How to Start an Air Conditioning Company
- 1). Obtain your HVAC license from your state's licensing department. You should have already received HVAC certification from an accredited institution such as your local technical school or community college. You will be required to take and pass a test to receive an HVAC license from your state.
- 2). Search your local Secretary of State's office website online under "Corporation Search" to verify your name is not taken.
- 3). Register your business with your local Secretary of State's office and file the appropriate business structure documents along with the required fee. Contact a business law attorney to determine the best business structure. Fees and documentation vary depending on whether you decide to file as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, professional corporation, etc.
- 4). Contact an insurance agent and purchase liability insurance to cover your business based on your particular business structure. Many of the large well-known insurance companies provide small business liability insurance. Contact your state licensing department to make sure you have at least the required minimum coverage.
- 5). Purchase a vehicle large enough to carry your equipment and tools. If it is within your budget, have your vehicle detailed and painted with your company's name, logo and telephone number.
- 6). Contact a supplier to purchase start-up tools such as electric drills, diagnostic equipment, refrigerant charging scales and a leak detector, and business supplies such as pens, notebooks, quote pads and invoice sheets. Shop around to find a reputable and affordable supplier.
- 7). Locate office or warehouse space to store supplies, and equipment and run your business. Work out of your home if you have adequate space and secure storage, and you cannot afford to rent additional space.
- 8). Purchase a dedicated telephone line for your business. Find an answering service to answer your incoming telephone calls while you are away from the office by looking in the yellow pages of your local telephone book or doing a quick search online for "answering service" and your city and state.
- 9). Purchase radio or television advertisements, if you can afford it. Pass out business cards to the local businesses, send out fliers around the neighborhoods, let friends and family know you are starting an air conditioning business, and advertise for free through some online outlets such as Craigslist.
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