Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for scheduling shifts, dispatching HVAC technicians, tracking time, and team communication with a free plan for up to 10 users.
- 2#2: Fieldwire - Field management platform for scheduling tasks, assigning jobs, and coordinating HVAC projects with real-time updates on a free plan for small teams.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool designed for service businesses to manage HVAC technician shifts and availability.
- 4#4: When I Work - Employee scheduling software with shift trading, notifications, and time tracking suitable for HVAC service teams on a basic free plan.
- 5#5: Sling - Free unlimited employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and shift management for HVAC field services.
- 6#6: Square Appointments - Free booking and scheduling software for individual service pros including HVAC techs with integrated payments and reminders.
- 7#7: Setmore - Free online appointment scheduling system customizable for HVAC service bookings and customer management.
- 8#8: SimplyBook.me - Online booking platform for scheduling HVAC services with custom features and intake forms on a free plan up to 50 bookings monthly.
- 9#9: Picktime - Completely free appointment scheduling software supporting recurring HVAC service bookings and staff calendars.
- 10#10: Calendly - Automated scheduling tool for setting up HVAC consultation and service appointments via a free basic plan.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver robust features (including shift management, real-time updates, and customer communication), intuitive usability, consistent performance, and exceptional value, ensuring they cater effectively to both small teams and individual HVAC professionals.
Comparison Table
Efficient scheduling is vital for HVAC businesses to streamline operations, and free software tools provide an accessible way to manage teams, routes, and tasks. This comparison table examines key features of popular options like Connecteam, Fieldwire, Homebase, When I Work, Sling, and more, equipping readers to find the tool that aligns with their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for scheduling shifts, dispatching HVAC technicians, tracking time, and team communication with a free plan for up to 10 users. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Fieldwire Field management platform for scheduling tasks, assigning jobs, and coordinating HVAC projects with real-time updates on a free plan for small teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool designed for service businesses to manage HVAC technician shifts and availability. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Employee scheduling software with shift trading, notifications, and time tracking suitable for HVAC service teams on a basic free plan. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Sling Free unlimited employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and shift management for HVAC field services. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Square Appointments Free booking and scheduling software for individual service pros including HVAC techs with integrated payments and reminders. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Setmore Free online appointment scheduling system customizable for HVAC service bookings and customer management. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | SimplyBook.me Online booking platform for scheduling HVAC services with custom features and intake forms on a free plan up to 50 bookings monthly. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Picktime Completely free appointment scheduling software supporting recurring HVAC service bookings and staff calendars. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Calendly Automated scheduling tool for setting up HVAC consultation and service appointments via a free basic plan. | other | 6.4/10 | 5.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
All-in-one mobile app for scheduling shifts, dispatching HVAC technicians, tracking time, and team communication with a free plan for up to 10 users.
Field management platform for scheduling tasks, assigning jobs, and coordinating HVAC projects with real-time updates on a free plan for small teams.
Free employee scheduling and time tracking tool designed for service businesses to manage HVAC technician shifts and availability.
Employee scheduling software with shift trading, notifications, and time tracking suitable for HVAC service teams on a basic free plan.
Free unlimited employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and shift management for HVAC field services.
Free booking and scheduling software for individual service pros including HVAC techs with integrated payments and reminders.
Free online appointment scheduling system customizable for HVAC service bookings and customer management.
Online booking platform for scheduling HVAC services with custom features and intake forms on a free plan up to 50 bookings monthly.
Completely free appointment scheduling software supporting recurring HVAC service bookings and staff calendars.
Automated scheduling tool for setting up HVAC consultation and service appointments via a free basic plan.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for scheduling shifts, dispatching HVAC technicians, tracking time, and team communication with a free plan for up to 10 users.
Real-time GPS-enabled scheduling that auto-assigns jobs based on technician location and availability
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform designed for deskless teams, offering robust scheduling tools ideal for HVAC businesses to manage technician shifts, jobs, and routes. It provides drag-and-drop scheduling, availability matching, time-off requests, and GPS tracking to optimize field operations. The free plan supports up to 10 users, making it a top choice for small HVAC companies seeking no-cost scheduling solutions.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 10 users with core scheduling features
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go scheduling and GPS tracking
- Integrated communication and time tracking enhance HVAC team coordination
Cons
- Free plan limits advanced reporting and custom forms
- User cap of 10 on free tier may not suit growing teams
- Lacks deep HVAC-specific integrations like parts inventory
Best For
Small HVAC businesses or startups with fewer than 10 technicians needing a free, mobile-friendly scheduling tool.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (billed annually).
Fieldwire
specializedField management platform for scheduling tasks, assigning jobs, and coordinating HVAC projects with real-time updates on a free plan for small teams.
