Streamlined HVAC Invoicing - Free ACH Payments Designed for Contractors
Keep your cash flow running smoothly with payments that actually work for HVAC businesses
Trusted by 10,000+ industrial small businesses
Why HVAC Contractors Are Switching to Nickel
Unlike traditional payment processors that treat you like a "high-risk" business, Nickel was built specifically for trade professionals who handle large invoice-based transactions. We understand that:
- $8,000 HVAC system replacements are normal business, not suspicious activity
- Seasonal demand surges during peak summer and winter months create payment spikes that banks often flag as unusual
- You need reliable processing during peak HVAC seasons when cash flow is most critical
- Your cash flow depends on predictable payment timing, not arbitrary holds that can freeze your working capital when equipment suppliers need immediate payment
Result: No surprise account holds, no "business verification" delays, no risk department calls that can paralyze your operations during peak season.
Why HVAC Contractors Are Switching to Nickel
Unlike traditional payment processors that treat you like a "high-risk" business, Nickel was built specifically for trade professionals who handle large invoice-based transactions. We understand that:
- $8,000 HVAC system replacements are normal business, not suspicious activity
- Seasonal demand surges during peak summer and winter months create payment spikes that banks often flag as unusual
- You need reliable processing during peak HVAC seasons when cash flow is most critical
- Your cash flow depends on predictable payment timing, not arbitrary holds that can freeze your working capital when equipment suppliers need immediate payment
Result: No surprise account holds, no "business verification" delays, no risk department calls that can paralyze your operations during peak season.
Before Nickel vs. After Nickel
Multiple systems for invoicing, payments, and bookkeeping
Banks freeze accounts over routine $8,000 HVAC replacement payments
Lose 1-3% on every transaction ($80-240 per typical residential job)
Banks don't understand HVAC business patterns
Hours spent matching payments to invoices in QuickBooks
Everything integrated: invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks sync
We understand large and variable transactions are normal for HVAC contractors and our support team is highly responsive if you ever run into issues
Keep 100% of what customers pay you
Designed around how your business actually works
Your invoices and payments automatically sync to the right customer, service call, and job, plus seamless AP integration
The HVAC Cash Flow Crisis Every Contractor Faces
The HVAC industry faces unique financial challenges that generic payment processors simply don't understand. With over 146,000 HVAC businesses managing operations in a $156.2 billion market, HVAC contractors are caught between extreme seasonal demand fluctuations and banks that don't understand the natural rhythm of heating and cooling businesses.
Extreme Seasonal Cash Flow Volatility:
HVAC contractors experience some of the most dramatic seasonal cash flow swings in the construction industry. Peak replacement and maintenance seasons lasting only seven months in many climates create intense cash flow pressures during summer cooling and winter heating periods. Many contractors see 70-80% of their annual revenue concentrated in just 5-6 months, yet banks interpret these seasonal surges as suspicious rather than standard business patterns. 40% of HVAC companies cite cash flow management as their top challenge, directly tied to this seasonal volatility.
Emergency Service Payment Complexity:
HVAC emergencies don't follow business hours or payment schedules. When a commercial restaurant's cooling system fails during a heat wave, or a family's heating system breaks in winter, contractors must respond immediately with expensive parts and labor. These emergency calls often involve $3,000-8,000 repairs that customers need to pay immediately, but traditional payment processors see these off-hours, high-value transactions as potential fraud rather than emergency HVAC service.
Equipment and Inventory Financing Pressure:
HVAC contractors must maintain significant inventory investments to serve customers promptly. A single commercial HVAC unit can cost $15,000-30,000, while residential systems typically range from $5,000-12,000. Contractors often need to purchase and store multiple units to meet seasonal demand, creating cash flow pressure when customers pay 30-60 days after installation while equipment suppliers require immediate payment upon delivery.
