Starter Equipment List
Totals
- Bootstrap: $35,000-$55,000
- Standard: $75,000-$115,000
- Premium: $145,000-$220,000
Safety
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard hats (crew of 2) Premium includes ventilation and integrated headlamp mounts for attic work. | $40-$60 | $80-$120 | $150-$200 | Home Depot, Grainger, MSA Safety |
| Safety glasses (crew of 2) Premium includes anti-fog coating and side shields for brazing and soldering work. | $30-$50 | $60-$100 | $120-$180 | Grainger, Home Depot, Uvex |
| Work gloves (leather, nitrile, insulated) - crew of 2 Premium includes cut-resistant and heat-resistant gloves for brazing and refrigerant handling. | $40-$70 | $100-$150 | $180-$250 | Grainger, Home Depot, Wells Lamont |
| Work boots (steel-toe, slip-resistant) - crew of 2 Premium includes electrical hazard rating and metatarsal guards for crawl spaces and rooftop work. | $120-$180 | $220-$320 | $400-$550 | Timberland PRO, Carhartt, Red Wing, Grainger |
| High-visibility safety vests (crew of 2) Premium includes reflective trim and multiple pockets for tools and inspection notes. | $30-$50 | $70-$110 | $140-$200 | Home Depot, Grainger, 3M |
| Respirator masks and cartridges (P100, organic vapor) Premium includes powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) for extended refrigerant and chemical exposure. | $80-$120 | $180-$280 | $350-$500 | 3M, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Knee pads and elbow pads Premium includes gel-filled cushioning for crawl space and attic work. | $40-$70 | $100-$160 | $200-$300 | Home Depot, Grainger, CLC |
| First aid kit and bloodborne pathogen kit Premium includes CPR training certification and AED device. | $50-$80 | $120-$180 | $250-$350 | Home Depot, Grainger, First Aid Only |
Transport
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service truck or van (crew of 2) Bootstrap: used work van. Standard: new or late-model van with shelving. Premium: new service truck with integrated tool storage, compressor mount, and ladder rack. | $25,000-$35,000 | $45,000-$65,000 | $80,000-$120,000 | Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Sprinter, ProMaster |
| Ladder rack and roof-mounted storage Premium includes locking aluminum storage box and integrated tie-down system. | $400-$700 | $1,000-$1,600 | $2,000-$3,000 | Thule, Tracrac, Weatherguard, Dee Zee |
| Magnetic vehicle signs (crew branding) Premium includes custom design and high-quality vinyl with UV protection. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local sign shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
Core Tools
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant gauges (manifold set, digital) Premium includes wireless Bluetooth connectivity and data logging for diagnostics. | $300-$500 | $800-$1,200 | $1,800-$2,500 | Fieldpiece, Appion, Testo, Grainger |
| Refrigerant recovery machine (EPA-certified) Premium includes dual-cylinder capacity and oil-less pump for faster recovery and minimal downtime. | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,500-$3,500 | $4,500-$6,500 | Appion, Mastercool, Robinair, Grainger |
| Vacuum pump (two-stage, 6 CFM minimum) Premium includes oil-less design and digital micron gauge for system evacuation verification. | $400-$700 | $1,000-$1,500 | $2,000-$3,000 | Appion, Mastercool, Robinair, Grainger |
| Brazing kit (torch, fittings, solder, flux) Premium includes oxy-acetylene setup with regulators and multiple torch tips for various line sizes. | $300-$500 | $800-$1,200 | $1,600-$2,200 | Bernzomatic, Victor, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Tubing benders (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 inch) Premium includes spring-loaded and lever-action benders for all common refrigerant line sizes. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Mastercool, Appion, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Flare tool kit (manual and power options) Premium includes electric flare tool for high-volume work and multiple die sets. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,400-$2,000 | Mastercool, Appion, Grainger |
| Manometer (digital, magnehelic, or water column) Premium includes wireless Bluetooth and data logging for airflow and static pressure diagnostics. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $900-$1,400 | Fieldpiece, Testo, Grainger, Dwyer |
| Duct tools (crimper, sealer, tape, mastic) Premium includes pneumatic crimper and professional-grade mastic for sealed ductwork. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Grainger, Home Depot, Ductmate, Nashua |
| Multimeter (digital, clamp-capable, HVAC-rated) Premium includes true RMS, capacitance, and frequency measurement for complex electrical diagnostics. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $600-$900 | Fluke, Fieldpiece, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Clamp meter (AC/DC, non-contact voltage detection) Premium includes wireless Bluetooth and data logging for electrical load analysis. | $100-$180 | $300-$500 | $700-$1,000 | Fluke, Fieldpiece, Grainger |
| Drill driver kit (18V, two batteries, charger) Premium includes brushless motor and fast-charge batteries for extended runtime. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Home Depot |
| Impact driver (18V, compact) Premium includes brushless motor and one-handed operation for tight spaces. | $100-$180 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Home Depot |
| Reciprocating saw (cordless, 18V) Premium includes brushless motor and variable speed for cutting copper, aluminum, and PVC. | $120-$200 | $300-$450 | $600-$900 | DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Home Depot |
