Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) isn’t just another service—it’s an essential part of daily life. From sweltering summers to freezing winters, people and businesses rely on reliable climate control, which makes HVAC one of the most durable categories in the home and commercial services sector. The Aire Serv franchise, established in 1992 and now part of the Neighborly® family of brands, has become a trusted name in this vital industry.

Unlike independent contractors, Aire Serv franchise owners don’t need to pick up the tools themselves. Instead, they focus on leading teams of skilled technicians, managing schedules, building customer relationships, and leveraging Neighborly’s systems for marketing, operations, and ongoing support. This owner-as-operator approach allows entrepreneurs to build a professional services business in a sector that is both recession-resistant and seasonally consistent.

Opening an Aire Serv franchise generally requires $113,808.50–$271,708.50 in initial investment, which includes a $45,000 franchise fee (with adjustments for larger population-based territories). Costs typically cover vehicles, equipment, marketing, training, technology systems, and the working capital needed for launch. Exact royalties and brand marketing contributions are disclosed in the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which every candidate should review carefully as part of their due diligence.

In the sections that follow, you’ll find details on how the Aire Serv model works, what training and support you receive, and who tends to thrive in this proven home-services opportunity.

This article is sponsored by Aire Serv. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.

What is the Aire Serv Franchise?

The Aire Serv franchise is a nationally recognized heating and cooling brand that provides repair, maintenance, and replacement services for residential and light commercial customers. With more than 30 years of experience in the HVAC sector, Aire Serv has built a reputation around professionalism, consistency, and customer trust.

As a franchise owner, your role is not to perform the technical work but to build and manage a skilled local team, oversee scheduling, handle customer relationships, and ensure a professional service experience. Certified technicians deliver the hands-on service while you focus on leadership, marketing, and operational oversight. This executive-style model makes Aire Serv appealing to entrepreneurs who want to run a systems-driven service business rather than work on the tools themselves.

Aire Serv differentiates itself from independent operators through its emphasis on:

• Professional systems and technology – GPS truck tracking, mobile job descriptions, and CRM platforms that streamline dispatch and customer communication.
• Ethical service standards – a replacement philosophy that prioritizes integrity and customer trust.
• Brand power – a nationally trusted name that homeowners recognize when choosing HVAC providers.

Being part of the Neighborly® family of brands adds even more credibility and opportunity. Franchisees benefit from cross-brand marketing (where satisfied customers of sister brands discover your HVAC services), vendor discounts, national advertising, and ongoing support from a franchisor with deep experience in the home-services sector. Peer collaboration within Neighborly’s network also gives you access to insights and best practices from fellow owners who understand the realities of running a service-based business.

In short, the Aire Serv franchise combines the strength of a recognized national brand with the flexibility of local ownership, giving entrepreneurs a framework to lead teams, grow a customer base, and deliver services in a critical and resilient industry.

How much does an Aire Serv Franchise cost?

The biggest variables in your opening budget are your vehicle, launch marketing, and initial working capital. Here’s a clean Item 7–style snapshot based on the FDD table you provided.

Estimated Initial Investment — Aire Serv (Single Territory)

Type of Expenditure	Actual or Estimated Amount (Low)	Estimated Amount (High)
Initial Franchise Fee	$45,000*	$45,000* + $450* per 1,000 population over minimum
Vehicle	$6,500*	$60,000*
Equipment, Supplies & Inventory	$5,100*	$25,000*
Insurance	$3,000*	$6,000*
Advertising, Marketing & Promotional Spending	$30,000*	$60,000*
Start-up Package	$1,708.50*	$1,708.50*
Training, Travel, Lodging & Food	$4,000*	$8,000*
Deposits, Permits & Licenses	$500*	$10,000*
Professional Fees	$0*	$5,000*
Additional Funds (first 3 months)	$15,000*	$45,000*
Real Estate	$3,000*	$6,000*
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$113,808.50*	$271,708.50* + any additional franchise fee

*Data based on the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and line items shared in the provided Item 7 table. Fees, costs, and figures are estimates and may vary by location, fleet choices, vendor pricing, and territory population.

What Do Aire Serv Owners Actually Do Each Day?

