LAST UPDATED: June 2025

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://onehourheatandairfranchise.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 400+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $143,273 to $286,702 to start the business from scratch, and $84,570 to $204,824 to convert an existing HVAC business

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $919,463 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC franchise brand offering heating, ventilation and air conditioning services to residential customers across the United States. Known for its “Always On Time…Or You Don’t Pay A Dime®” promise, the brand has grown to over 400 locations since its founding and is part of Authority Brands. One Hour empowers both seasoned business owners and new entrepreneurs to run their own HVAC business backed by training, tools, technology and brand trust.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

About the Brand

Founded in 2003, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning was created to elevate the professionalism and reliability of HVAC services across the United States.

Mission: To help franchise owners provide trusted, on-time HVAC services while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Vision: To be the most reliable and customer-friendly HVAC company in every community served.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

Available Territories

Territories are available in all states except Nebraska, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Hawaii and Maryland. 

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: $143,273 to $286,702 to start the business from scratch, and $84,570 to $204,824 to convert an existing HVAC business.  The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows for a new business:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Franchise Fee

$43,000

$43,000

Grand Opening Marketing

$0

$6,000

Rent/Lease of Real Estate

$3,090 

$9,270 

Leasehold Improvements

$1,030 

$4,120 

Computer, Technology Systems & Software

$1,854

$4,120

Office Furniture & Equipment 

$1,545 

$4,120 

Machinery, Tools & Equipment

$3,090

$10,300 

Vehicles

$8,240

$15,450

Vehicle Upfitting 

$0

$5,150

Signage for Vehicles

$0

$8,240

Office Signage

$1,030

$5,150

Travel Expenses for Initial Training

$2,575

$5,150

Initial Vehicle Inventory

$2,575

$8,240

Insurance

$4,120 

$8,240 

Start-up Supplies

$2,575

$5,150 

Professional Fees & Licensing

$4,635

$20,600

Vehicle Registration Fees

$2,266

$4,532

Decals for Consumer Units

$309

$515

Telephone Services

$309

$515

Personal Tools for Technicians

$1,030

$3,090

Full Time General Manager/Operations Manager

$0 

$25,750

Additional Funds (3 Months)

$60,000

$90,000

Initial Franchise Fee: The base initial franchise fee for a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchise is $43,000, plus $0.43 for each person above 100,000 in the franchise territory (“Additional Population Fee”). 

The brand offers a variety of discount and incentive programs for qualified candidates, including military veterans and active personnel, women and minority applicants, conversion franchises, existing franchisees (and affiliates), law enforcement officers, first responders and current Authority Brands employees.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
 

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty6% of Gross Revenue or $1,500 per month

Brand Fund

Contribution

Currently, the contribution is based on your Gross Revenue for the calendar year and is payable according to the following schedule: 

1.5% of the first $5,000,000 of Gross

Revenue in the then current calendar year; then 1.25% of Gross Revenue

in excess of $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 in the then-current calendar year; then

1% of Gross Revenue in excess of $10,000,000 and up to $15,000,000 in the

then-current calendar year; then

0.75% of Gross Revenue in excess of $15,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 in the then-current calendar year; then

0% with respect to Gross Revenue in excess of $20,000,000 in the then-current calendar year.

Technology FeeCurrently $100 per month

ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue per territory:
 

Quartile

Average

Median

High

Low

Top 25% (22)

$3,326,303

$2,696,320

$6,463,767

$1,946,380

2nd Quartile (21)

$1,200,421

$1,407,854

$1,872,427

$814,284

3rd Quartile (21)

$650,859

$568,856

$790,681

$383,690

Bottom 25% (22)

$150,164

$179,614

$367,916

$4,569

TOTAL

$919,469

$790,681

$6,463,767

$4,569

3. What Franchisee Support Does One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Provide?

Training Programs

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers extensive training through its Success Academy™, which includes over 175 online courses as well as in-person training sessions. In addition to educational resources, franchisees benefit from ongoing business coaching and technician retention programs, ensuring both owners and employees are set up for long-term growth. Onboarding tools are also provided to help new team members get up to speed quickly.

Operational Support

Franchisees receive hands-on operational support that includes help with site selection and territory planning, business planning assistance, and call center and customer service management. Owners are also supported through ongoing coaching and peer networking opportunities such as the Franchise Advisory Committee and Success Squads, which facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among franchisees.

Technology and Tools

To simplify day-to-day business operations, franchisees have access to ServiceTitan. This includes mobile tools for dispatching, CRM, invoicing, and payroll, as well as systems for inventory management and performance tracking. Additionally, One Hour provides customer-facing technology to enhance service delivery, including appointment updates and post-service feedback tools.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective franchisees do not need prior HVAC experience to open a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning location, though some states may have specific licensing requirements. Ideal candidates often have backgrounds in business, home services, or entrepreneurship.

Operational Commitments

Franchisees are expected to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business as the model is geared toward engaged ownership.