| Oscillating multi-tool (cordless, 18V) Premium includes brushless motor and multiple blade attachments for drywall and ductwork cutting. | $80-$150 | $200-$350 | $450-$650 | DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Home Depot |
| Pipe wrenches (10 inch and 14 inch) Premium includes heavy-duty cast iron and adjustable jaw for various pipe diameters. | $60-$100 | $150-$250 | $300-$450 | Ridgid, Crescent, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Adjustable wrenches (6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch) Premium includes chrome-plated finish and precision-machined jaws. | $40-$70 | $100-$160 | $200-$300 | Crescent, Snap-on, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Socket set (SAE and metric, 1/4 and 3/8 drive) Premium includes deep sockets and impact-rated sockets for compressor and condenser work. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $600-$900 | DeWalt, Snap-on, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Screwdriver set (Phillips, flathead, square, Torx) Premium includes insulated handles for electrical work and precision tips. | $40-$70 | $120-$200 | $250-$400 | Wiha, Snap-on, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Hex key set (SAE and metric) Premium includes ball-end keys and color-coded handles for quick identification. | $30-$50 | $80-$130 | $180-$280 | Wiha, Snap-on, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Nut drivers (SAE and metric, 3/8 inch drive) Premium includes insulated handles and precision-machined sockets. | $40-$70 | $120-$200 | $250-$400 | Wiha, Snap-on, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Pliers set (slip-joint, needle-nose, locking, diagonal cutters) Premium includes German-made Knipex pliers with precision-ground jaws. | $60-$100 | $180-$280 | $400-$600 | Snap-on, Knipex, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Flashlight (high-lumen LED, rechargeable) Premium includes 1000+ lumens, magnetic base, and extended runtime for attic and crawl space work. | $40-$80 | $120-$200 | $300-$450 | Streamlight, Fenix, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Headlamp (LED, rechargeable, hands-free) Premium includes 500+ lumens, red light mode, and extended runtime. | $30-$60 | $100-$160 | $250-$400 | Streamlight, Black Diamond, Fenix, Home Depot |
| Tape measure (25 ft, 35 ft) Premium includes magnetic hook and wide blade for ductwork and equipment spacing. | $30-$50 | $80-$130 | $180-$280 | Stanley, Lufkin, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Level (24 inch, digital) Premium includes digital readout and magnetic base for condenser and furnace installation. | $40-$80 | $120-$200 | $300-$450 | Stanley, Bosch, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Stud finder (electronic, magnetic) Premium includes live wire detection for safe wall mounting of equipment. | $30-$60 | $100-$160 | $250-$400 | Bosch, Zircon, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Ladder (28 ft extension, aluminum) Premium includes fiberglass construction and stabilizer bar for rooftop condenser access. | $200-$350 | $500-$750 | $1,000-$1,500 | Werner, Louisville, Little Giant, Home Depot |
| Step ladder (6 foot, aluminum) Premium includes wide steps and tool tray for attic furnace and ductwork access. | $80-$150 | $200-$350 | $450-$650 | Werner, Louisville, Home Depot |
| Work bench or portable workstation Premium includes built-in power outlets and storage for brazing and assembly work. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $900-$1,400 | Husky, DeWalt, Grainger, Home Depot |
Consumables
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant (R-410A, R-22, R-32, R-454B) - initial inventory Premium includes diverse refrigerant types for heat pumps, mini-splits, and legacy systems. | $400-$700 | $1,000-$1,500 | $2,000-$3,000 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson, local HVAC distributors |
| Brazing rod and solder (silver, copper, flux) Premium includes high-silver-content brazing rod for critical joints. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Home Depot |
| Refrigerant oil (POE, mineral, synthetic) - initial stock Premium includes multiple oil types for different refrigerants and compressor types. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson |
| Desiccant cartridges and filter dryers Premium includes high-capacity cartridges for large system evacuations. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson |
| Ductwork tape, mastic, and sealant Premium includes professional-grade mastic and UL-rated duct tape. | $100-$180 | $300-$450 | $600-$900 | Grainger, Home Depot, Nashua, Ductmate |
| Copper tubing (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 inch) - initial stock Premium includes pre-insulated tubing for mini-split and heat pump installations. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson, Home Depot |
| Fittings (flare, sweat, compression) - initial inventory Premium includes diverse fitting types and sizes for various system configurations. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Grainger, Johnstone Supply, Ferguson |
| Electrical wire and connectors Premium includes color-coded wire and weatherproof connectors. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Grainger, Home Depot, Johnstone Supply |
| Thermostat batteries and wiring Premium includes backup batteries and shielded wiring for smart thermostat installations. | $50-$100 | $150-$250 | $300-$450 | Grainger, Home Depot, Johnstone Supply |
| Insulation (pipe wrap, foam board, fiberglass) Premium includes closed-cell foam and vapor-barrier insulation for condensation control. | $100-$180 | $300-$450 | $600-$900 | Grainger, Home Depot, Johnstone Supply |
| Fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers, screws) - assorted Premium includes stainless steel and corrosion-resistant fasteners. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | Grainger, Home Depot, Fastenal |
| Cleaning supplies (degreaser, brushes, rags) Premium includes EPA-approved degreasers and microfiber cleaning cloths. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | Grainger, Home Depot, Johnstone Supply |
Technology
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop (Windows or Mac, 13-15 inch) Premium includes SSD storage and 16GB RAM for multitasking and software performance. | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,000-$3,000 | Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, Best Buy |
| Tablet (iPad or Android, 10 inch) Premium includes cellular connectivity and stylus for on-site proposal markup and inspection notes. | $300-$500 | $700-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | Apple, Samsung, Best Buy |
| Smartphone (iOS or Android) Premium includes high-resolution camera for system documentation and thermal imaging integration. | $400-$700 | $900-$1,300 | $1,500-$2,000 | Apple, Samsung, Verizon, AT&T |
| Printer (inkjet or laser, color) Premium includes wireless printing and automatic document feeder for proposals and invoices. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | HP, Canon, Xerox, Best Buy |
| Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks) Premium includes advanced reporting, multi-user access, and integration with payment processing. | $180-$300 | $600-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | Intuit, Xero, FreshBooks (annual subscription) |
| CRM software (HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho) Premium includes automation, custom workflows, and integration with email and calendar. | $200-$400 | $600-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho (annual subscription) |
| Scheduling software (ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber) Premium includes GPS tracking, customer communication, and integration with accounting software. | $200-$400 | $600-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber (annual subscription) |
| Payment processing (Square, Stripe, PayPal) Premium includes mobile card reader, invoicing, and recurring billing for maintenance plans. | $100-$200 | $300-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Square, Stripe, PayPal (annual fees and per-transaction rates) |
| Email and calendar (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) Premium includes advanced security, collaboration tools, and cloud storage. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | Microsoft, Google (annual subscription) |
| Phone system (VoIP, Vonage, RingCentral) Premium includes call recording, IVR, and integration with CRM software. | $150-$300 | $500-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Vonage, RingCentral, 8x8 (annual subscription) |
| Document management (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) Premium includes advanced sharing, version control, and compliance features. | $100-$200 | $300-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Google, Dropbox, Microsoft (annual subscription) |
| E-signature software (DocuSign, Adobe Sign, HelloSign) Premium includes advanced templates, audit trails, and integration with CRM and accounting software. | $150-$300 | $500-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | DocuSign, Adobe, HelloSign (annual subscription) |
| Website and online presence (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress) Premium includes custom domain, SSL certificate, and SEO optimization. | $150-$300 | $500-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Wix, Squarespace, WordPress (annual subscription) |
| Backup and disaster recovery (Carbonite, Backblaze, IDrive) Premium includes unlimited storage and automatic daily backups. | $100-$200 | $300-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Carbonite, Backblaze, IDrive (annual subscription) |
Sales & Inspection
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet or laptop for on-site proposals Premium includes cellular connectivity and stylus for proposal markup and signature capture. | $300-$500 | $700-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | Apple, Samsung, Best Buy |
| Thermal imaging camera (infrared) Premium includes high-resolution sensor and wireless connectivity for ductwork and refrigerant leak detection. | $400-$700 | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,500-$4,000 | FLIR, Seek Thermal, Grainger |
| Moisture meter (pinless and probe) Premium includes dual-mode sensor and data logging for mold and condensation assessment. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Flir, Extech, Grainger |
| Digital camera or smartphone gimbal Premium includes 4K video and stabilization for system documentation and customer education. | $200-$400 | $600-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | DJI, GoPro, Canon, Best Buy |
| Drone (DJI Mavic or similar for inspections) Premium includes thermal imaging, 4K video, and extended flight time for rooftop condenser inspections. | $400-$700 | $1,000-$1,500 | $2,000-$3,000 | DJI, Best Buy |
| Measuring wheel (100 ft) Premium includes digital readout and carrying case for ductwork and equipment spacing measurements. | $100-$180 | $300-$450 | $600-$900 | Grainger, Home Depot, Keson |
| Tape measure (25 ft, 35 ft) Premium includes magnetic hook and wide blade for quick measurements. | $30-$50 | $80-$130 | $180-$280 | Stanley, Lufkin, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Chalk line and keel chalk Premium includes refillable cartridge and color-coded chalk for marking problem areas. | $30-$60 | $80-$130 | $180-$280 | Grainger, Home Depot, Tajima |