Service Contract Revenue Management:
Many successful HVAC contractors rely on maintenance contracts for steady cash flow during off-seasons, with residential customers typically paying $120-500 annually and commercial contracts ranging from $500-2,000. However, managing these recurring payments alongside project-based revenue creates complex cash flow patterns that traditional banks struggle to understand, often triggering account reviews when seasonal project payments spike above normal service contract levels.
The HVAC Cash Flow Crisis Every Contractor Faces
The HVAC industry faces unique financial challenges that generic payment processors simply don't understand. With over 146,000 HVAC businesses managing operations in a $156.2 billion market, HVAC contractors are caught between extreme seasonal demand fluctuations and banks that don't understand the natural rhythm of heating and cooling businesses.
Extreme Seasonal Cash Flow Volatility:
HVAC contractors experience some of the most dramatic seasonal cash flow swings in the construction industry. Peak replacement and maintenance seasons lasting only seven months in many climates create intense cash flow pressures during summer cooling and winter heating periods. Many contractors see 70-80% of their annual revenue concentrated in just 5-6 months, yet banks interpret these seasonal surges as suspicious rather than standard business patterns. 40% of HVAC companies cite cash flow management as their top challenge, directly tied to this seasonal volatility.
Emergency Service Payment Complexity:
HVAC emergencies don't follow business hours or payment schedules. When a commercial restaurant's cooling system fails during a heat wave, or a family's heating system breaks in winter, contractors must respond immediately with expensive parts and labor. These emergency calls often involve $3,000-8,000 repairs that customers need to pay immediately, but traditional payment processors see these off-hours, high-value transactions as potential fraud rather than emergency HVAC service.
Equipment and Inventory Financing Pressure:
HVAC contractors must maintain significant inventory investments to serve customers promptly. A single commercial HVAC unit can cost $15,000-30,000, while residential systems typically range from $5,000-12,000. Contractors often need to purchase and store multiple units to meet seasonal demand, creating cash flow pressure when customers pay 30-60 days after installation while equipment suppliers require immediate payment upon delivery.
Service Contract Revenue Management:
Many successful HVAC contractors rely on maintenance contracts for steady cash flow during off-seasons, with residential customers typically paying $120-500 annually and commercial contracts ranging from $500-2,000. However, managing these recurring payments alongside project-based revenue creates complex cash flow patterns that traditional banks struggle to understand, often triggering account reviews when seasonal project payments spike above normal service contract levels.
Simplified Modern Workflow
Send invoice (or use your existing invoicing)
Customer pays instantly via secure link
Payment auto-syncs to QuickBooks
Money hits your account in 2 business days
Built-in QuickBooks Integration
Your payments automatically sync to the right invoice, customer, and job. No more:
Compare: Nickel vs. Other Payment Platforms
What This Means for Your HVAC Business
Save Money
Zero ACH fees: Save $5,000-15,000 per year on a typical HVAC business No hidden costs: No setup fees, monthly fees, or surprise charges Early payment discounts: Pay and get paid faster, capture supplier discounts
Save Time
Automated reconciliation: 3+ hours per week saved on bookkeeping Instant invoicing: Send payment links directly from job sites One system: Stop switching between payment apps, banking apps, and QuickBooks
Reduce Risk
Process large payments worry-free: We understand HVAC transactions and provide responsive support when needed Predictable processing: Money hits your account in 2 business days Secure payments: Bank-level security without the bank headaches
HVAC Industry Payment Breakdown
The $156.2 billion U.S. HVAC industry faces unique financial pressures that traditional payment processors weren't designed to handle, with seasonal cash flow management representing the biggest challenge facing contractors today.
Market Scale and Seasonal Complexity:
With over 146,000 HVAC establishments and approximately 400,000 HVAC mechanics and installers employed nationwide, the industry represents a massive but highly seasonal market. The majority of HVAC businesses are small, family-owned operations with fewer than five employees and annual revenues under $1 million, yet they handle transaction volumes that spike dramatically during peak seasons. Only 30% of Americans schedule preventative HVAC maintenance, meaning most business comes from emergency repairs and seasonal replacements that create unpredictable cash flow patterns.
