Key Takeaways

• Technology Revolution: Modern HVAC tools like smart diagnostics, cordless equipment, and exoskeletons are reducing physical barriers and making the trade more accessible to women
• Business Advantage: Female technicians improve customer relations, especially in residential settings where women make 75-80% of household decisions
• Untapped Resource: Women represent only 0.4% of HVAC technicians despite proven success, creating significant opportunities for employers facing labor shortages
• Integration Success: Proper preparation including team discussions, appropriate PPE/tools, and mentorship programs ensures smooth workforce diversification

Tools, Tech and the Rise of Lady Tradies

The Journey Begins: My First Hands-On Experience

To add some context, I had decided I didn’t want to sit at a desk after my University education. During this time in my life, I had been working in a bar for 13 years, and the thought of pursuing a career in the skilled trades had never crossed my mind.

The Evolution of HVAC Technology

Looking back over the past 23 years, it’s incredible to see how our industry has evolved using the latest and greatest technology. One of the most significant shifts in the HVAC sector is the widespread adoption of “smart” tools, wireless temperature and pressure sensors that are Bluetooth compatible as seen with the NAVAC Smart Refrigerant Diagnostics Kit (SK2TP1).

Tools are no longer “one size fits all.” Innovation has brought us lightweight and compact recovery units and vacuum pumps, some of these tools have cordless options so there’s no need to run 200 feet of extension cord across a roof. Hilti has introduced the exoskeleton and a Nuron-Powered tool balancer to help reduce the wear and tear on our bodies.

These advancements are part of a larger technological revolution in the trades – with AI and Automation accelerating changes at a breakneck speed. For technicians interested in mastering modern diagnostic tools, understanding BMS control fundamentals has become increasingly important as smart building systems become standard. These are just a few examples of how technology-based tools are making our industry more accessible to a virtually untapped labor pool… WOMEN.

Women in HVAC: An Untapped Resource

The Business Case for Female Technicians

In the residential sector, it’s no secret that women make most of the decisions in the household. According to the BDC, women are responsible for 75% to 80% of consumer spending through purchasing power or influence, so when a female technician shows up to install or service an HVAC system, there is a clear advantage. Initially, there is always a look of surprise followed by “It’s great to see a female mechanic!” and the customer feels at ease allowing a woman to enter her home and complete the work. I know from personal experience that many customers will request the female technician to exclusively work on their contracts.

Many companies have even started highlighting female technicians in their marketing campaigns and on social media to increase awareness and encourage more women to apply. A few to note are the Women of Wolsey (WoW), Women on Site (WOS), and of course Women in HVACr Canada.

Speaking of marketing and customer relations, forward-thinking HVAC companies are discovering new ways to connect with customers and grow their businesses. Property.com’s ‘Know Before You Go‘ tool helps contractors understand homeowner preferences and decision-making patterns before arriving at the job site. This insight is particularly valuable when matching the right technician to each customer, maximizing satisfaction and conversion rates. Learn how Property.com helps HVAC pros build stronger customer relationships and grow their reputation.

Integration Strategies for Employers

As an employer reading this, you may be asking yourself how can I integrate women into my male-populated team without disrupting the ecosystem. The first step is to start with a conversation with your existing team to allow them to voice any concerns and ask questions; this will allow the employer to address any pain points prior to onboarding a female apprentice or technician.

In addition, employers should consider other factors like PPE, tools, and uniforms. For example, if you have contracts that require working from heights, women wear a different harness than our male counterparts. For electrical troubleshooting purposes, lineman’s gloves can be ordered in smaller sizes for a proper fit.

Female workwear brands such as Dirty Seahorse, Carhartt, Covergalls, Dovetail, and Eve Workwear provide a variety of options such as FR, high visibility, and coveralls to comply with your company’s needs. Additionally, Fair-Trades Toolbox can assist your company with this transition through mentoring, workforce development, onboarding solutions, and training sessions to support your company’s growth and evolution.

For companies looking to expand their workforce during peak seasons, consider implementing strategic scheduling approaches like those outlined in our guide to beating the October commercial HVAC maintenance rush. Having a diverse team provides more flexibility in scheduling and customer service during these critical periods.

Conclusion: Evolve Your Workforce for the Future

We all know that the key to any successful project or job is the prep work, and this phase takes time and planning; elevating your company culture is no different. With the proper tools in place, you can welcome the next generation of HVAC technicians onto your team and set them up for success.

The tools and equipment we use today have evolved in response to innovation and market demand, but many companies are still using analog hiring practices in a digital world. I wouldn’t use that dusty old manual flare kit anymore when there is a battery-operated version that virtually guarantees no leaks, so why not evolve your workforce to align with the world we compete in today? It’s time to work smarter, not harder.