software solutions. Detailed reviews, pricing, and features to help contractors make informed decisions.

Read more
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials

To estimate the construction cost accurately and earn profit out of it, you must know the 5 levels and the 3 methods of doing it professionally. Let's discuss this in detail.

Read more
How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)
How to Price HVAC Jobs? (7 Steps to Maximize Profit)

Know the best way to price HVAC jobs and make the maximum profit. This blog helps you know how to calculate the best price that covers your labot, material used, subcontractor fees, and taxes.

Read more
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it
Construction Profit Margins: How to Track and Increase it

Learn how to track and increase construction profit margins with expert strategies. Maximize profits and ensure sustainable business growth. Start today.

Read more
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?
Can You Charge for an Estimate as a Contractor?

Complex projects involving detailed designs and multiple revisions may incur some charges for estimates. Learn when to charge for an estimate as a contractor.

Read more
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees
How to Charge Luring Consulting Fees

When determining how much to charge clients for consultations as a contractor, here's how to ensure your consulting fees are based on industry standards.

Read more
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)
Best Invoicing Software for Small Businesses (2025)

Compare the top invoicing software solutions for small businesses and contractors. Find detailed reviews, pricing, features, and user feedback to choose the right tool for your needs.

Read more
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]
Construction Invoice Factoring [All-in-One Guide]

If you are a construction contractor struggling with cash flow issues and chasing payments from clients, invoice factoring is what you need to practice. Know more about it in this blog.

Read more
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide
15 Best Flooring Estimating Software: Complete Guide

Compare the top 15 flooring estimating software solutions. Detailed reviews, pricing, and features to help contractors make informed decisions.

Read more
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials
Estimating Construction Costs 101: Levels, Methods, and Essentials

To estimate the construction cost accurately and earn profit out of it, you must know the 5 levels and the 3 methods of doing it professionally. Let's discuss this in detail.

Read more

Written by

Jeel Patel

Founder & CEO at InvoiceOwl

Jeel Patel is the founder of InvoiceOwl, a highly-rated estimating and invoicing software designed to streamline contractor businesses' invoicing and estimating workflows. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Toronto, where he developed strong analytical capabilities and business acumen.

More about Jeel

Ready to streamline your invoicing?

Join thousands of contractors who trust InvoiceOwl for professional estimates and invoices.

Start Free Trial