Key Takeaways
- Market Growth Creates Opportunity: The HVAC industry is expanding at nearly 7% annually through 2030, but contractors face rising equipment prices, refrigerant shortages, and a technician gap of over 110,000. These challenges make 2025 a pivotal year for strategic growth.
- Partnership Beats Going Solo: Independent contractors are struggling with supply chain disruptions and shrinking margins, while those aligned with manufacturers and distributors gain reliable inventory, better pricing, and marketing support to compete effectively.
- ACiQ Dealer Program Delivers Advantages: From guaranteed R410A inventory access during the refrigerant transition to tiered pricing, extended warranties, and professional marketing resources, the ACiQ Dealer Program gives contractors the tools they need to protect margins and win more business.
The U.S. HVAC industry is experiencing unprecedented growth—6.9% annually through 2030—but contractors are facing challenges that could make or break their businesses. R410A inventory shortages, equipment price increases of up to 30%, and a nationwide shortage of over 110,000 technicians are creating a perfect storm in the market.
While some contractors are struggling to navigate these challenges alone, smart business owners are recognizing this as the opportunity of a lifetime. The key strategic partnerships that provide reliable inventory access, competitive pricing, and comprehensive support.
That’s exactly what ACiQ’s Dealer Program delivers—and why 2025 is the perfect year to join our growing network of successful HVAC contractors.
Three Market Forces Making 2025 the Perfect Year to Become an ACiQ Dealer
The Refrigerant Transition is Creating Unprecedented Opportunities
The EPA’s refrigerant phase-out has created a unique market dynamic that contractors are already capitalizing on. While R410A systems can only be installed through December 31, 2025, they are still in high demand as customers prefer matching their existing equipment.
This creates a massive opportunity for contractors with reliable R410A inventory access. ACiQ dealers have guaranteed access to the systems customers currently want as well as new products that will be in demand in the future.
The Refrigerant Transition is Creating Unprecedented Opportunities
The EPA’s refrigerant phase-out has created a unique market dynamic that contractors are already capitalizing on. While R410A systems can only be installed through December 31, 2025, they are still in high demand as customers prefer matching their existing equipment.
This creates a massive opportunity for contractors with reliable R410A inventory access. ACiQ dealers have guaranteed access to the systems customers currently want as well as new products that will be in demand in the future.
The Refrigerant Transition is Creating Unprecedented Opportunities
The EPA’s refrigerant phase-out has created a unique market dynamic that contractors are already capitalizing on. While R410A systems can only be installed through December 31, 2025, they are still in high demand as customers prefer matching their existing equipment.
This creates a massive opportunity for contractors with reliable R410A inventory access. ACiQ dealers have guaranteed access to the systems customers currently want as well as new products that will be in demand in the future.
HVAC Market Growth is Breaking Records
The housing market is heating up, with more single-family homes expected to be built in 2025 than any year since 2006.
Rising energy costs are driving homeowners to prioritize efficiency upgrades, with many home buyers seeking energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Commercial demand is equally strong, particularly in data centers and multifamily housing.
This growth means more opportunities for well-positioned contractors. The question isn’t whether there’s enough work—it’s whether you have the inventory, pricing, and support structure to capture your share of the growing market.
Smart Contractors Are Choosing Partnership Over Going Solo
Independent contractors trying to go it alone are hitting walls everywhere. Supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, and increased competition from larger companies are squeezing margins and limiting growth potential.
The contractors who are thriving right now? They’re the ones who’ve aligned themselves with manufacturers and distributors that provide consistent inventory access, competitive pricing, and marketing support.
Partnership isn’t about losing independence; it’s about gaining the resources and support that allow you to compete at a higher level while maintaining control of your business.
How ACiQ’s Dealer Program Turns Market Challenges into Your Competitive Edge
Bronze Tier ACiQ Dealer: Get Started with No Risk, Immediate Benefits
ACiQ’s Bronze tier is designed to help contractors of any size start benefiting immediately—with no minimum spend requirement and no annual fees. You get access to competitive entry pricing, our dealer portal, and 2% marketing funds.
Bronze dealers also receive free freight on orders over $20K, tech support, and consumer brochures. Plus, you’ll be listed in our “Find a Dealer” directory, connecting you with customers actively seeking ACiQ-certified contractors.