Interactive schedule with drag-and-drop tasks overlaid on blueprints for precise HVAC fieldwork planning
Fieldwire is a construction management platform designed for field teams, offering robust task scheduling, plan viewing, and collaboration tools that can be adapted for HVAC projects. It enables users to create detailed schedules for HVAC installations, maintenance, and technician assignments with drag-and-drop calendars, dependencies, and real-time updates. The free plan supports basic scheduling needs for small teams, making it accessible for entry-level HVAC scheduling without upfront costs.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for on-site scheduling and updates
- Real-time collaboration with photos, checklists, and notifications
- Unlimited users on free plan with solid basic scheduling tools
Cons
- Free plan limited to 3 projects and lacks advanced features like custom reports
- General construction focus, not HVAC-specific templates or integrations
- Learning curve for complex scheduling dependencies
Best For
Small HVAC contractors or field teams needing free, mobile-first scheduling for a limited number of projects.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 3 projects and unlimited users; Pro plan at $39/user/month, Business at $54/user/month (billed annually).
Homebase
otherFree employee scheduling and time tracking tool designed for service businesses to manage HVAC technician shifts and availability.
OpenShifts allowing employees to claim available slots, reducing manager workload and improving team satisfaction
Homebase is a workforce management platform offering free scheduling tools tailored for small businesses, including HVAC contractors managing technician shifts. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, employee availability tracking, shift trades, and time clock with geofencing via a intuitive mobile app. While versatile for general use, it provides reliable basic scheduling for HVAC teams without specialized service features.
Pros
- Unlimited free scheduling for any number of employees and shifts
- Mobile-first design with easy shift trading and team messaging
- Geofenced time tracking prevents inaccurate clock-ins for field techs
Cons
- Lacks HVAC-specific tools like job dispatching or customer scheduling
- Basic reporting with advanced features locked behind paid plans
- Limited integrations for HVAC inventory or invoicing
Best For
Small HVAC businesses or startups needing a simple, no-cost scheduler for technician shifts and time tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling and time tracking; paid plans start at $29.95/month per location for advanced features.
When I Work
otherEmployee scheduling software with shift trading, notifications, and time tracking suitable for HVAC service teams on a basic free plan.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to claim available shifts automatically
When I Work is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed to streamline shift creation, management, and communication for teams across industries. Its free plan supports up to 75 users with core features like schedule building, shift trading via OpenShifts, availability requests, and mobile notifications. For HVAC businesses, it offers basic technician scheduling but lacks specialized field service tools such as job dispatching, GPS tracking, or customer integrations.
Pros
- Free plan supports up to 75 users with unlimited schedules
- Intuitive mobile app for employees to view, claim, and trade shifts
- Quick setup and real-time notifications reduce no-shows
Cons
- Free version lacks time tracking, reporting, and labor costing
- No HVAC-specific features like service call dispatching or route optimization
- Limited to one location on free plan; multi-location requires upgrade
Best For
Small HVAC teams or startups needing simple, cost-free shift scheduling for technicians without advanced field service requirements.
Pricing
Free forever for up to 75 users at one location; paid plans start at $2/user/month for advanced features like time clocks and reports.
Sling
otherFree unlimited employee scheduling app with labor cost tracking and shift management for HVAC field services.
Unlimited free users with real-time notifications and shift exchange capabilities
Sling (getsling.com) is a free employee scheduling software designed for shift-based businesses, offering tools to create schedules, track time, and communicate with teams via mobile app. It supports features like shift templates, availability requests, and notifications, making it adaptable for HVAC technicians scheduling jobs and service calls. While not tailored specifically for HVAC, its simplicity and zero cost make it a viable option for small service operations managing field staff.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited users and one location
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile access
- Built-in team messaging and shift trading features
Cons
- Lacks HVAC-specific tools like job quoting or inventory tracking
- Limited integrations with industry software
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrades
Best For
Small HVAC businesses or startups seeking a no-cost, user-friendly tool for basic technician scheduling and communication.
Pricing
Free forever plan for core scheduling; Premium plans start at $1.70/user/month (billed annually).
Square Appointments
otherFree booking and scheduling software for individual service pros including HVAC techs with integrated payments and reminders.
Built-in Square payments for instant deposits, invoicing, and no-show protection directly within the scheduling workflow
Square Appointments is an intuitive online booking and scheduling platform from Square, ideal for service-based businesses like HVAC to manage client appointments, send reminders, and process payments seamlessly. It offers a free plan for single-location users with basic calendar management, unlimited appointments, and integration with Square's POS system. While not HVAC-specific, it supports straightforward job scheduling for technicians, making it accessible for small operations without advanced field service tools.
Pros
- Completely free plan for basic scheduling with unlimited appointments
- Extremely user-friendly interface with quick setup
- Seamless payment processing and deposit collection via Square
Cons
- Lacks HVAC-specific tools like technician dispatching or route optimization
- Free plan limited to one location and basic reporting
- Transaction fees apply for payments (2.6% + 10¢ per appointment)
Best For
Solo HVAC technicians or very small teams needing simple, no-cost online booking and payment integration.
Pricing
Free plan available (single location, basic features); paid plans start at $29/month per location for Appointments Plus with advanced tools.
