The Hidden Cost of Parts Runs for HVAC Contractors
Industry research shows HVAC contractors lose $150-275 per parts run in combined labor, vehicle costs, and lost productivity. Here's what the data reveals and how on-demand delivery eliminates this hidden expense.
SpeedyMEP Delivers From All Denver HVAC Suppliers
Order your parts and we'll pick them up and deliver directly to your job site.
What Industry Data Shows
Average time for a supply house round trip
True cost per parts run (labor + vehicle + lost productivity)
Average parts runs per tech according to ACCA data
Potential savings per tech with on-demand delivery
According to research from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) , the average HVAC technician makes 3-5 unplanned trips to supply houses per week. When you factor in the true cost of each trip, this represents a significant drain on profitability.
True Cost Breakdown of a Single Parts Run
Most contractors only consider fuel costs when thinking about parts runs. However, the real expense comes from labor and lost opportunity costs:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tech hourly rate (loaded cost) | $75-100/hr |
| Average round trip time | 45-90 min |
| Vehicle costs (gas, wear, insurance) | $18-30 |
| Lost productivity at job site | $50-100 |
| Customer wait time impact | Risk of negative review |
| Total per parts run | $150-275+ |
How On-Demand Delivery Changes the Equation
With on-demand parts delivery, your technician places an order from the job site and continues working. The part arrives typically within 60-90 minutes, and the job gets completed same-day.
Tech Stays On-Site
Your technician continues working while parts are in transit
$75-100/hr retained
Flat-Rate Pricing
Know exactly what delivery costs before you order
$25 avg vs $150+ parts run
No Vehicle Wear
Reduce mileage, fuel costs, and maintenance on service vehicles
$18-30 per trip saved
Faster Job Completion
Complete jobs same-day instead of returning tomorrow
Increased daily revenue
Best Practices for Maximum Efficiency
Order Parts During Diagnostic
As soon as you identify the failed component, place your delivery order. By the time you finish the diagnostic and prep work, the part often arrives.
Stock Only Your Top 20 Parts
According to industry data, 80% of repairs use the same 20 parts. Keep those on the truck and use delivery for everything else to reduce inventory costs.
Photo Model Plates Immediately
A clear photo of the equipment model plate ensures you get the exact right part on the first delivery. This eliminates costly wrong-part scenarios.
Set Up Multiple Supplier Accounts
Different distributors stock different brands. Having accounts at Ferguson, Johnstone, and local suppliers means SpeedyMEP can always source what you need.
Calculate Your Potential Savings
For a typical HVAC contractor with 3 technicians, each making 4 parts runs per week at $200 average cost per run:
Weekly cost of parts runs
Weekly delivery fees (at $25/delivery)
Weekly savings potential
Annual savings potential: $109,200+
Keep Your Techs On the Job Site
SpeedyMEP picks up parts from any Denver-area HVAC supplier where you have an account and delivers directly to your job site. Your tech stays productive, your customer gets faster service, and you keep more profit.