Equipment Investment and Cash Flow Timing:
HVAC contractors face some of the highest equipment costs in the trades industry. Commercial HVAC installations can range from $50,000-200,000+, while residential systems typically cost $8,000-15,000 installed. Contractors must often purchase this equipment upfront from suppliers who demand payment within 30 days, while customers frequently pay on Net 30-60 terms. This creates a cash flow gap where contractors are financing their customers' equipment purchases for 30-90 days, putting enormous pressure on working capital during peak seasons.
Service Revenue vs. Installation Economics:
The most profitable HVAC work typically comes from service and repair, where successful departments can achieve 15-20% net profit margins, compared to 2-5% margins on equipment installation. However, service calls often involve smaller transaction amounts ($200-800) that customers expect to pay immediately, while installation work involves larger amounts ($5,000-15,000+) paid over extended terms. This creates complex cash flow management where contractors need systems that can handle both immediate small payments and larger delayed payments seamlessly.
Regional and Seasonal Labor Challenges:
HVAC demand varies dramatically by region and season, with Florida employing over 37,000 HVAC technicians and California close behind with 35,000+. During peak seasons, contractors often need to hire additional temporary labor and pay weekly payroll while waiting for customer payments. The seasonal nature means contractors must maintain year-round overhead costs while revenue fluctuates from near-zero in mild months to maximum capacity during extreme weather, requiring sophisticated cash flow management to bridge these gaps without relying on expensive lines of credit.
HVAC Industry Payment Breakdown
The $156.2 billion U.S. HVAC industry faces unique financial pressures that traditional payment processors weren't designed to handle, with seasonal cash flow management representing the biggest challenge facing contractors today.
Market Scale and Seasonal Complexity:
With over 146,000 HVAC establishments and approximately 400,000 HVAC mechanics and installers employed nationwide, the industry represents a massive but highly seasonal market. The majority of HVAC businesses are small, family-owned operations with fewer than five employees and annual revenues under $1 million, yet they handle transaction volumes that spike dramatically during peak seasons. Only 30% of Americans schedule preventative HVAC maintenance, meaning most business comes from emergency repairs and seasonal replacements that create unpredictable cash flow patterns.
Equipment Investment and Cash Flow Timing:
HVAC contractors face some of the highest equipment costs in the trades industry. Commercial HVAC installations can range from $50,000-200,000+, while residential systems typically cost $8,000-15,000 installed. Contractors must often purchase this equipment upfront from suppliers who demand payment within 30 days, while customers frequently pay on Net 30-60 terms. This creates a cash flow gap where contractors are financing their customers' equipment purchases for 30-90 days, putting enormous pressure on working capital during peak seasons.
Service Revenue vs. Installation Economics:
The most profitable HVAC work typically comes from service and repair, where successful departments can achieve 15-20% net profit margins, compared to 2-5% margins on equipment installation. However, service calls often involve smaller transaction amounts ($200-800) that customers expect to pay immediately, while installation work involves larger amounts ($5,000-15,000+) paid over extended terms. This creates complex cash flow management where contractors need systems that can handle both immediate small payments and larger delayed payments seamlessly.
Regional and Seasonal Labor Challenges:
HVAC demand varies dramatically by region and season, with Florida employing over 37,000 HVAC technicians and California close behind with 35,000+. During peak seasons, contractors often need to hire additional temporary labor and pay weekly payroll while waiting for customer payments. The seasonal nature means contractors must maintain year-round overhead costs while revenue fluctuates from near-zero in mild months to maximum capacity during extreme weather, requiring sophisticated cash flow management to bridge these gaps without relying on expensive lines of credit.
Ranked #1 Easiest to Use Payment Solution by G2
See why Nickel outranks every major competitor, including Forwardly, Melio, and Square
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