Setmore
otherFree online appointment scheduling system customizable for HVAC service bookings and customer management.
Unlimited free appointments with a customizable, embeddable booking widget that syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar
Setmore is an online appointment scheduling platform designed for service-based businesses, enabling users to create booking pages, manage calendars, and automate reminders. Its free plan supports unlimited appointments for a single user, making it viable for solo HVAC professionals to handle service call bookings via an embeddable widget on their website. While versatile and user-friendly, it lacks industry-specific HVAC tools like technician dispatching or job history tracking.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited appointments for one user
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar and easy website embedding
- Automated SMS/email reminders to reduce no-shows
Cons
- Free plan limited to one staff member and no payments/invoicing
- No HVAC-specific features like service templates or inventory management
- Custom branding and advanced reporting require paid upgrades
Best For
Solo HVAC technicians or very small teams seeking a no-cost, straightforward online booking solution for customer appointments.
Pricing
Free plan for 1 user with core features; paid plans start at $5/user/month (billed annually) for teams and advanced tools.
SimplyBook.me
otherOnline booking platform for scheduling HVAC services with custom features and intake forms on a free plan up to 50 bookings monthly.
Customizable intake forms for capturing detailed HVAC service requirements during booking
SimplyBook.me is a versatile online booking platform that enables HVAC businesses to create customizable appointment schedules for services like repairs, maintenance, and installations. It offers calendar integration, automated email/SMS reminders, and basic client intake forms to manage bookings efficiently. The free tier provides essential scheduling tools but is capped at low volumes, making it suitable for introductory use in HVAC operations.
Pros
- Intuitive setup for creating service-specific booking pages
- Automated reminders reduce no-shows for HVAC appointments
- Embeddable booking widgets integrate easily with websites
Cons
- Free plan limited to 50 bookings per month, insufficient for growing HVAC businesses
- Lacks HVAC-specific features like technician dispatching or job tracking
- Advanced integrations and custom features require paid upgrades
Best For
Solo HVAC technicians or micro-businesses with very low booking volumes needing a simple free scheduler.
Pricing
Free plan (50 bookings/month, 1 admin); paid plans start at $9.90/month for unlimited bookings and more features.
Picktime
otherCompletely free appointment scheduling software supporting recurring HVAC service bookings and staff calendars.
Unlimited appointments and clients on the free plan with no time limits or ads
Picktime is a general-purpose online scheduling platform with a robust free plan that enables HVAC businesses to manage appointments, customer bookings, and staff calendars efficiently. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, automated email/SMS reminders, and an embeddable booking widget for client self-scheduling. While not HVAC-specific, its no-cost access makes it a viable entry-level option for basic service coordination.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited appointments and clients
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar and mobile-responsive interface
- Customizable online booking page with payment integrations
Cons
- Lacks HVAC-specific features like job dispatching or inventory tracking
- Free plan limited to 5 staff members and 1 location
- Reporting and analytics are basic without premium upgrade
Best For
Solo HVAC technicians or very small teams needing straightforward, cost-free appointment scheduling without advanced field service tools.
Pricing
Free plan forever (unlimited bookings, 5 staff); premium starts at $4/staff/month for more staff/locations.
Calendly
otherAutomated scheduling tool for setting up HVAC consultation and service appointments via a free basic plan.
Shareable booking links that let customers self-schedule based on real-time availability across connected calendars
Calendly is a versatile online scheduling platform that enables users to create personalized booking pages for appointments, syncing seamlessly with popular calendars like Google and Outlook. For HVAC businesses, it simplifies customer booking for service calls by eliminating email back-and-forth, allowing clients to select available timeslots directly. However, as a general-purpose tool, it lacks HVAC-specific features like technician dispatching, job quoting, or service history tracking. The free plan supports basic individual scheduling but limits scalability for teams.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive setup with no learning curve for basic scheduling
- Free plan offers unlimited meetings and core calendar integrations
- Reduces no-shows with automated reminders and confirmations
Cons
- Free tier restricted to one event type and no team or group scheduling
- Lacks HVAC-tailored tools like service type selection, dispatching, or CRM integration
- Advanced customization and branding locked behind paid plans
Best For
Solo HVAC technicians or very small operations needing simple, free appointment booking without industry-specific service management.
Pricing
Free plan for basics (one event type); paid plans from $8/user/month (Essentials) to $16/user/month (Professional) for teams and advanced features.
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing 10 free HVAC scheduling tools, Connecteam stands out as the top choice, offering an all-in-one mobile app for shifting, dispatching, time tracking, and team communication—perfect for up to 10 users. While Fieldwire excels with real-time project coordination and Homebase impresses with employee scheduling and time management, each caters to distinct needs, making Connecteam the most versatile option for comprehensive HVAC operations.
To enhance your HVAC workflow, start with Connecteam’s free plan and experience efficient scheduling, smoother dispatching, and improved team communication—transform how you manage your business today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
