❄️ HVAC · Hiring & Team
How to Write an HVAC Job Ad That Actually Attracts Good Technicians
HVAC technicians are in short supply almost everywhere. The good ones are already employed — and they're being approached regularly. If your job ad reads like every other one on Indeed, you won't hear from them. Here's how to write something that makes a skilled tech stop scrolling.
The HVAC labour shortage is real — and your job ad is your first impression
The gap between demand for HVAC work and the number of qualified technicians available has been widening for years. Older technicians are retiring faster than new ones are being trained. The result: a good HVAC tech in most markets has their pick of employers. They're not desperate — you are.
This changes how you need to approach the job ad. Most business owners write job ads as if they're doing the candidate a favour by listing requirements. The reality is the opposite — you need to convince a skilled professional that your company is worth their time. Your job ad is not a list of demands. It's a pitch.
The HVAC businesses that consistently hire well are the ones that understand this. Their job ads lead with what the candidate gets, not what the employer wants. They sound like a human wrote them, not a template. And they're honest — about pay, about hours, about the reality of the role.
The most common job ad mistakes HVAC businesses make
❌ What not to do
Lead with a long list of requirements and certifications before mentioning pay. Write in corporate HR language. List 15 requirements when 5 are essential. Forget to mention what makes working for you different from the 20 other job ads they've seen today.
✅ What works
Lead with pay and what you offer. Write like a person. Be honest about the role. Give them a reason to choose you over a competitor — company culture, flexibility, progression, equipment quality, team size.
The structure that works
A good HVAC job ad has four sections, in this order: the hook, what you offer, what you need, and how to apply. Notice that "what you need" comes third — not first.
The hook is one or two sentences that capture why working for you is worth considering. "We're a family-run HVAC business in [city] that looks after our people" is more compelling than "Seeking experienced HVAC technician." Both say the same thing technically. Only one makes someone want to read further.
What you offer covers the concrete things: pay rate, van or equipment provided, hours and flexibility, any benefits. Be specific. "Competitive salary" is the laziest phrase in job advertising — it tells the candidate nothing and signals that you're either not sure what market rate is or not willing to pay it.
What you need is your requirements — but keep it realistic. If you list 12 requirements, candidates who are great but missing two will self-select out. Split them: "Essential" and "Preferred." You'll get more applications and still be able to filter.
How to apply should be simple. Text a message, send an email, call a number. The more friction in the application process, the fewer applications you'll get — especially from people currently employed who are quietly testing the market.
A complete HVAC job ad template
Job ad — ready to post on Indeed, Facebook, or local groups
HVAC Technician — [City/Area] — $[X]–$[X]/hr
We're [Business name], a [size — e.g. "small but busy"] HVAC company in [location] and we're looking for an experienced technician to join our team.
We look after our people. That means fair pay, a well-maintained van, decent hours, and a team that has your back. No micromanagement — if you know your stuff, we trust you to get on with it.
What we offer:
· $[X]–$[X]/hour depending on experience
· Company van fully kitted out
· Monday–Friday, [hours] — occasional callouts paid at overtime
· [Any other benefits — tools provided, uniform, etc.]
· Small team, genuine progression for the right person
What we need:
· [X]+ years of HVAC experience — residential and/or commercial
· EPA 608 certification (or equivalent)
· Clean driving licence
· Someone who takes pride in their work and communicates well with customers
Nice to have but not essential:
· Experience with [specific systems you work on]
· Own tools
If this sounds like you, send us a quick message or text [name] on [number]. We don't need a formal CV — just tell us a bit about yourself and your experience.
[Business name] · [City] · [website if applicable]
💡 Where to post it: Indeed for reach, Facebook Jobs for local candidates, and local trade Facebook groups for the highest-quality responses. Don't underestimate Facebook groups — the candidates are already local and already in the trades.
Watch: How to hire and retain great HVAC technicians
How much should I pay an HVAC technician?
Research current rates in your area on Indeed or Glassdoor before posting. Be transparent — ads without salary ranges get significantly fewer applications from serious candidates. If you're not sure of the market rate, posting a range is better than "competitive salary."
Where should I post my HVAC job ad?
Indeed for broad reach, Facebook Jobs for local candidates, and local trade Facebook groups for the highest-quality responses. Groups often outperform job boards for smaller HVAC businesses — the candidates are already local and already in the trade.
Should I require certifications in my HVAC job ad?
Only require certifications that are legally necessary. Too many requirements filter out great candidates who could be trained. Split into "required" and "preferred" — you'll get more applications and can still prioritise certified candidates.
How do I attract experienced HVAC technicians rather than entry-level candidates?
Be specific about the types of work — commercial vs residential, system complexity, specialist jobs. Experienced techs want to know they'll be challenged. A pay range with a higher ceiling also signals that you reward expertise.
How do I write an HVAC job ad that stands out from competitors?
Write it like a person, not a HR department. Be honest about the role, the team, and what you value. The best HVAC techs have options — they choose companies that feel human over ones that read like a spec sheet. OnToolsAI writes compelling HVAC job ads in seconds — free at ontoolsai.com.