I am thinking of starting an Automotive Air Conditioning business?

[Scott A]

I know there are alot of regulations, and equipment required but, bottom line, can you make a living doing it? The EPA 609 Certification looks easy amd cheap ($19.95). I wonder what the startup cost would roughly be with all the equipment. Is it a difficult trade to learn?

Thanks

 

[CyberSniper]

It's pretty easy to learn. It's also pretty dangerous. Insurance for the business is expensive. I asked my cousin why he didn't go into automobile HVAC since he's certified in it and he says it's because it's dangerous and the equipment is expensive. I suspect the hazardous materials certification and building requirements would be pretty overbearing too. Good pay though, about twice as much as a regular mechanic.

 

[XHitman396]

pretty much what he said...

 

[Scott A]

What is the dangerous part... if a cylinder full of freon blows up in your face /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif?

 

[CyberSniper]

Burning yourself (actually freezing yourself but they still call it burning) and all the toxic chemicals you'll be exposed to. My cousin said the worst part was that you can absorb it through your skin. I guess not many people actually burn themselves but you are always being exposed to chemicals that don't do you any good. I suppose that aspect of HVAC is comparable to working with brakes.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

I'd say A/C and transmissions are the most profitable ways to make money in the auto business.

Well, other than selling tires, ride control, and brake jobs all day long like a Midas, Meineke, Merlins do etc.

Avoiding big jobs seems quite effective for those types of shops and they make big $$$$.

 

[diesel4me]

I have a friend in the auto repair business,he does everything from a tune up to engine swaps,etc.He used to do AC work,but gave it up after a few years,because most people dont want to spend the money to properly fix the system--most would say just re-charge the system,and not want to spring for a new evaporator core or valves and O-rings--then complain when it blows warm air two weeks later after spending 100 bucks or so--that and the fact that he machine they require you to have now to recycle the freon is about 5 grand,and the hazardous waste disposal fees discouraged him from wanting to keep doing it.Plus here in the northeast,you only really use the a/c about a month or two out of the whole year.I dont mean to discourage you from starting a business,but be aware there are lots of expense for equipment.My freind would have done better in a warmer climate probably,and it seems if you want to do AC work,its better to be a specialist and do only AC,not be a full service repair shop. I applaud you for having the ambition though--wish I had some!. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[K5 NUTT]

I don't think it would be to hard to do and the money is there. I do the work out of my garage on the side...i own an older robinair machine that recovers - charges - and recycles...plus over the years i have all the other tools that go with it....and i just purchased $500 worth of nitrogen bottle and regulator to be able to psi test systems up to 300 psi....

Labor is where you make the coin up front like all shops...but depending on what % you mark your parts up to is up to you...i've seen as low as 10% with an average of 40%. But the problem is the people who want to do the el cheapo...those people i refer to autozone for the DIY kit...

Also lately i've been buying my a/c parts over the net from rockauto.com...savin big bux compaerd to the dealership...
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DW