YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Maintaining your vehicle is commonplace, and the same should be true for your heating and air conditioning, say three Mahoning Valley companies that specialize in HVAC systems.
“It runs all summer, and by keeping it maintained it will last longer and be more efficient,” says Bill Wiery co-owner of W.W. Heating and Air Conditioning in North Lima. “We tell people when it breaks, it is going to be the hottest day of the year or the coldest day of the year. If we can prevent that by doing better maintenance, it’s a win-win.”
About 87% of U.S. homes rely on air conditioning, and northeastern Ohio winters make reliable heat a necessity.
W.W. Heating and Air Conditioning, Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning of Warren and M.P. Vivo of Austintown specialize in residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. They all recommend having a maintenance plan.
Both W.W. and Thompson are Carrier authorized dealers. W.W. also installs geothermal systems and Bill Wiery believes they may be the largest installer of geothermal in the area.
M.P. Vivo specializes in Ruud, which owner Michael Vivo believes is superior because it is made in America and boasts sturdy copper coils.
Importance of Maintenance
Vivo says for $178 per year, his technicians will go over the system in the fall and spring.
A well-maintained system should last 20 years, he says.
“Nine out of 10 service calls, the filter hasn’t been changed in two years,” Vivo says, adding with the service plan they contact the busy customer to remind them they are due for service.
Plus, a maintenance contract can also mean priority service when that unexpected repair comes up.
Bill Wiery and his wife, Peg Wiery, are co-owners of W.W. Heating and Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning, which has been the winner of Carrier’s President’s Award for eight consecutive years. Peg notes it is all about the relationships that are built with customers and employees.
“It might sound old fashioned, but it’s really the truth,” Peg says. “I feel like, just be honest with them.”
She says the technicians are trained to listen to the customers and educate them on the condition of their system, so they can make a good decision whether it is time to repair or replace it.
Globally, market size for the HVAC industry is about $240.8 billion. Projections show the number of HVAC units sold in 2024 will surpass 151 million.
However, with a tight economy, local businesses are finding most of their clients are putting off buying a new system that can run $10,000 to $16,000, in favor of making repairs.
“People don’t have the money right now,” Vivo says. “So I’ve seen more service repairs.”
Putting off purchasing that new system may not always be the wisest move because the prices continue to go up. Vivo projects equipment costs could rise 30% next year.
Peg Wiery notes she has seen a 12% to 14% price increase for the air conditioning equipment over the last few years and the price of labor has increased. All of that must be passed onto the customers. She and other contractors offer financing options with lower interest rates than credit cards to help offset the rising costs for homeowners.
Prices are expected to increase next year as well, with the arrival of the new R-454B refrigerant, which experts say has less of an impact on global warming and is more energy efficient. It will replace the current varieties in models next year. But it is also more expensive.
Changing Technology
Bill Wiery says he has been in the business nearly 50 years and there is always something new. Years ago, few people had air conditioning and now most homes do. Also, 24-hour service calls have expanded to not just in the winter, but the summer too.
With new technology and safeguards, Bill says there is more that can go wrong.
Customers now want smart systems and thermostats, which allow them to control their heating and air conditioning remotely from their phones, using Wi-Fi. That enables them to make the house more comfortable just before arriving home and to save energy.
According to BookCleanGo.com, 12% of the average home’s yearly energy expenditure is spent on air conditioning and families spend about $1,000 annually to keep their house warm or cool.
Besides helping to curb energy costs, smart thermostats can alert the homeowner or service technician that the system is not operating properly.
Vivo says he gets five or six calls a week from customers wanting to upgrade to smart thermostats.
He believes people should do their homework when it comes to equipment and the company installing it. He’s proud of his five-star rating on Google, A+ BBB accreditation and Reader’s Choice awards from a local publication.
“We treat our customers like family,” Vivo says, noting many customers have followed him throughout his 35-year career as he went from working for other companies to starting his business in 2008. He employs seven people including his son, Christopher.
Workforce
Vivo says he could add another person, as well, but finding people with skills or willing to train in the field is difficult.
A lot of workers are nearing retirement in the HVAC field and only recently has interest in the trade emerged.
In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 415,800 worked as heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers. The median pay was $57,300 per year in 2023, while entry level starts at about $43,875. The most experienced workers can make nearly $90,000 annually. The field is expected to grow by 6% through 2032 with about 37,700 openings per year.
While Vivo says older technicians are more likely to leave the field because of evolving technology, Bill Wiery says the new technology and good pay is helping to bring younger people to HVAC.
“They can look up how to service or repair something on their iPad,” Bill says. “They can go to these classes where they have a headset and do virtual training.”
And when you find good employees, Peg Wiery notes it is important to keep them. She began working at Thompson Heating and Cooling long before she and Bill Wiery became the co-owners.
“We have amazing employees in both companies,” she says. “I am humbled by the amazing team we have.”
Pictured at top: Bill Wiery owner of W.W. Heating and Air Conditioning offers Carrier products, including split level and geothermal systems.