8 Seasonal Opportunities for Contractors

HVAC and plumbing contractors’ work is highly seasonal. As the colder months approach, some professionals may find that their demand drops with the temperatures. It’s helpful to anticipate and adapt to slow seasons, but there are still opportunities to capitalize in fall and winter.

Contractors can survive and thrive during the typical off-season if they know what to look for. In that spirit, here’s a glance at eight seasonal opportunities for contractors during the fall and winter.

A good place to start when looking for seasonal opportunities is within contractors’ areas of expertise. Overall demand may decline, but some specific jobs can see an uptick in fall and winter, especially if they are marketed sufficiently.

1. Winterization

Winterization is one of the best seasonal demands to capitalize on for plumbing and HVAC contractors. Buildings may need changes and upgrades to avoid costly damage as the weather gets colder. Texas’s 2021 winter storm saw 320 plumbers renew their licenses within four days of the record-low temperatures. Not every winter will bring such a surge in repair demand, but that highlights how important winterization can be.

Start marketing winterization services in early fall before the weather gets too cold but keep offering this work throughout the winter. It’ll help to emphasize the cost savings compared to larger repairs from burst pipes and broken heating systems.

2. Pipe and HVAC Maintenance

Similarly, contractors can transition to focus more on maintenance services rather than new installations. Construction tends to slow down in late fall and winter, so finding new projects may take time and effort. However, preventive maintenance is always relevant, and the changing seasons are an excellent time to perform it.

Like winterization, the key here may be marketing, as many clients, especially in the residential sector, may need help understanding the need for preventive repairs. Communicate how ongoing maintenance before things go wrong will help save money and improve comfort. These jobs may be smaller than installations or more dramatic maintenance, but they can be more consistent as they don’t rely on outside events.

3. Sewage Inspections

Inspections are another seasonal opportunity to pursue during the fall and winter. Many homeowners understand basic repairs like fixing a running toilet, but proper sewage inspections require a professional. Changing temperatures and the holiday season make issues like freezing, clogging and flooding more likely, so year-end and near-spring are ideal for these checkups.

Sump pumps and drainage systems require particular attention around this time of year. Water heaters and main valves may also need checking before the weather shifts too dramatically. Some families might also go on vacation around the holidays, presenting a great opportunity to perform these inspections.

4. Discounted Upgrades

Maintenance and repair jobs may be more consistently available, but installing new equipment is often more profitable. Demand for new installations may fall during the colder months, but contractors can still target them through upgrades. Offering to upgrade HVAC or plumbing systems, especially at a discount, can help move inventory and boost revenue during the slower seasons.

HVAC demand typically peaks in the spring and summer, so upgrading systems before those seasons come helps customers prevent issues at inconvenient times. Discounting these services around the holidays can help convince homeowners and businesses to go through with them.

5. Nonresidential Work

Some contractors may also find success by targeting a different sector. Residential projects may decline heavily as the temperature drops, and homeowners may be wary of high spending around the holiday season. However, nonresidential customers may be a more ready and profitable market by comparison.

Commercial construction may have more opportunities for plumbing and HVAC contractors than the residential sector due to larger backlogs. Similarly, businesses may more readily understand the value of preventive maintenance and similar long-term savings, making them a better market for these services. Commercial buildings may also have more strain on their plumbing and HVAC systems during the winter, requiring more repairs and upgrades.

Seasonal Opportunities for Diversification

Contractors can also take slow seasons as an opportunity to diversify their business. Amid rising competition with dropping demand, diversification can expand customer bases to help sustain businesses through economic uncertainty. Here are some ideas for branching out in the fall and winter.

1. Land Clearing

Landscaping may seem entirely removed from plumbing and HVAC work at first, but it’s more closely related than initially thought. Roots can interfere with pipe systems, improperly planted vegetation can block access points and valves, and soil degradation increases flooding risks. Adding land-clearing services to a contractor’s repertoire can help make the business more well-rounded.

Fall is an ideal time for land clearing, as equipment doesn’t tear frozen ground as easily, minimizing damage. It’s also good to clear branches and other hazards before snowfall. Offering these services may require new equipment and reskilling, but they can help keep business going through slower months.

2. Bath and Kitchen Remodeling

Contractors looking to diversify into more familiar territory may consider bath and kitchen remodeling. Both these areas rely on pipe systems, so plumbers likely already have much of the equipment and experience necessary. Renovations may be more popular in the summer, but performing them in the colder months has several advantages.

Traveling homeowners can take advantage of their time away to hire a contractor to finish a remodeling job while they’re out of the house. Lower demand can also justify reduced prices, helping appeal to more customers. If nothing else, it’s one more option contractors have to gain business during the off-season.

3.  Smart HVAC Installation

HVAC contractors can take slower seasons as an opportunity to branch into smart home technology. Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets like smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular, with 48.4% of U.S. households expected to use at least one such device by 2025.

Smart HVAC technology installation and maintenance requires IoT-specific knowledge and skills. Contractors that lean more into this trend and pursue these abilities can improve their standings in a growing market before it becomes the norm. Smart tech often reduces energy consumption and spending, so installing it before the high-use warmer months is ideal timing.

Keep Business Going Year-Round

Fall and winter may be challenging for many contractors, but they don’t have to mean significant losses. HVAC and plumbing professionals who know what seasonal opportunities to capitalize on can ensure ongoing business year-round. These eight areas aren’t a definitive list of possibilities but are an excellent place to start.

Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.