HVAC contractors know that replacement jobs and new installations are the bread and butter of the business. But finding them consistently — especially before the competition — is the hard part.
Building permit data solves this.
Why HVAC permits are valuable leads
When a homeowner or building manager files a mechanical permit for HVAC work, they've already decided to invest. Common HVAC permit scenarios:
- Equipment replacement — the old furnace or AC unit finally died
- New construction — every new building needs HVAC
- Commercial tenant improvement — office buildouts need new ductwork and climate control
- Energy efficiency upgrades — heat pump installations, ductless mini-splits
- Major renovation — gut rehabs that include new HVAC systems
Each of these is a real job, attached to a real address, with a real property owner.
What HVAC permit data includes
Depending on the city, mechanical and HVAC permits typically show:
- Address — the job site
- Work description — "Replace furnace and AC," "Install ductless mini-split," etc.
- Valuation — the estimated cost of the HVAC work
- Applicant/contractor — who filed the permit (if no contractor is listed, they may need one)
- Property owner — the person paying for the work
Finding HVAC jobs with permit alerts
The most effective approach:
- Set up alerts for mechanical and HVAC permit types in your service cities
- Add keywords like "furnace," "air conditioning," "heat pump," "ductwork," "mini-split"
- Set a minimum valuation to filter out small repairs
- Monitor daily — HVAC jobs move fast, especially in extreme weather seasons
Summer and winter spikes
HVAC permit volume is seasonal. You'll see spikes in:
- Late spring/early summer — AC replacements before the heat hits
- Late fall/early winter — furnace replacements before the cold arrives
- Post-storm periods — equipment damage from flooding or power surges
Being set up with permit alerts before the season starts means you're catching jobs from day one.
Getting started
The Permit Sheet monitors mechanical and HVAC permits across 10 US cities. Set up a free alert in 2 minutes:
- Sign up (free, no credit card)
- Pick your city
- Set permit type to "mechanical" and add HVAC keywords
- Start receiving alerts
The jobs are being filed right now. The only question is whether you see them first.