{
  "title": "How to Sell an HVAC Business in 2026: Steps, Timeline, Fees, Price",
  "url": "https://acquisitions.com/blog/how-to-sell-an-hvac-business/",
  "author": "Moran Pober",
  "publisher": "Acquisitions.com",
  "published": "2026-10-23",
  "updated": "2026-10-23",
  "section": "Selling a business",
  "keyword": "how to sell an HVAC business",
  "short_answer": "Start one to two years out. Put a second licence holder in charge, grow maintenance agreements, and get three years of tax returns that match the books. Value the company on SDE under about $2M in price and on EBITDA above it, write a CIM, market it quietly, sign a letter of intent, and allow 30 to 60 days of diligence before closing. Bring in a CPA early.",
  "facts": {
    "Preparation (licence, books, recurring revenue)": "12 to 24 months before listing",
    "On the market to signed LOI": "3 to 9 months",
    "LOI to closing": "30 to 60 days of diligence, plus lender time",
    "Seller transition after closing": "30 to 90 days, longer if you stay as qualifier",
    "Business broker fee": "Usually 8 to 10% of the price on main street deals, with minimums of $10,000 to $25,000 (BizBen's broker fee survey)",
    "M&A advisor": "A retainer plus a success fee agreed up front",
    "Quality of earnings ($3M+ purchases)": "Required under SBA SOP 50 10 8.1; the buyer's lender orders it"
  },
  "sources": [
    "https://www.ibba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/market-pulse-highlights-q4-2025.pdf",
    "https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans",
    "https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs",
    "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sale-of-a-business",
    "https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8594",
    "https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm",
    "https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/technology-transitions-hfc-restrictions-sector",
    "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/489.119",
    "https://www.bizben.com/blog/how-much-do-brokers-charge-to-sell-a-business/"
  ],
  "license": "Facts may be quoted with attribution to Acquisitions.com and a link to the url above."
}