Funding Assistance

To help cover startup costs, One Hour offers financing assistance for franchise fees. Many franchisees use Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, home equity loans, or rollovers for business startups (ROBS) as funding options.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

“Before, at times, it felt like I was on an island. And now, if I hit a stumbling block or a speed bump, I know I have a vast network across the country that are willing to help … Really being a part of this network is invaluable.”

Chris Baumann, Franchise Owner —  Peoria, Illinois

“The support that we got from Authority Brands and from the franchise itself was outstanding from a leadership standpoint. Through their training with Success Academy, which includes both online and in-person training, the support all the way across the board was absolutely off the charts.”

Brian Wick, Franchise Owner — Medina, Ohio

6. What Is the Market Potential for the HVAC Market?

The U.S. residential HVAC market was valued at $15.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to more than double to $31.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. This growth is driven by rising demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly systems as homeowners prioritize sustainability, cost savings and reduced environmental impact, creating a strong opportunity for HVAC service providers like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.

Competitor Analysis

Primary competitors include Aire Serv, Service Experts, ARS/Rescue Rooter and local independent HVAC businesses. What sets One Hour apart is the strong customer trust it generates with its punctuality guarantee and its straightforward pricing.

7. What Is the Application Process for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning  Franchisees?

  1. Request Info: Submit an inquiry form online.
  2. Initial Call: Share goals and learn about the model.
  3. Webinar and Discovery: Attend virtual sessions and Meet Your Team Day.
  4. Franchise Awarded: Finalize paperwork and launch with the Sure Start team.
  5. Open in ~90 Days: Most owners begin operations within 3 months.

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Experts Investment Range$143,273 - $286,702

ABOUT ONE HOUR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

No. of Units Currently Open400+
No. of Units Expected to Open this Year28
Royalty6%
Franchise Fee$43,000
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Within the U.S., we offer franchises solely by means of our Franchise Disclosure Document. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

Available One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Territories

LAST UPDATED: June 2025

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://onehourheatandairfranchise.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 400+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $143,273 to $286,702 to start the business from scratch, and $84,570 to $204,824 to convert an existing HVAC business

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $919,463 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC franchise brand offering heating, ventilation and air conditioning services to residential customers across the United States. Known for its “Always On Time…Or You Don’t Pay A Dime®” promise, the brand has grown to over 400 locations since its founding and is part of Authority Brands. One Hour empowers both seasoned business owners and new entrepreneurs to run their own HVAC business backed by training, tools, technology and brand trust.

1. What Is the Brand Overview for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

About the Brand

Founded in 2003, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning was created to elevate the professionalism and reliability of HVAC services across the United States.

Mission: To help franchise owners provide trusted, on-time HVAC services while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Vision: To be the most reliable and customer-friendly HVAC company in every community served.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

  • "Always On Time…Or You Don’t Pay A Dime®" guarantee
  • 100% customer satisfaction promise
  • National recognition and strong brand equity
  • Emergency and same-day service availability
  • Comprehensive warranties and protection plans
  • Branded HVAC products to drive repeat business

2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?

Why Franchise With One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

  • Established, scalable business model
  • Extensive operational support and business coaching
  • Access to Authority Brands’ nationwide network
  • Powerful marketing tools and locally optimized web presence
  • Extensive training via Success Academy™
  • Access to BuyMax for significant savings and rebates
  • Financing assistance for qualified candidates

Available Territories

Territories are available in all states except Nebraska, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Hawaii and Maryland. 

Investment Overview

Initial Costs: $143,273 to $286,702 to start the business from scratch, and $84,570 to $204,824 to convert an existing HVAC business.  The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows for a new business:

Type of Expenditure

Min

Max

Franchise Fee

$43,000

$43,000

Grand Opening Marketing

$0

$6,000

Rent/Lease of Real Estate

$3,090 

$9,270 

Leasehold Improvements

$1,030 

$4,120 

Computer, Technology Systems & Software

$1,854

$4,120

Office Furniture & Equipment 

$1,545 

$4,120 

Machinery, Tools & Equipment

$3,090

$10,300 

Vehicles

$8,240

$15,450

Vehicle Upfitting 

$0

$5,150

Signage for Vehicles

$0

$8,240

Office Signage

$1,030

$5,150

Travel Expenses for Initial Training

$2,575

$5,150

Initial Vehicle Inventory

$2,575

$8,240

Insurance

$4,120 

$8,240 

Start-up Supplies

$2,575

$5,150 

Professional Fees & Licensing

$4,635

$20,600

Vehicle Registration Fees

$2,266

$4,532

Decals for Consumer Units

$309

$515

Telephone Services

$309

$515

Personal Tools for Technicians

$1,030

$3,090

Full Time General Manager/Operations Manager

$0 

$25,750

Additional Funds (3 Months)

$60,000

$90,000

Initial Franchise Fee: The base initial franchise fee for a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchise is $43,000, plus $0.43 for each person above 100,000 in the franchise territory (“Additional Population Fee”). 

