HVAC quoting sits in a unique position among the trades. You're pricing equipment with significant upfront cost (split systems, ducted units, commercial chillers), labour that varies by installation complexity, and ongoing service and maintenance contracts that represent recurring revenue. The right quoting app doesn't just help you win the installation job — it helps you lock in the service agreement that pays for years.
In 2026, five apps stand out for Australian HVAC technicians and air conditioning contractors. We've compared them on equipment pricing, service contract management, compliance documentation, and the features that actually save time on a busy day.
What HVAC Technicians Need in a Quoting App
HVAC quotes have several requirements that make them different from other trades. Equipment pricing changes frequently — split system prices move with exchange rates and supply chain conditions. Your quoting app needs to let you update your equipment price book quickly. You also need to handle installation complexity pricing (single-storey vs. multi-storey, brick vs. lightweight, roof space access), refrigerant compliance documentation (ARCtick licence number), and the ability to quote service and maintenance contracts alongside installations.
For commercial HVAC contractors, the requirements extend to multi-unit projects, mechanical services specifications, and the ability to quote against a schedule of rates for facilities management contracts.
| Feature | Solvr | ServiceM8 | Tradify | Fergus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice-to-quote | ✅ Core feature | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Equipment price book | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Service contract quoting | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ | ✅ |
| ARCtick licence on quotes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Compliance doc storage | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| AI Receptionist (missed calls) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recurring service reminders | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Xero / MYOB integration | 🔜 Mid-2026 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting price (AUD/mo) | $49 | $79 | $55 | $79 |
⚠️ = partial support | 🔜 = on roadmap
1. Solvr — Best for Residential HVAC and Speed-to-Quote
Solvr's voice-to-quote feature is the standout for HVAC technicians doing residential installations. After a site assessment, you describe the job out loud — 7kW Daikin split system, single-storey brick, standard installation, 10m lineset, electrical connection — and Solvr generates a fully itemised, GST-inclusive quote in under 30 seconds. Your ARCtick licence number is stored in your profile and appears automatically on every quote.
The AI Receptionist is particularly valuable for HVAC businesses. When you're on a roof or in a roof space, you can't answer the phone. Solvr's AI Receptionist answers every call, takes the customer's details and job description, and books them into your calendar. For HVAC businesses that run hot in summer and slow in winter, not missing a single enquiry during peak season can make a material difference to annual revenue. Pricing starts at $49/month for the Quotes plan, $99/month with the AI Receptionist.
2. ServiceM8 — Best for Multi-Tech HVAC Contractors
ServiceM8 is the strongest option for HVAC businesses running a team of 3+ technicians. The dispatch board, real-time job tracking, and client communication tools are best-in-class for field service management. For a commercial HVAC contractor managing multiple jobs across multiple sites simultaneously, ServiceM8's operational visibility is genuinely valuable.
ServiceM8 also has strong compliance document management — important for HVAC contractors who need to store F-gas handling certificates, ARCtick compliance certificates, and service records alongside job history. The quoting module is functional but not as fast as Solvr for on-site quotes. Pricing starts at $79/month and scales by staff count.
3. Tradify — Best for Small HVAC Businesses on a Budget
Tradify is the most affordable option with meaningful job management features. For a sole trader or 2-person HVAC business doing mostly residential installations and basic service work, Tradify handles quoting, scheduling, and invoicing adequately. The price book lets you store your equipment models and installation rates, and quotes can be sent on-site from the mobile app.
The limitations show up with service contracts and recurring maintenance work. Tradify doesn't have native service contract quoting or automated recurring service reminders — you'd need to manage these manually or through a separate system. For HVAC businesses where service contracts are a significant revenue stream, this is a meaningful gap. Tradify starts at $55/month.
4. Fergus — Best for HVAC Businesses with Service Contract Revenue
Fergus is the strongest option for HVAC businesses where service and maintenance contracts represent a significant portion of revenue. Its service contract management lets you quote annual maintenance agreements, schedule recurring service visits, and track contract profitability. The job costing features also help you understand which installation types and equipment brands are most profitable.
Fergus is more complex to set up than Tradify or Solvr, and the $79/month starting price reflects that. For a residential HVAC business doing 80% installations and 20% service work, Tradify or Solvr is more appropriate. For a business where the split is closer to 50/50, Fergus's service contract features justify the investment.
Key Features to Evaluate for HVAC Quoting
Equipment price book with model-level pricing
HVAC equipment pricing varies significantly by brand, model, and capacity. Your quoting app should let you store pricing at the model level — not just 'split system' as a generic line item — so quotes are accurate and consistent. All four apps on this list support model-level equipment pricing. The key differentiator is how easy it is to update prices when your supplier sends a new price list.
Installation complexity pricing
HVAC installation costs vary based on factors like building type (brick vs. lightweight), storey height, roof space access, and lineset length. Your quoting app should let you price these variables as separate line items or as a complexity multiplier, rather than requiring you to manually calculate and enter a single 'installation' price for each job. Solvr's voice quoting handles this naturally — you describe the installation conditions and the AI prices them correctly.
ARCtick compliance documentation
Every HVAC technician handling refrigerants in Australia must hold an ARCtick licence. Your ARCtick licence number should appear automatically on every quote and invoice you send. All four apps on this list support storing and displaying your licence number. ServiceM8 and Fergus also let you store F-gas handling certificates and refrigerant log records alongside job history, which is important for commercial work.
Service contract and recurring maintenance management
If you offer annual maintenance agreements or regular service contracts, your quoting app should let you quote these as separate line items, schedule recurring visits, and send automated reminders to customers when their service is due. ServiceM8 and Fergus both handle this well. Solvr supports service contract quoting and recurring reminders. Tradify requires manual management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I quote service contracts and installations in the same app?
Yes — Solvr, ServiceM8, and Fergus all let you quote both installation jobs and service/maintenance contracts within the same platform. Tradify handles installations well but has limited service contract functionality.
Which app is best for quoting commercial HVAC work?
For commercial HVAC work — multi-unit systems, mechanical services specifications, facilities management contracts — ServiceM8 or Fergus are the strongest options. simPRO is also worth considering for larger commercial contractors. Solvr and Tradify are better suited to residential and light commercial work.
Do these apps handle refrigerant compliance documentation?
ServiceM8 and Fergus both have compliance document storage that lets you attach F-gas certificates and refrigerant logs to job records. Solvr and Tradify store your ARCtick licence number for display on quotes but have more limited compliance document management. For commercial work requiring detailed refrigerant records, ServiceM8 or Fergus is the better choice.
Is there a free trial?
Solvr offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. ServiceM8, Tradify, and Fergus all offer 14-day trials. simPRO requires a demo booking.