Many HVAC contractors lose potential sales not because of a lack of need, but because of cost hesitation. Homeowners often delay replacing aging systems or scaling up to energy-efficient upgrades due to significant upfront expenses. By offering flexible consumer financing, contractors can remove that barrier, helping customers say “yes” sooner. Financing makes it easier to accelerate system swap-outs, capture more furnace and AC installs, and grow HVAC sales year-round.
United Consumer Financial Services, a consumer financing provider for HVAC contractors nationwide, provides affordable payment solutions that address price hesitations and drive faster HVAC replacement. Choosing the right financing partner helps your business overcome cost barriers and increase HVAC sales from day one.
The Cost Barrier in HVAC Replacement
HVAC replacement is urgent for most homeowners. By the time a system reaches the state where repairs are no longer a viable option, the countdown is on, and homeowners are in a race against the clock to replace their HVAC before it stops working altogether.
Although these systems are essential, the cost barrier in HVAC system replacement presents significant challenges to both homeowners and contractors. Consumers feel the pressure of the day-to-day and monthly financial obligations. Adding the burden of a new furnace and/or AC fan can be overwhelming, leading to
- Decision paralysis and purchase hesitations: Homeowners put off replacing aging systems even when necessary. Not only does this affect HVAC sales, but it adds more stress and increased costs for homeowners as they try to make repairs on systems that are failing.
- Delaying or scaling down replacements: High upfront costs cause shoppers to settle for scaled-down systems or delay replacements. Instead of choosing the right unit for their home and needs, homeowners often feel obligated to select an HVAC with a smaller price tag. This frequently leads to overuse, inefficient systems, maintenance and upkeep issues, and higher electricity bills.
- Sticker shock that drives shoppers away: A price tag in the thousands of dollars can shock and even scare homeowners away from committing to a system replacement or furnace/AC install.
Pricing is a primary roadblock to HVAC sales, but providing affordable, flexible payment options transforms these significant expenses into manageable monthly installments. When HVAC contractors offer consumer financing through a trusted, proven partner like United Consumer Financial Services, they remove obstacles to HVAC sales and replacement, allowing them to serve clients and grow their business.
How Financing Accelerates HVAC System Swap Outs
Consumer financing options increase access to and affordability of HVAC replacement. Purchasing a new system and paying for installation feels like a daunting task and a substantial financial burden for most consumers. Installment payment plans make the purchase less stressful, more realistic for a greater swath of homeowners, and fit into existing monthly budgets. Instead of facing pricing objections that can cause sales to grind to a halt, financing accelerates HVAC system swap-outs. Here’s how:
- Faster customer decision-making: With low monthly payment options, homeowners can replace systems before failure instead of waiting until “next season” or when the unit has completely stopped functioning.
- Reduced downtime for HVAC contractors and technicians: Quick financing approval enables contractors to schedule HVAC installs sooner. Reduced downtime means clients can enjoy the comfort of a new furnace or AC, and HVAC contractors maximize time, energy, and other valuable resources to keep profits as high as possible.
- Facilitate urgent HVAC system replacements: When heating or cooling fails, it’s an emergency –– especially during extreme temperatures. Same-day HVAC financing helps close deals immediately, so homeowners don’t have to spend days fighting the heat or cold. Streamlined application and financing approval expedites sales, allowing HVAC contractors to boost revenue while meeting urgent client needs.
- Raising retrofit HVAC bookings and seasonal opportunities: Consumer financing makes emergency replacement affordable and accessible, but it also empowers homeowners to proactively replace aging systems before major failures. Financing extends the selling seasons beyond winter and summer by making retrofits and replacements more accessible year-round, helping contractors fill scheduling gaps during slower months.
- Promotes bundled HVAC sales: When consumers can spread a large lump sum payment over 24 or 36 or 48 months, they benefit from increased purchasing power, allowing them to afford replacing both their furnace and AC at once. HVAC contractors can use consumer financing options to improve system sales and capture more furnace and AC installs simultaneously.
- Amplifying heating and cooling upgrades: Financing encourages homeowners to opt for higher-efficiency units instead of basic replacements. Contractors can enable sales of premium add-ons, including smart thermostats, zoning systems, and air purification solutions. Instead of focusing solely on pricing, low monthly installments allow contractors to promote energy savings and long-term value for their clients.
- Boost on-site conversions: Financing appeals to customers who weren’t planning to purchase a replacement system but respond to affordable monthly options, converting HVAC quotes into jobs on the spot. UCFS takes a mobile-first approach to financing, allowing homeowners to complete their application from their phone or tablet. We send a credit decision in just minutes, allowing contractors to move forward with the sale almost immediately. By integrating financing into every quote, you can capture more sales and grow comfort solution demand to capture even more market share.
Choosing the Right Consumer Financing Partner to Boost HVAC System Replacement
Implementing consumer financing into your sales approach can be a game-changer for customer engagement, brand reputation, sales volume, and revenue. Choosing the right financing partner is instrumental in the success of your consumer financing program and, ultimately, your business. As you consider partnerships, look for a consumer financing provider that offers:
- Industry-specific expertise tailored to HVAC contractors: Financing should be tailored to your industry, customer base, and unique business needs. UCFS has more than four decades of consumer financing experience to deliver Buy Now, Pay Later options tailored to HVAC contractors.
- Same-as-Cash Promotions: Homeowners can save on interest when using a same-as-cash option. UCFS offers 90-days, 180-days and 12-months same-as-cash. By offering this special promotion to consumers, they have even more incentive to make their purchase with monthly payments.
- Thorough sales training to educate HVAC customers: You will maximize your financing program when sales teams receive comprehensive training in the system and in how to present payment options most effectively. UCFS provides one-on-one training to ensure you make the most of your consumer financing program from day one.
- Fast, convenient consumer application: Homeowners choose payment plans for the convenience, affordability, and immediate accessibility. UCFS operates on a mobile-first approach to consumer financing, allowing your business to meet modern consumer payment needs. Clients can complete their financing application from a phone or tablet on site, then our team sends a credit decision in just minutes, allowing you to proceed with the sale and system replacement the same day.
Increase HVAC Sales and Replacements with Consumer Financing
Payment flexibility is a sales accelerator for HVAC contractors when you partner with the right consumer financing company. Fast approval times, payment flexibility, and affordable monthly installments empower homeowners to act fast, choose better systems, and invest in their comfort now.
United Consumer Financial Services, A Marmon company, a division of Berkshire Hathaway, provides full-service consumer financing and end-to-end loan management that helps businesses engage more shoppers and increase sales –– all year long. For more than 45 years, we’ve helped companies grow with consumer financing built to serve their business, cater to client needs, and increase sales. Becoming a merchant is simple, and you can get started today. Contact UCFS now to learn more about how to drive HVAC replacement sales with consumer financing.