Owning an Aire Serv franchise is about leading a professional service team, not fixing HVAC systems yourself. This is an executive ownership role, where your time is spent on management, growth, and maintaining operational excellence. A typical day might include:

• Leading and developing the team – Recruiting and retaining certified technicians, hiring a CSR/dispatcher, and setting clear standards for professionalism, communication, and safety. Strong leadership ensures your crew delivers consistently high-quality service and represents the brand well in every home or business.
• Owning the calendar – Monitoring service capacity and response times, balancing seasonal demand, and ensuring efficient routing with GPS and scheduling tools. The goal is to reduce downtime, keep technicians productive, and maintain fast turnaround for customers.
• Driving consistent sales practices – Coaching technicians to use structured service menus and pricing guides, while following Aire Serv’s ethical replacement philosophy. This keeps your team aligned on how to present repair and replacement options in a customer-focused way.
• Watching the numbers – Tracking KPIs like conversion rates, average job size, maintenance agreement sign-ups, first-time fix rates, call answer times, and callbacks. These benchmarks help you understand performance, spot trends, and make proactive adjustments.
• Building the pipeline – Executing local marketing playbooks, requesting reviews from satisfied customers, and leveraging Neighborly® cross-marketing so homeowners already using other Neighborly brands discover your HVAC business. Referrals and repeat customers become a key part of growth.

Franchise owners who succeed in Aire Serv focus on people leadership, disciplined operations, and proactive marketing. Instead of being in the field, you’re the general manager guiding a team and building long-term community trust.

Training, technology, and ongoing support.

Launching an Aire Serv franchise doesn’t require a background in HVAC. The system is structured to teach you the business from the ground up and keep you supported well beyond opening day. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Training.

New franchisees participate in a mix of online modules and in-person instruction. Sessions cover:

• Business operations and financial management.
• Recruiting, hiring, and scheduling practices.
• Customer service principles and call handling.
• Technical fundamentals that help you manage your team effectively—even if you’ve never worked in HVAC before.

This foundation prepares owners to lead confidently from day one.

Marketing Engine.

To get phones ringing quickly, Aire Serv provides a corporate-managed digital presence plus localized marketing plans. Support includes:

• Paid search and PPC campaigns to capture high-intent customers.
• Local SEO strategies to boost your visibility in map searches.
• Reputation management and review-building playbooks.
• Branded creative assets for community and digital use.

The goal is to combine national brand awareness with hyper-local credibility.

Operational Tools.

Owners run their business with a set of technology tools designed to standardize service and keep performance visible. These include:

• Menu pricing guidance to simplify quoting and keep offers consistent.
• CRM and scheduling systems for call management and dispatching.
• GPS truck tracking to improve route efficiency and response times.
• iPad-based job descriptions and digital work orders for field technicians.

Ongoing Education and Coaching.

Learning doesn’t stop at launch. Owners receive:

• Regular webinars covering new technologies, service standards, and compliance.
• Regional meetings to share strategies with peers.
• Updates on industry best practices and code changes.
• Performance check-ins with business coaches who help refine processes over time.

Neighborly® Synergies.

As part of the Neighborly® family, Aire Serv franchisees also benefit from:

• Cross-brand referral opportunities with sister home-service franchises.
• Vendor discounts and buying power that lower costs.
• Peer mentorship and shared knowledge across the network.

Together, these resources create a structured pathway from launch to growth, giving owners both the tools and the community support needed to run a polished, customer-trusted business.

Licensing: Common Hurdles and How Aire Serv Helps You Navigate Them.

Licensing is one of the biggest variables when entering the HVAC industry. Roughly 80% of U.S. states require some form of HVAC license for installation or service work. That can feel intimidating for new owners, especially if you don’t have a trade background—but Aire Serv has established pathways to help you stay compliant from day one.

How franchisees approach licensing:

• Qualifying-agent model: Some owners partner with or hire a licensed technician who serves as the qualifying agent for the business.
• Hire licensed staff: Many states allow you to operate as the business owner while employing a licensed lead technician to supervise permitted work.
• Earn credentials yourself: For candidates who want deeper technical involvement, Aire Serv provides guidance on the coursework, exams, and continuing education required in your state.

Franchisor role: Aire Serv offers support by helping you understand state-specific requirements, connecting you with resources, and outlining options during your development process. The aim is to keep your business legally compliant while you build a staffing and succession plan that ensures licensed coverage as your team grows.

Important note: Regulations vary widely, so you’ll need to confirm the exact requirements with your state licensing board and review the guidance provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Why candidates choose the Aire Serv Franchise

Aire Serv has been a trusted HVAC brand for more than three decades, and franchise candidates are drawn to it for a mix of stability, professionalism, and strong franchisor support. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Essential, year-round demand.

Heating and cooling aren’t discretionary purchases—every home and business relies on these systems for comfort and safety. That means service calls happen in every season, creating steady opportunities for owners who follow the playbook.

