5 Ways eCommerce Is Transforming HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Trades in 2025
By: Will Housh
The home service trades – heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical – are undergoing a digital revolution. In 2025, eCommerce for trades is no longer a novelty or a “nice-to-have,” but a game-changer reshaping how contractors do business. Consumers today expect the same seamless online experience from service providers that they get from retail brands. This means convenient online shopping options and transparent pricing information are in high demand. The numbers tell the story: U.S. online sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2024 (up 7.5% from the previous year) and are projected to hit $1.2 trillion in 2025.
“We define eCommerce for contractors as letting the customer go as far through the buying process as they’re comfortable with—right on your website.”
—Paul Redman, VP of Sales, Contractor Commerce
In this post, we’ll explore five key ways eCommerce is transforming the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades in 2025. From soaring consumer demand for online transparency, to new revenue streams like selling filters and water heaters through a web store, to a real success story of a contractor who grew his business by 7.5% with online sales – we’ll cover why embracing eCommerce can drive sales and improve customer satisfaction. We’ll also outline actionable steps for getting started and explain how platforms like Contractor Commerce make HVAC eCommerce and plumbing eCommerce accessible and profitable for any tradesperson.
1. Soaring Online Sales and Demand for Transparency in Home Services
Consumers are shopping online more than ever – even for home services – and they expect transparency. The way homeowners find and select contractors has fundamentally changed. Today’s buyers, especially the younger generation, start their journey online, researching options and comparing prices just as they would for any retail purchase. For the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades, this means your potential customers are increasingly comfortable buying filters, fixtures, and even installations or repair services online if given the chance.
One major factor driving this trend is rising consumer demand for transparency in pricing and services. Homeowners are tired of opaque quotes and want upfront information. Publishing pricing or offering instant online quotes builds trust and reduces friction in the sales process.
“Homeowners only replace their HVAC system once or twice in a lifetime—they don’t have muscle memory for that kind of purchase. Transparency reduces anxiety.”
—Paul Redman
This shift toward transparency is becoming a competitive necessity. Internet searches for “HVAC replacement cost” or “water heater price online” have surged. If you’re not present online with pricing or eCommerce, those searches (and customers) may end up with big-box retailers instead of your business. Contractors who embrace eCommerce and transparency can capture these high-intent customers, often gaining an edge in credibility.
DOWNLOAD THE 2025 HOME SERVICE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
Download the 2025 Home Service Industry Outlook to uncover key trends shaping the trades and their impact on your business. This report includes essential tools to help you stay ahead and outshine your competitors.
2. New Revenue Streams: Selling Filters, Water Heaters, and More Online
Opening an online store unlocks valuable new revenue streams for contractors. Traditionally, contractors made money through service calls and installations. eCommerce is changing that. Now, you can sell products directly to consumers online – from furnace filters and thermostats to water heaters and electrical fixtures.
Some contractors have turned filter sales into a substantial recurring revenue source. One processed over 12,000 air filter orders in a single year, and another sold more than 1,500 maintenance memberships online.
“Some contractors have sold over 15,000 filter subscriptions through their website. And they’re using it to keep their brand in front of the customer every few months.”
—Paul Redman
For plumbing and electrical trades, the opportunities are similar. A plumbing contractor might sell water heaters or filtration systems through an online storefront. An electrical contractor could sell lighting fixtures or EV chargers, giving homeowners the convenience of shopping with a local pro.
These product sales also reduce truck rolls, bundle well with installation services, and build customer loyalty. With consumers expecting one-stop convenience, selling products online positions your business as the easy choice.
3. Success Story: 7.5% Business Growth with eCommerce – Summit Heating & Cooling
Meet Brendan Williams, owner of Summit Heating & Cooling, who saw a 7.5% increase in business after launching eCommerce through Contractor Commerce.
Summit Heating & Cooling’s Results:
- $450,127 in revenue from online leads
- 259 online quotes submitted through the store
- 45–50% close rate on eCommerce leads
- A $50,000 dual system job originated from an online quote
What made the difference? Williams added a quoting tool to his homepage that allowed site visitors to get instant system quotes. These leads came in educated, ready to buy, and far more likely to close than traditional ones.
