Your HVAC Busy Season Checklist for Summer 2026
First heatwave doesn't care if you're ready.
When it hits 95° and phones explode, you either capture the surge or watch it overflow to competitors. The shops that win summer aren't necessarily bigger. They're better prepared.
March: Foundation
90 days outStaffing
Pull last summer's call volume by week. Identify peak weeks. Do you have the people?
Office
- Can CSRs handle 150% normal volume?
- Backup for vacations, sick days?
- After-hours coverage solid?
Field
- How many install crews simultaneously?
- Enough service techs for emergencies?
- Reliable backup labor?
Need to hire? Start now. Good techs don't stay on the market.
Inventory
Nothing kills momentum like three-week backorder on popular condenser.
- Top-installed equipment from last year — Stock extras
- Refrigerant — 410A and R-22 for legacy systems
- Truck stock — Common parts on every truck
April: Systems
60 days outPhone and Scheduling
- Test phone system — Handle high concurrent volume?
- After-hours coverage — Actually working?
- IVR — Emergency dispatch clear?
- Overflow — Answering service or AI as backup
Software
- Capacity settings — Match summer staffing
- Dispatch zones — Optimize for shorter drives
- Pricebook — Equipment costs changed since last summer
- Emergency job types — Priority routing for no-cool
May: Final Prep
30 days outTeam
- Kickoff meeting — Review procedures, set expectations
- Efficiency training — 10 minutes saved per job adds up
- Upselling — Replacement recommendations, IAQ products
Buffers
- Emergency slots — 2-3/day open for same-day
- Overtime plan — Who's willing, what it pays
- Surge partners — Other contractors for overflow
Weekly Metrics
Numbers that tell you if you're handling the load:
The Payoff
Well-run summer can make your year. 40%+ of annual revenue in three months.
Chaotic summer: burned-out staff, frustrated customers, September spent apologizing instead of selling maintenance agreements.
Difference is preparation. Not heroic effort during the rush—systematic preparation before it starts.
Ready to stop missing calls?
See how June handles calls for HVAC contractors like you—with your FSM software, your pricing, your voice.
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