Why Good HVAC Techs Undercharge: The Real Cost of Doubt episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 18, 2026 · 17 MIN

Why Good HVAC Techs Undercharge: The Real Cost of Doubt

from The Human Diagnostic

I have known a lot of techs over forty-five years who were excellent at the work and could not pay their light bill. Gifted hands, customers who ask for them by name, and a truck one bad alternator away from being a project car.I stopped calling it bad luck a long time ago. There is a name for the inside of it. Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes called it the impostor phenomenon back in 1978. The HVAC version sounds like this: a tech gets good, the customers like him, but he cannot quite believe he is supposed to be the guy. So when it comes time to charge, he undercharges. Not because he is generous. Because deep down he does not believe a person like him is allowed to ask.This is me, in Kingfisher, talking plainly about something this trade never names out loud. If it sounds like somebody you know, or somebody you see in the mirror, this one is for you.Core line: "He cannot quite believe he is supposed to be the guy."Give Us A ShoutThanks for tuning in to Hartzell's Heat & Air, your trusted HVAC experts in Oklahoma and beyond. From Kingfisher to coast-to-coast consulting, we design, install, and maintain smart, efficient systems that deliver year-round comfort.We're employee-owned, family-run, and powered by 45+ years of experience. Whether it's AI-powered thermostats, geothermal systems, or classic tune-ups, we deliver upfront pricing, expert care, and warranties that back it all up.🛠️ Book Online:https://book.housecallpro.com/book/Hartzells-Heat--Air/4a569038b3dc460daf2d5f6497b18351?v2=true🌐 www.hartzellsheatair.com📞 (405) 375-4822🚛 Trane Comfort Specialist • Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer • ClimateMaster Elite🛡️ VIP Comfort Club • Remote Monitoring • Extended Warranties📲 Follow us for tips, updates, and real-world installs:YouTube: @hartzellsheatair6003X: https://x.com/HartzellsHVACFacebook: facebook.com/hartzellsheatairLinkedIn: Dave HartzellBuilt on trust. Backed by warranty. Designed for comfort.

I have known a lot of techs over forty-five years who were excellent at the work and could not pay their light bill. Gifted hands, customers who ask for them by name, and a truck one bad alternator away from being a project car. I stopped calling it bad luck a long time ago. There is a name for the inside of it. Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes called it the impostor phenomenon back in 1978. The HVAC version sounds like this: a tech gets good, the customers like him, but he cannot quite believ...

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Why Good HVAC Techs Undercharge: The Real Cost of Doubt

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This episode is 17 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 18, 2026.

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I have known a lot of techs over forty-five years who were excellent at the work and could not pay their light bill. Gifted hands, customers who ask for them by name, and a truck one bad alternator away from being a project car.I stopped calling it...

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