Aging Homes Drive HVAC and Repair Spending in 2026, Housecall Pro Survey Finds
Key Highlights
- Most homeowners plan to stay in their current homes for the foreseeable future, with many living in homes over 20 years old, increasing the need for repairs and maintenance.
- Essential home systems such as plumbing, HVAC, and roofing are primary focus areas for 2026, with significant planned expenditures by homeowners.
- Rising costs and project delays are common, prompting homeowners to seek multiple quotes and prioritize urgent repairs, creating opportunities for contractors who offer quick, clear, and financed solutions.
- A majority of homeowners are willing to pay more for emergency repairs within 24 hours, highlighting the importance of rapid response services.
DENVER — Housecall Pro released a new homeowner spending report showing continued demand for repair and maintenance services in 2026 as aging homes and long-term homeownership influence spending decisions.
The report, “The State of Home Service Spending,” is based on a survey of more than 1,100 U.S. homeowners. According to Housecall Pro, 72% of respondents plan to remain in their current homes for the foreseeable future, while 69% live in homes more than 20 years old.
The survey found that nearly all homeowners plan to spend on home projects this year. More than half expect to spend over $3,000, and one-third anticipate spending more than $7,500.
Essential home systems are becoming a growing focus for homeowners. The report found that 79% expect to repair or replace at least one system in 2026. Planned projects include plumbing (28%), appliances (25%), exterior work (23%), Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems (20%), electrical work (18%), and roofing (14%).
“Homeowners are investing in the things they can’t ignore,” said Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder and chief AI officer at Housecall Pro. “People are staying in their homes longer, and the systems that keep those homes running need ongoing upkeep and maintenance.”
The report also highlighted several trends affecting contractor operations and customer decision-making:
- 77% of homeowners said rising costs are causing them to delay or reduce the scope of projects;
- 68% seek additional quotes when project pricing exceeds expectations;
- 58% contact a contractor after an emergency issue or system failure;
- 51% wait until a smaller issue becomes more severe before calling a professional;
- 62% said financing options make them more likely to move forward with a project;
- 72% would pay more to resolve an emergency issue within 24 hours;
- 57% said they would hire a contractor instead of attempting a do-it-yourself repair when costs exceed $500; and
- 41% reported postponing a repair that later became more expensive to fix.
According to Housecall Pro, the findings point to growing opportunities for contractors that can respond quickly, communicate clearly, and offer financing options as homeowners compare estimates and prioritize essential repairs over discretionary upgrades.
“This is exactly where technology makes the difference,” Ligtenberg said. “The Pros winning more work are the ones who make it easiest for homeowners to say yes.”
The full PDF report is available at housecallpro.com/resources/home-service-spending-report.