Heating and air con installer and repairer

Homeowners, landlords, real estate agents, builders and small business owners such as cafes, shops and offices.

Fixed price per installation, plus call-out and hourly rates for repairs and fault finding. Repeat work and referrals from builders and agents help keep your diary full.

• Refrigeration and air conditioning trade qualification
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• Handling refrigerants needs an Australian Refrigeration Council licence, so check what you hold
• Electrical, gas fitting and plumbing work often needs separate state licences, check what you can legally do yourself and what needs a licensed partner
• Your state may require a contractor licence above a certain job value, check with your state licensing body
• Public liability and tools insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Working at heights and in hot roof spaces, and possible asbestos in older buildings

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your ute or van, tools and equipment, insurance and licences. Whether you buy new or used vehicles and gear is likely to shift the figure.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on how many installs and repairs you book, job sizes and the hours you work. Estimates assume at least about 25 hours a week, and revenue is not profit.

Check that you hold an Australian Refrigeration Council licence for refrigerants. Also check what electrical, gas fitting and plumbing work needs separate state licences, whether your state requires a contractor licence above a job value, and your insurance.