In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has continued to become a highly valued and frequently used resource across a multitude of industries. According to a 2023 Forbes Advisor survey of American business owners, the most popular application for AI is customer service, with 56% of respondents using AI for this purpose. Other significant uses of AI in the survey include customer relationship management (46%), inventory management (40%), accounting (30%), and supply chain operations (30%).

Home service businesses are no exception. The HVAC industry, for example, has become increasingly familiar with AI, particularly its use in products. Service trades are typically associated with hands-on skills and craftsmanship, but in recent years, professionals in these spaces have become accustomed to AI that helps equipment run remotely, perform faster, and operate more efficiently.

Just as HVAC contractors and technicians need to stay on top of what’s happening with their industry’s products, it’s becoming increasingly imperative that they also embrace the AI technologies available to enhance the efficiency, safety, and overall performance of their workplaces.

There are several key areas where AI is creating more personalized and proactive approaches for HVAC contractors and other home service businesses:

Customer Service — Many of us have become very acquainted with chatbots by now and how they can enhance the efficiency of Customer Service Representatives (CSRs). AI chatbots can pull up your customer record with a few key pieces of information and then link to service records, offering immediate options, saving time, and reducing frustration for your customer. As chatbots evolve with smarter algorithms, CSRs gain more time to tackle complex issues rather than juggling the tasks of checking records, agreements, and inventory. AI also predicts customer trends, enabling CSRs to ask the right questions for efficient interactions.

AI on websites is being used for everything from simple data collection for basic customer information forms to more advanced software that streamlines the scheduling process and accelerates technician dispatch. Businesses often find that offering a user-friendly interface where customers can access their job history, scheduled tasks, and equipment details empowers those customers to make informed decisions about their services.

Dispatching — AI algorithms play a crucial role in optimizing smart dispatching. Unlike humans who may need to navigate through multiple screens and review spreadsheets to identify patterns, AI analyzes historical data in seconds and can suggest the best dates, job times, and technician for the job based on various factors like customer location, service requests, technician skills, and availability.

Supply Chain — Want to maintain optimal stock levels, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency in your supply chain? AI can help with that. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical data to forecast material requirements, making it easier for your business to predict demand, manage inventory, and optimize logistics.

Diagnostics and Maintenance — Smart sensors and AI algorithms can reduce the amount of equipment and machinery breakdowns by predicting potential issues before they happen. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical data, usage patterns, and environmental factors to tailor maintenance schedules for specific equipment. Predictive maintenance will ultimately save your business time and money by reducing unnecessary maintenance, minimizing downtime, and extending the lifespan of tools and machinery.

Employee Training — In addition to customer service, dispatching, supply chain, and maintenance, AI advancements are also helping contractors enhance their employee training capabilities. With Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications allowing for hands-on training in a simulated environment, apprentices and seasoned professionals alike can build their skills and learn new techniques without having to be on-site.

Safety — Finally, safety is always a top priority in the trades, and AI is playing a crucial role in making worksites even safer. Potential hazards can be better identified in real time with computer vision technologies and AI-driven analytics. This proactive approach helps ensure that safety protocols are adhered to and significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, creating a more secure working environment.

AI is paving the way for a future in which traditional craftsmanship and modern technology work together for progress and innovation. As businesses embrace these technological changes, HVAC and other trade sectors are realizing better efficiency, safety, and overall effectiveness. It’s safe to say that AI is here to stay. It’s time to ask yourself how you can harness its power to support you and your business.