The brand offers a variety of discount and incentive programs for qualified candidates, including military veterans and active personnel, women and minority applicants, conversion franchises, existing franchisees (and affiliates), law enforcement officers, first responders and current Authority Brands employees.

Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
 

Type of FeeAmount
Royalty6% of Gross Revenue or $1,500 per month

Brand Fund

Contribution

Currently, the contribution is based on your Gross Revenue for the calendar year and is payable according to the following schedule: 

1.5% of the first $5,000,000 of Gross

Revenue in the then current calendar year; then 1.25% of Gross Revenue

in excess of $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,000 in the then-current calendar year; then

1% of Gross Revenue in excess of $10,000,000 and up to $15,000,000 in the

then-current calendar year; then

0.75% of Gross Revenue in excess of $15,000,000 and up to $20,000,000 in the then-current calendar year; then

0% with respect to Gross Revenue in excess of $20,000,000 in the then-current calendar year.

Technology FeeCurrently $100 per month

ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue per territory:
 

Quartile

Average

Median

High

Low

Top 25% (22)

$3,326,303

$2,696,320

$6,463,767

$1,946,380

2nd Quartile (21)

$1,200,421

$1,407,854

$1,872,427

$814,284

3rd Quartile (21)

$650,859

$568,856

$790,681

$383,690

Bottom 25% (22)

$150,164

$179,614

$367,916

$4,569

TOTAL

$919,469

$790,681

$6,463,767

$4,569

3. What Franchisee Support Does One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Provide?

Training Programs

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers extensive training through its Success Academy™, which includes over 175 online courses as well as in-person training sessions. In addition to educational resources, franchisees benefit from ongoing business coaching and technician retention programs, ensuring both owners and employees are set up for long-term growth. Onboarding tools are also provided to help new team members get up to speed quickly.

Operational Support

Franchisees receive hands-on operational support that includes help with site selection and territory planning, business planning assistance, and call center and customer service management. Owners are also supported through ongoing coaching and peer networking opportunities such as the Franchise Advisory Committee and Success Squads, which facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among franchisees.

Technology and Tools

To simplify day-to-day business operations, franchisees have access to ServiceTitan. This includes mobile tools for dispatching, CRM, invoicing, and payroll, as well as systems for inventory management and performance tracking. Additionally, One Hour provides customer-facing technology to enhance service delivery, including appointment updates and post-service feedback tools.

4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning?

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective franchisees do not need prior HVAC experience to open a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning location, though some states may have specific licensing requirements. Ideal candidates often have backgrounds in business, home services, or entrepreneurship.

Operational Commitments

Franchisees are expected to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their business as the model is geared toward engaged ownership.

Funding Assistance

To help cover startup costs, One Hour offers financing assistance for franchise fees. Many franchisees use Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, home equity loans, or rollovers for business startups (ROBS) as funding options.

5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?

“Before, at times, it felt like I was on an island. And now, if I hit a stumbling block or a speed bump, I know I have a vast network across the country that are willing to help … Really being a part of this network is invaluable.”

Chris Baumann, Franchise Owner —  Peoria, Illinois

“The support that we got from Authority Brands and from the franchise itself was outstanding from a leadership standpoint. Through their training with Success Academy, which includes both online and in-person training, the support all the way across the board was absolutely off the charts.”

Brian Wick, Franchise Owner — Medina, Ohio

6. What Is the Market Potential for the HVAC Market?

The U.S. residential HVAC market was valued at $15.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to more than double to $31.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%. This growth is driven by rising demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly systems as homeowners prioritize sustainability, cost savings and reduced environmental impact, creating a strong opportunity for HVAC service providers like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.

Competitor Analysis

Primary competitors include Aire Serv, Service Experts, ARS/Rescue Rooter and local independent HVAC businesses. What sets One Hour apart is the strong customer trust it generates with its punctuality guarantee and its straightforward pricing.

7. What Is the Application Process for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning  Franchisees?

  1. Request Info: Submit an inquiry form online.
  2. Initial Call: Share goals and learn about the model.
  3. Webinar and Discovery: Attend virtual sessions and Meet Your Team Day.
  4. Franchise Awarded: Finalize paperwork and launch with the Sure Start team.
  5. Open in ~90 Days: Most owners begin operations within 3 months.

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. 

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Experts Investment Range$143,273 - $286,702

ABOUT ONE HOUR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

No. of Units Currently Open400+
No. of Units Expected to Open this Year28
Royalty6%
Franchise Fee$43,000
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Within the U.S., we offer franchises solely by means of our Franchise Disclosure Document. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

Available One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Territories

franchise opportunity information

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Experts Investment Range
$143,273 - $286,702

about one hour heating and air conditioning

No. of Units Currently Open
400+
No. of Units Expected to Open this Year
28
Royalty
6%
Franchise Fee
$43,000
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Within the U.S., we offer franchises solely by means of our Franchise Disclosure Document. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

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Victoria Campisi

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Victoria Campisi

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