Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. You cannot underestimate the importance of giving them a comfortable shopping experience. How do you provide them with an appealing buying atmosphere?
One way to keep your customers coming back is to make sure your shop’s temperature and ventilation are right all year round.
There is no better way to keep your HVAC system working well than to learn about commercial HVAC service contracts and invest in one that is right for your business.
Commercial HVAC service contracts: good for customers
Here’s why customers stay in your store longer (and keep coming back) when you get regular HVAC maintenance:
- Your store has an inviting shopping climate with consistent comfort.
- Shoppers enjoy better ventilation and indoor air quality instead of stale and stuffy air.
- Good airflow prevents unpleasant and musty odors.
- Proper temperature and humidity protects your inventory from damage and helps ensure quality products.
- Your employees are more comfortable, too, so they are more responsive and helpful to customers.
- Properly controlled ventilation and humidity also help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens that cause illness.
Now that you’ve seen how commercial HVAC service contracts benefits customers, you may be asking yourself how else HVAC service contracts can help you as store owner or manager.
10 reasons commercial HVAC service contracts are good for store owners, too
Providing your customers with a satisfying shopping experience is critical to your financial success. However, there are many other benefits to getting commercial HVAC service contracts for businesses.
Let’s take a look at some of the key ways commercial HVAC maintenance contracts help retailers.
- Commercial HVAC service contracts give store owners and managers peace of mind. They know they are less likely to have a major equipment failure by having regular routine maintenance done on their HVAC system.
- Breakdowns sometimes can shut down a business, with devastating financial consequences. Poorly functioning systems also diminish customer retention. Both problems hurt your bottom line.
- Retailers with commercial HVAC service contracts get better pricing on routine maintenance than one-time maintenance customers.
- Businesses with commercial HVAC service contracts tend to have far fewer emergency repair needs. But when they do need emergency work, they get priority service. Those without contracts get put on a waiting list, and can wait for days or even weeks without air conditioning during a heat wave.
- Similarly, contract customers get priority access to equipment and parts that may be in short supply, such as MERV-13 filters and other air purification equipment for COVID-19 mitigation.
- Retail establishments with commercial HVAC service contracts get the same technicians regularly. The techs get to know them, their personnel, the layout and nature of their business and get to know their equipment inside and out. Techs who know your equipment can spot when something changes and get to the bottom of it before the equipment breaks down.
- Retailers who develop a long-term relationship with an HVAC company gain a business partner who can give them advice about equipment replacement. The expert guidance allows owners to plan and budget for new equipment.
This partnership is particularly useful when you manage multiple store locations and have a seemingly endless list of responsibilities, including juggling HVAC maintenance and system replacements.
- Companies with commercial service contracts have a dedicated account manager, which is a big plus if you are overseeing more than one location. Your account manager knows the history of your HVAC equipment at each site and can give periodic maintenance updates.
- When you have a contract, your service provider has a vested interest in making sure your service meets your needs. If a doesn’t, you probably won’t renew that contract.
- Businesses with commercial HVAC service contracts benefit by having lower utility bills because their HVAC system runs more efficiently. Your technician can also offer suggestions on new technology that can save you money by improving efficiency.
- Routine preventative maintenance can extend the life of your equipment.
How to get an HVAC service contract to fit your needs
When comparing contracts, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples by asking for a list of covered tasks.
Here’s some helpful information about what should be included: The Ultimate Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist.
That being said, different retail businesses can have unique HVAC service needs. If fact, if you operate at multiple locations, each building might have distinct maintenance requirements. Find a service contractor willing to tailor commercial HVAC service contracts to your specific needs.
Make sure prospective service companies inspect your system and provide detailed written proposals.
Service contract types
Full Coverage Contract – This is an all-inclusive contract that eliminates the guesswork from HVAC service costs. Full coverage covers parts, labor, preventative maintenance and emergency repairs.
Though full-coverage is the most expensive type of contract, it could be worthwhile if you have older equipment or prefer to budget for all HVAC expenses.
Full Labor Contract – A mid-range price contract, it includes the labor required for repairs, replacements and maintenance, but does not cover parts.
Preventative Maintenance Contract – If you are concerned about the commercial HVAC maintenance contract cost, a preventative maintenance agreement is your least expensive option.
The contract includes a certain number of maintenance visits each year. You should choose the number of visits based on the age and condition of your equipment. Twice annual and quarterly visits are popular choices.
Learn more:
HVAC Service Contract Pricing Guide
Service Contracts for HVAC: Red Flags & Language to Watch For
The bottom line on service contracts
Choosing a reputable HVAC contractor like Arista Air is a smart move. If you’re in the New York City area, Arista can provide you with all levels of coverage (delivered by expertly trained staff) at a fair price.
To find out more about preventative maintenance programs, check out: HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts: How to Find The Right One For Your HVAC Infrastructure.
