August — First signs of a slow- down usually shows at the end of the month. Sprinkle fall heat work in, as convenient.

September — Cooling calls usually decrease. Push in all possible heat work.

October — Finish up all heat jobs. Make maintenance inspections. Begin winter shutdowns.

November — Finish winter shutdowns. Continue maintenance inspections on refrigeration equipment. Begin winter work for full service contract customers. (Since a contractor’s monthly fee is year round and the winter work must be done some time, it’s wise to do these in November and December if you can.)

December — This is the best month of the year to give men their vacations. Continue winter work for contract customers, make inspections, etc.

January — Finish winter jobs for contract customers. Conclude all mid-winter maintenance inspections of either heating or cooling equipment (if in operation).

February — This month, you are mostly occupied with winter work. Perform some inspections.

March — Conclude winter work lists.

April — Begin spring start-ups. Some customers must get in operation in April. Begin spring inspections. Note: The spring inspection is the most important one of the year.

May — Spring start-ups are in full swing. Conclude all spring inspections. Repeat: Spring start-ups and inspections must be done A-1. Not only does the customer benefit from fewer breakdowns, but you benefit with a less hectic summer caused by more service calls than you can get to. This also puts you in position during the summer to take on new customers — future buyers.

June — If air conditioner service calls permit, call all customers who haven’t agreed to any of your plans for permission to get his equipment all ready for “good summer operation.” This can fall flat on its face if handled wrong. It will work marvels if handled in the right manner.

Each year the spring inspection is made very carefully, knowing the next one, whether monthly or quarterly, will quite possibly be late, maybe even absent until fall.

These business management tips to help keep your technicians busy year round were excepted from John E. Schilling’s book, The Heating & Cooling Contractor’s Profit Book, and appeared in the September 23, 1968 issue.

Publication date: 09/24/2001