| High-lumen flashlight (rechargeable) Premium includes 1000+ lumens, magnetic base, and extended runtime for attic and crawl space inspections. | $40-$80 | $120-$200 | $300-$450 | Streamlight, Fenix, Grainger, Home Depot |
| Headlamp (LED, rechargeable, hands-free) Premium includes 500+ lumens, red light mode, and extended runtime. | $30-$60 | $100-$160 | $250-$400 | Streamlight, Black Diamond, Fenix, Home Depot |
| Presentation folder with sample materials Premium includes custom branding, sample equipment photos, and financing options brochure. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local print shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
| Notepad and pen set Premium includes custom branding and leather portfolio for professional appearance. | $30-$60 | $100-$160 | $250-$400 | Local print shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
| Magnetic vehicle signs Premium includes custom design and high-quality vinyl with UV protection. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local sign shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
| Yard signs (24 x 36 inch, corrugated plastic) Premium includes custom design and UV-resistant ink for long-term outdoor use. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local sign shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
| Business cards and letterhead Premium includes custom design and premium paper stock. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local print shops, Vistaprint, 4imprint |
| Inspection checklist and proposal templates Premium includes custom branding and professional design for consistent customer experience. | $100-$200 | $300-$500 | $600-$900 | Local print shops, Vistaprint, custom design |
Office
| Item | Bootstrap | Standard | Premium | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desk and office chair Premium includes ergonomic design and adjustable height for long-term comfort. | $300-$500 | $800-$1,200 | $1,600-$2,400 | IKEA, Wayfair, Herman Miller, Office Depot |
| Filing cabinet (2-4 drawer) Premium includes locking drawers and fireproof construction for document security. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | IKEA, Wayfair, Office Depot |
| Shelving unit (metal or wood) Premium includes adjustable shelves and heavy-duty construction for equipment and parts storage. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | IKEA, Wayfair, Home Depot |
| Laptop and monitor stand Premium includes adjustable height and ergonomic design. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | Amazon, Best Buy, Office Depot |
| External monitor (24-27 inch) Premium includes 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity for laptop charging. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Dell, HP, LG, Best Buy |
| Keyboard and mouse (wireless) Premium includes mechanical keyboard and ergonomic mouse for extended use. | $60-$100 | $150-$250 | $300-$450 | Logitech, Microsoft, Best Buy |
| Printer (inkjet or laser, color) Premium includes wireless printing and automatic document feeder. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | HP, Canon, Xerox, Best Buy |
| Scanner (document, flatbed) Premium includes automatic document feeder and OCR software. | $150-$250 | $400-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Canon, Fujitsu, Best Buy |
| Shredder (cross-cut, heavy-duty) Premium includes continuous-duty motor and large bin capacity. | $100-$180 | $300-$450 | $600-$900 | Fellowes, Bonsai, Best Buy |
| Safe (fireproof, lockable) Premium includes biometric lock and waterproof construction for document and equipment security. | $200-$350 | $600-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | SentrySafe, Honeywell, Home Depot |
| Desk organizer and supplies Premium includes custom-designed organizer with labeled compartments. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | IKEA, Wayfair, Office Depot |
| Whiteboard or corkboard Premium includes magnetic surface and custom frame. | $50-$100 | $150-$250 | $300-$450 | IKEA, Wayfair, Office Depot |
| Accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks) Premium includes advanced reporting, multi-user access, and integration with payment processing. | $180-$300 | $600-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | Intuit, Xero, FreshBooks (annual subscription) |
| CRM software (HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho) Premium includes automation, custom workflows, and integration with email and calendar. | $200-$400 | $600-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho (annual subscription) |
| Scheduling software (ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber) Premium includes GPS tracking, customer communication, and integration with accounting software. | $200-$400 | $600-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, Jobber (annual subscription) |
| Email and calendar (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) Premium includes advanced security, collaboration tools, and cloud storage. | $80-$150 | $250-$400 | $500-$750 | Microsoft, Google (annual subscription) |
| Phone system (VoIP, Vonage, RingCentral) Premium includes call recording, IVR, and integration with CRM software. | $150-$300 | $500-$900 | $1,200-$1,800 | Vonage, RingCentral, 8x8 (annual subscription) |
| Document management (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) Premium includes advanced sharing, version control, and compliance features. | $100-$200 | $300-$600 | $800-$1,200 | Google, Dropbox, Microsoft (annual subscription) |