Women-led HVAC openings eclipse national average in 2024

Women-led home service business openings jumped in 2024, with categories like HVAC and plumbing exceeding national averages, according to Yelp data published on Tuesday.

The big picture: The findings signal a promising shift in home services — traditionally male-dominated industries — as women entrepreneurs make inroads.

What’s happening: More than 15,000 home service businesses were launched by women nationwide in 2024, the company said.

• Women-led HVAC openings grew 21 percent compared to 2023, outpacing the national average of 15 percent.
• Duct cleaning openings nearly doubled the national average of 28 percent, growing 50 percent last year.

Of note: Plumbing and electrical openings also jumped, growing 17 and 15 percent, respectively. 

What they’re saying: “Whether it’s launching new plumbing, landscaping, or repair businesses, women are building our communities from the ground up, and broadening perceptions around the types of businesses and jobs women excel in,” said Yelp’s Tara Lewis. 

Zoom in: Several metros, in particular, saw big growth in these businesses last year: Louisville, Kentucky, which in 2019 had the second-highest percentage of female business owners nationwide, saw women-led home service openings pop over 50 percent. 

• Salt Lake City and Indianapolis rounded out the top three, with openings in both cities growing over 25 percent compared to 2023. 

The bottom line: “As these new businesses open across the country… women’s contributions are not only driving social shifts — they’re paving the way for meaningful economic growth in the communities they serve,” Lewis added.