“Contractors who use instant quote tools see more serious buyers. One reported an 80% in-home appointment rate and 90% close rate on those leads.”
—Paul Redman
For Summit, it wasn’t just more leads – it was better leads. Online quoting eliminated pricing objections and streamlined the sales process. Their sales team now prefers eCommerce leads because they convert faster with fewer hurdles.
4. Actionable Steps for Contractors to Launch and Promote an Online Store
Even if you’re starting from scratch, launching an eCommerce store is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the Right Platform
Use a contractor-focused solution like Contractor Commerce to simplify setup and offer trade-specific features like quote tools and service add-ons. - Pick Products to Sell
Start with filters, water heaters, thermostats, and service plans. Keep it simple and expand over time. - Add the Store to Your Website
Embed a “Shop” or “Instant Quote” button on your homepage and navigation. Make it visible and easy to use. - Promote It
Use website banners, email campaigns, social media, technician reminders, and offline materials to let customers know they can now buy from you online. - Refine and Expand
Track what works, get customer feedback, and build out your product offerings. Keep your store fresh and SEO-friendly.
5. How Contractor Commerce Makes eCommerce Easy and Profitable
Contractor Commerce is built specifically for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. Here’s why it works:
- Quick Setup with the Right Features
Designed for trades, it supports products, services, quotes, and branded experiences without the complexity of generic eCommerce tools. - Dropship Filters with No Inventory Hassle
Sell filters online with fulfillment handled for you, while keeping your brand on the box. - Recurring Revenue from Service Plans
Automate payments and renewals for maintenance memberships. - Improved Customer Experience
Customers shop 24/7, get instant quotes, and choose you for convenience and clarity. - Keep Profits In-House
Bypass third-party platforms and retain the full customer relationship and profit margin.
“This isn’t about replacing salespeople. It’s about giving them more qualified opportunities—and it’s working. The ones who adopt it, love it.”
—Paul Redman
Conclusion: Don’t Get Left Behind
eCommerce is revolutionizing the trades. In 2025, homeowners expect pricing transparency and online convenience – and the contractors who deliver both are winning more business.
Whether it’s selling filters, booking service plans, or quoting full installations, eCommerce helps you stand out, build trust, and increase revenue. Summit Heating & Cooling saw a 7.5% lift in business. You can too.
Ready to make it easy for customers to buy from you online? Contractor Commerce is built to help you do exactly that – quickly, affordably, and without tech headaches. BOOK A FREE DEMO
Sources
- U.S. eCommerce Sales Growth
U.S. Census Bureau – Quarterly Retail eCommerce Sales Q4 2024 - Contractor Commerce Case Study – Summit Heating & Cooling
Internal Data – Contractor Commerce - Google Trends – Search Interest in HVAC Pricing & Water Heater Quotes
Google Trends – “HVAC pricing”
Google Trends – “water heater quote” - Modernize Home Services – 2023–2024 Contractor Insights
Modernize – Homeowner & Contractor Trends - Contractor Commerce User Data
Internal Data – Filter sales, eCommerce lead conversion, service plan performance - Rheem Consumer Trends – Online HVAC Shopping Behavior
Rheem Pro Partner Insights – Digital Buying Behavior - EPA & ENERGY STAR – Homeowner Maintenance Habits
ENERGY STAR – HVAC Maintenance Tips
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
5 Ways eCommerce Is Transforming HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Trades in 2025
By: Will Housh
The home service trades – heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical – are undergoing a digital revolution. In 2025, eCommerce for trades is no longer a novelty or a “nice-to-have,” but a game-changer reshaping how contractors do business. Consumers today expect the same seamless online experience from service providers that they get from retail brands. This means convenient online shopping options and transparent pricing information are in high demand. The numbers tell the story: U.S. online sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2024 (up 7.5% from the previous year) and are projected to hit $1.2 trillion in 2025.