2. Executive ownership model.

Owners don’t need to be HVAC technicians. Instead, the model is designed for business leaders who can hire, coach, and manage teams of skilled techs while focusing on scheduling, sales, and customer experience. This appeals to candidates who want to run an operation, not turn wrenches.

3. Service-focused technology.

From GPS-equipped trucks and CRM scheduling to iPad-based service menus, Aire Serv provides tools that keep teams efficient, routes tight, and communications clear. These systems help owners maintain professional standards across every job.

4. Ethical replacement philosophy.

The brand emphasizes integrity in service delivery. Technicians are trained to present repair and replacement options transparently, fostering trust with customers and strengthening repeat business relationships.

5. Neighborly® network advantages.

As part of the Neighborly family of service brands, Aire Serv franchisees benefit from cross-marketing opportunities (referrals from sister brands like Mr. Rooter or Mr. Electric), vendor discounts, and access to a collaborative peer network. This ecosystem makes it easier for owners to grow in step with a well-supported, recognized national brand.

Candidates choose Aire Serv because it combines the fundamentals of an essential industry with the resources of a franchising powerhouse—helping entrepreneurs focus on leadership, systems, and growth rather than technical expertise.

Who thrives in this business?

Aire Serv attracts entrepreneurs who want to lead people, build a trusted local brand, and operate with structure. While an HVAC background can be useful, it is not required—the franchise provides training, technology, and ongoing support to cover technical and operational standards. The owners who succeed most consistently tend to bring a mix of leadership, sales instincts, and operational discipline.

Key qualities that set thriving owners apart:

• People leadership and recruiting skills. Building a strong culture is critical in a skilled-trades business. Owners who can hire, motivate, and retain technicians create teams that want to stay and grow with the company.
• Sales and customer service instincts. Comfort with quoting, presenting service options, and asking for reviews helps drive repeat business. Owners who communicate clearly and confidently build lasting trust with customers.
• Operational discipline. This is a systems-driven business. Strong franchisees track KPIs, monitor technician routes, oversee inventory control, and manage scheduling for maximum efficiency.
• Community involvement. The most successful owners establish a visible local presence—partnering with property managers, builders, and participating in chambers of commerce or neighborhood associations to generate trust and referral business.

Why background isn’t a barrier:

While some owners come from construction, real estate, or facilities management, many join from corporate leadership or sales backgrounds. The Aire Serv training path equips them with the knowledge and tools needed to oversee quality service delivery, even without technical trade experience. What matters most is a willingness to lead teams, follow proven processes, and engage actively in the community.

FAQs.

How much does the Aire Serv Franchise cost to start?
$113,808.50–$271,708.50** for a single territory, including a $45,000* franchise fee (plus $450 per 1,000 population* above the base). Vehicle strategy, launch marketing, and local licensing drive most variation.

Do I need prior HVAC experience?
No. Owners focus on leadership, sales, and operations; the franchisor provides technical and business training so you can manage teams and quality without a trade background.

Is this a home-based business?
Yes. Most owners operate from a small office or home base with wrapped service vans—no retail storefront is required.

What about HVAC licensing?
Most states require it. The franchisor can discuss compliant pathways (e.g., hiring a licensed lead tech or acting through a qualifying agent) while you build long-term licensing depth. Always confirm local rules.

What kind of support will I receive?
A structured ramp including initial training, marketing, technology, and ongoing coaching—plus Neighborly® network benefits such as cross-marketing and vendor discounts.

Is the Aire Serv Franchise the right fit for you?

If you’re evaluating franchise opportunities in the home-services sector, Aire Serv stands out as a model designed for leaders rather than technicians. It’s a fit for entrepreneurs who want to guide people, manage operations, and build a community presence in a sector that stays relevant year-round.

The model is built for those who value:

• Essential demand. Heating and cooling services are a necessity in nearly every home and business, making HVAC one of the most enduring service categories.
• Executive ownership. You won’t be repairing units yourself—you’ll be leading a team of skilled technicians, supported by training, playbooks, and technology.
• Professional presentation. Aire Serv emphasizes polished service, branded vehicles, clear communication, and standardized processes that help franchisees stand apart from local independents.
• Neighborly® scale. Being part of the Neighborly® family gives owners access to cross-brand marketing opportunities, established vendor relationships, and a peer network that shares strategies and best practices.

Aire Serv is a good match if you enjoy leading people, tracking performance through KPIs, and building strong local relationships while leveraging a national brand. The combination of a proven system, supportive franchisor, and a recognizable name makes it a compelling option for entrepreneurs who want to enter a service category that families and businesses rely on every day.