HVAC contractors and services often have unpredictable schedules. Customers frequently call at odd hours, and there are installation requests and projects that need ongoing attention. Missing even a single call can mean a lost opportunity, which is why it is critical to automate the call handling process. Not to forget, HVAC teams are often on the field, and only one or two admin staff are responsible for managing calls and related office work.
Fortunately, with signpost.com, you can now have an AI answering service that’s designed for service providers, including HVAC contractors. Signpost allows contractors to focus on jobs instead of disrupting team members at work. Currently, hundreds of small businesses across the US are using their AI receptionist. If you have never used one, here is an overview.
AI Virtual Receptionist for HVAC Pros
So, what can an AI receptionist do for your HVAC business? First, it answers each call within one to two rings. There is no waiting, as AI can take as many as a thousand calls at the same time. AI doesn’t work for standard business hours and can cover weekends, holidays, and nights alike. AI answering services are also designed to collect caller information, filter spam calls, and send only qualified leads. You can expect real-time notifications for your team, so that they know what to tackle first. AI is capable of answering repetitive or generic questions, which means your front desk staff doesn’t need to answer every call.
Why Do HVAC Businesses Miss Calls?
First and foremost, HVAC technicians aren’t usually in the office. Many contractors and local services don’t even have a dedicated front desk team, which means technicians have to take incoming calls. It can get frustrating to answer each caller, especially when many of them are spam or not relevant. Secondly, HVAC services still rely on old-school voicemail, which customers hate. If someone calls for a heater issue, they are unlikely to leave a message. Instead, they will find the next available service. Also, missed calls are a result of timings. Customers and businesses often call beyond usual hours and often on weekends, and not having an active front desk only means missing them.
Capture More Leads with AI
AI receptionists are designed to capture leads. Whether someone is calling for an emergency air conditioning issue or needs help with a new installation, AI will gather the information and share it with your team. AI can usually answer common questions, but in case the caller needs more support or wants human assistance, the system can also route the call to the next available technician. That way, there is no waiting time for customers, which will not only improve overall brand value but also response times. It is like the most effective way to keep your HVAC business in the “always on” mode.
Save Time for Admin Staff
When calls are manually handled, caller information must be entered separately in the CRM. Many HVAC contractors also use a wide range of additional tools, which include Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan, and QuickBooks, and AI receptionists can easily integrate with those. As an HVAC contractor, you don’t have to manually follow up with customers for payments either. The AI system will automatically send payment reminders and keep you updated when payments are made. You can reduce the time spent otherwise on tasks like invoicing, follow-ups, and data entry.
Embrace AI to Enhance Customer Care
HVAC contractors have to be organized and must follow up with existing customers and new leads to run the business profitably. When hiring more people for admin work or call management isn’t practical, an AI receptionist can change the approach drastically in a positive manner. Check online to learn about features, advantages, and more.