“We define eCommerce for contractors as letting the customer go as far through the buying process as they’re comfortable with—right on your website.”
—Paul Redman, VP of Sales, Contractor Commerce
In this post, we’ll explore five key ways eCommerce is transforming the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades in 2025. From soaring consumer demand for online transparency, to new revenue streams like selling filters and water heaters through a web store, to a real success story of a contractor who grew his business by 7.5% with online sales – we’ll cover why embracing eCommerce can drive sales and improve customer satisfaction. We’ll also outline actionable steps for getting started and explain how platforms like Contractor Commerce make HVAC eCommerce and plumbing eCommerce accessible and profitable for any tradesperson.
1. Soaring Online Sales and Demand for Transparency in Home Services
Consumers are shopping online more than ever – even for home services – and they expect transparency. The way homeowners find and select contractors has fundamentally changed. Today’s buyers, especially the younger generation, start their journey online, researching options and comparing prices just as they would for any retail purchase. For the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades, this means your potential customers are increasingly comfortable buying filters, fixtures, and even installations or repair services online if given the chance.
One major factor driving this trend is rising consumer demand for transparency in pricing and services. Homeowners are tired of opaque quotes and want upfront information. Publishing pricing or offering instant online quotes builds trust and reduces friction in the sales process.
“Homeowners only replace their HVAC system once or twice in a lifetime—they don’t have muscle memory for that kind of purchase. Transparency reduces anxiety.”
—Paul Redman
This shift toward transparency is becoming a competitive necessity. Internet searches for “HVAC replacement cost” or “water heater price online” have surged. If you’re not present online with pricing or eCommerce, those searches (and customers) may end up with big-box retailers instead of your business. Contractors who embrace eCommerce and transparency can capture these high-intent customers, often gaining an edge in credibility.
2. New Revenue Streams: Selling Filters, Water Heaters, and More Online
Opening an online store unlocks valuable new revenue streams for contractors. Traditionally, contractors made money through service calls and installations. eCommerce is changing that. Now, you can sell products directly to consumers online – from furnace filters and thermostats to water heaters and electrical fixtures.
Some contractors have turned filter sales into a substantial recurring revenue source. One processed over 12,000 air filter orders in a single year, and another sold more than 1,500 maintenance memberships online.
“Some contractors have sold over 15,000 filter subscriptions through their website. And they’re using it to keep their brand in front of the customer every few months.”
—Paul Redman
For plumbing and electrical trades, the opportunities are similar. A plumbing contractor might sell water heaters or filtration systems through an online storefront. An electrical contractor could sell lighting fixtures or EV chargers, giving homeowners the convenience of shopping with a local pro.
These product sales also reduce truck rolls, bundle well with installation services, and build customer loyalty. With consumers expecting one-stop convenience, selling products online positions your business as the easy choice.
3. Success Story: 7.5% Business Growth with eCommerce – Summit Heating & Cooling
Meet Brendan Williams, owner of Summit Heating & Cooling, who saw a 7.5% increase in business after launching eCommerce through Contractor Commerce.
Summit Heating & Cooling’s Results:
- $450,127 in revenue from online leads
- 259 online quotes submitted through the store
- 45–50% close rate on eCommerce leads
- A $50,000 dual system job originated from an online quote
What made the difference? Williams added a quoting tool to his homepage that allowed site visitors to get instant system quotes. These leads came in educated, ready to buy, and far more likely to close than traditional ones.
“Contractors who use instant quote tools see more serious buyers. One reported an 80% in-home appointment rate and 90% close rate on those leads.”
—Paul Redman
For Summit, it wasn’t just more leads – it was better leads. Online quoting eliminated pricing objections and streamlined the sales process. Their sales team now prefers eCommerce leads because they convert faster with fewer hurdles.
