Just take a photo of the damaged water heater or describe the symptoms, a the AI model provides a list of possible causes and suggested actions. “It was definitely worth the effort,” says company president Dan Callies. “Even senior professionals have learned to ask ChatGPT the right questions and are honestly surprised by the accuracy of many of the answers.”
This is not an isolated case. Blue collars – from installers to HVAC service technicians – are increasingly bold in using artificial intelligence. Some choose popular tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, others choose platforms created especially for service industries, such as ServiceTitan or Housecall Pro, which have built-in AI functions. “Artificial intelligence works in two ways for us – both in the field and in the office,” Callies emphasizes in an interview with CNN.
At Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating in Niceville, Florida, automation starts when a customer sends an inquiry and ends when a technician walks in the door. On the way, no one from the office picks up the phone, because the process is handled by software. On-site, AI helps with diagnosis and instant access to technical documentation. “It used to be that you had to go through several manuals, each 60 pages long. Now it takes seconds.” – says Krista Landen, responsible for marketing and IT in the company.
The pace of adoption is already visible in the data. In a Housecall Pro survey of over 400 professionals in North America, over 70 percent respondents declare that they have tested AI tools, and approximately 40 percent uses them actively. Younger professionals are at the forefront of the peloton, but older ones are also exploring the possibilities.
Depending on the industry, the effects vary
Plumbers most often say that AI helped them grow their business. Cleaning companies turn out to be the biggest implementation enthusiasts, and electricians declare the highest level of satisfaction. Vocational schools also do not remain indifferent. “They want graduates to be ready for the work of the future, not the job of five years ago,” explains Jason Altmire, head of an organization associating over 800 private vocational schools in the US.
However, not everyone jumps into the water without checking the depth. “There is a certain amount of caution, I wouldn't say everyone is on board. But the tide is definitely coming” – says Edward McFarlane from Air Conditioning Contractors of America. The doubts mainly concern the question of how technology that works in the digital world actually helps in physical tasks.
Practice shows that the greatest advantage comes where field work is intertwined with paperwork: in the quick preparation of offers, schedules, protocols, in settlements and in proactive communication with the client.
Economics is starting to speak its own language. “People go into technical professions because they like working with their hands. If the office part can be automated, professionals can focus on what they really like and do it smarter” – notes Laura Ullrich, economist at Indeed. Gulfshore already has hard numbers: after incorporating AI features to automate marketing campaigns, the company saw a $370,000 increase in revenue in 30 days. Additionally, the average order value increased by $150 after AI tools accelerated administrative tasks and helped technicians propose additional services to customers and accessories.
Landen emphasizes that if the trend continues, it will translate into higher salaries for technicians – the company uses AI solutions from June and plans new pay packages in the coming months.
At Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling, ChatGPT has helped reduce overhead costs while improving service quality. This is an important signal for the entire SME segment in services. Automation of customer service and marketing means that many companies can do without such extensive office facilities as before. This means savings that can be invested in equipment, training or additional duties.
