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 Fee
Amount
Royalty
6% 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 Fee
Currently $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.”
“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.”
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?
Initial Call: Share goals and learn about the model.
Webinar and Discovery: Attend virtual sessions and Meet Your Team Day.
Franchise Awarded: Finalize paperwork and launch with the Sure Start team.
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 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.
Available One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Territories
One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning
SPONSORED
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive:With over 400 locations and a reputation built on on-time service and customer satisfaction, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers an established franchise model.
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 Fee
Amount
Royalty
6% 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 Fee
Currently $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.”
“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.”
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?
Initial Call: Share goals and learn about the model.
Webinar and Discovery: Attend virtual sessions and Meet Your Team Day.
Franchise Awarded: Finalize paperwork and launch with the Sure Start team.
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 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.
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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