4. Actionable Steps for Contractors to Launch and Promote an Online Store
Even if you’re starting from scratch, launching an eCommerce store is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the Right Platform
Use a contractor-focused solution like Contractor Commerce to simplify setup and offer trade-specific features like quote tools and service add-ons. - Pick Products to Sell
Start with filters, water heaters, thermostats, and service plans. Keep it simple and expand over time. - Add the Store to Your Website
Embed a “Shop” or “Instant Quote” button on your homepage and navigation. Make it visible and easy to use. - Promote It
Use website banners, email campaigns, social media, technician reminders, and offline materials to let customers know they can now buy from you online. - Refine and Expand
Track what works, get customer feedback, and build out your product offerings. Keep your store fresh and SEO-friendly.
5. How Contractor Commerce Makes eCommerce Easy and Profitable
Contractor Commerce is built specifically for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses. Here’s why it works:
- Quick Setup with the Right Features
Designed for trades, it supports products, services, quotes, and branded experiences without the complexity of generic eCommerce tools. - Dropship Filters with No Inventory Hassle
Sell filters online with fulfillment handled for you, while keeping your brand on the box. - Recurring Revenue from Service Plans
Automate payments and renewals for maintenance memberships. - Improved Customer Experience
Customers shop 24/7, get instant quotes, and choose you for convenience and clarity. - Keep Profits In-House
Bypass third-party platforms and retain the full customer relationship and profit margin.
“This isn’t about replacing salespeople. It’s about giving them more qualified opportunities—and it’s working. The ones who adopt it, love it.”
—Paul Redman
Conclusion: Don’t Get Left Behind
eCommerce is revolutionizing the trades. In 2025, homeowners expect pricing transparency and online convenience – and the contractors who deliver both are winning more business.
Whether it’s selling filters, booking service plans, or quoting full installations, eCommerce helps you stand out, build trust, and increase revenue. Summit Heating & Cooling saw a 7.5% lift in business. You can too.
Ready to make it easy for customers to buy from you online? Contractor Commerce is built to help you do exactly that – quickly, affordably, and without tech headaches. BOOK A FREE DEMO
Sources
- U.S. eCommerce Sales Growth
U.S. Census Bureau – Quarterly Retail eCommerce Sales Q4 2024 - Contractor Commerce Case Study – Summit Heating & Cooling
Internal Data – Contractor Commerce - Google Trends – Search Interest in HVAC Pricing & Water Heater Quotes
Google Trends – “HVAC pricing”
Google Trends – “water heater quote” - Modernize Home Services – 2023–2024 Contractor Insights
Modernize – Homeowner & Contractor Trends - Contractor Commerce User Data
Internal Data – Filter sales, eCommerce lead conversion, service plan performance - Rheem Consumer Trends – Online HVAC Shopping Behavior
Rheem Pro Partner Insights – Digital Buying Behavior - EPA & ENERGY STAR – Homeowner Maintenance Habits
ENERGY STAR – HVAC Maintenance Tips
TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF CONTRACTORS
“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air ConditioningRECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
Industry-Leading Contractors Use Contractor Commerce
“The fact is, consumers would rather shop online than in person. If you don’t build an e-commerce presence, you won’t have the opportunity. Now is the time.”
Lou Hobaica, Hobaica Services“It was scary-easy to get set up. It’s plug and play. I drive people to the site, and I collect on the backend. Contractor Commerce takes the order, processes the order, and ships it…any HVAC company would be crazy not to start an online store with Contractor Commerce.”
Bob Reilly, Courtney's Heating & Cooling“Working with the Contractor Commerce team is simple. It’s great. They’re understanding, and they will do anything possible in their power to accommodate your needs. It’s an added service for us…it’s good for our customers”
Jeremy Shellabarger, Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning“Having our website store powered by Contractor Commerce gives us a unique competitive advantage in our market. Our friends in the industry look at our website and say, ‘Wow! That’s super cool. I don’t know why my company isn’t doing this.”
Lizeth Melisa, Comfort Pro“Having an online store from Contractor Commerce is great for our customers! It is convenient and easy for customers to order filters. It saves time when they can go right to the website, place their order and have the filter delivered within a couple of days. Plus, the Contractor Commerce team is great to work with. They are very responsive and helpful and I know they really care about my success!”
Karen B, Liberty Comfort Systems“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air Conditioning