Silver Tier ACiQ Dealer: Enhanced Support for Growing Businesses
Once you reach $200K in annual sales, you unlock Silver tier benefits. In addition to all of the Bronze benefits, you’ll receive enhanced pricing, 3% marketing funds, and customizable brochures.
Silver dealers receive priority tech support and corporate digital marketing consultation—resources that help you compete with larger contractors while maintaining your local market advantage.
Gold Tier ACiQ Dealer: Premium Partnership for Market Leaders
Our Gold tier is reserved for contractors doing $500K+ in annual sales who want maximum partnership benefits. Gold dealers receive our lowest pricing tier, 5% marketing funds, and completely customized, co-branded sales material.
Gold tier includes dedicated tech support, VIP parts ordering, and free freight on orders over $15K. These benefits aren’t just perks—they’re competitive advantages that help you win more bids, close more sales, and maintain higher margins than your competition.
Five Ways ACiQ Dealers Are Winning While Others Struggle
1. Guaranteed Inventory When Others Run Dry
While competitors face R-454B shortages and A2L supply chain disruptions, ACiQ dealers have guaranteed access to R410A inventory. We’ve strategically positioned ourselves to meet ongoing demand for these systems while the industry transitions. This way, when you quote a customer, you can deliver and, in return, build trust, referrals, and repeat business.
2. Protect and Grow Your Margins
Our tiered pricing structure grows with your business, ensuring that increased volume translates to better margins. In an environment where equipment costs are rising 10-30%, margin protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. ACiQ dealers have the pricing structure and support to maintain profitability even as market pressures intensify.
3. Professional Marketing That Actually Works
Many contractors struggle with marketing because they don’t have the time, expertise, or budget to do it effectively. ACiQ dealers get professional brochures, marketing materials, and digital marketing consultation as part of their partnership. Our “Find a Dealer” website listings also connect you with customers actively searching for ACiQ products in your area.
4. Technical Support When You Need It Most
The refrigerant transition brings new technical challenges that can cost time and money if not handled properly. ACiQ dealers receive tech support, training resources, and priority access to technical expertise.
5. Build Customer Trust with Extended Warranties
Trust closes sales, and nothing builds trust like comprehensive warranty coverage. ACiQ dealers can offer extended warranty upgrades from 12/7 years to 12/10 years on compressors and parts, giving customers peace of mind and giving you a competitive edge.
Why Waiting to Become an ACiQ Dealer Costs Money: The 2025 Window of Opportunity
Equipment Prices Are Rising Fast
Equipment prices are increasing as R410A inventory becomes more limited. Early partnership with ACiQ secures access to current pricing structures before market pressures drive costs even higher.
Remember, R410A system installations are only permitted through December 31, 2025. After that, the available inventory will be limited to existing stock and reclaimed equipment. Getting established with reliable inventory access now positions you for success through this transition period.
First-Mover Advantage in Partnership
The contractors who establish dealer relationships early get preferred inventory allocation, better pricing tiers, and stronger support.
Building relationships with ACiQ now, before peak demand seasons hit, ensures you have the support and resources you need when your competitors are scrambling for inventory and support.
Your Path to ACiQ Partnership Success: Don’t Let Market Opportunities Pass Your By
Simple 5-Step Onboarding Process
Getting started as an ACiQ dealer is straightforward and designed to get you operational quickly:
- Business Assessment: We’ll evaluate your current volume and recommend the right tier for your goals
- Dealer Agreement: Simple agreement process with dealer portal access setup
- Inventory Planning: Work with your sales representative to plan initial inventory needs
- Marketing Activation: Customize brochures and materials, activate co-op marketing funds
- Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and tier advancement planning as your business grows
This process typically takes 3-5 business days from application to full activation, getting you access to dealer benefits quickly.
Multiple Ways to Get Started Today
ACiQ’s unique position with reliable inventory, comprehensive dealer support, and competitive pricing tiers makes us the ideal partner for contractors who want to capitalize on current market opportunities.
Ready to become an ACiQ dealer? We make it easy to take the next step:
- Speak with a Representative: Call 1-877-909-ACiQ to discuss your specific needs
- Request Information: Complete our dealer form for detailed program information
- Free Consultation: Schedule a no-obligation consultation to explore how dealer partnership fits your business goals
