General contractor, professional HVAC contractor or technician —whichever the preferred designation—these professionals are called upon during times of need and provide critically functional roles to daily operations in both homes and small businesses. Technicians are welcomed into buildings daily, as advisers on key devices and systems. However, the professional contractor’s business up until now has traditionally been a service offering: cleaning out a ventilation system, upgrading an air conditioning unit or repairing ductwork. Given the huge costs and opportunity for impact that HVAC systems present, often technicians have unprecedented access to the largest energy devices. As a result, they are uniquely positioned to spearhead new waves of energy efficiency in the home and small businesses because they are already there as trusted allies. The future of these professionals means adding smart technologies to their toolbelts.