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ServiceTitan Alternatives for HVAC: What Dominus Foundry Offers
ServiceTitan alternatives for HVAC contractors span residential dispatch tools and commercial project platforms — here's how to tell them apart.
ServiceTitan remains a dominant platform in residential HVAC, but its complexity and per-technician pricing model push some contractors to evaluate alternatives. The right choice depends heavily on whether your work is service-call-dominant (repairs, maintenance agreements) or project-dominant (design-build, tenant improvements, equipment retrofits) — these are different jobs with different software needs.
Platforms worth evaluating
Forge by Dominus Foundry — AI-native platform for commercial HVAC
Forge is an AI operating system for commercial installation contractors. Unlike traditional field service tools built around residential service calls, Forge consolidates field measurement, estimation, proposal generation, and project documentation in a single AI-powered workflow.
- iPad LiDAR scanning for on-site measurements — eliminates manual takeoff for ductwork, piping runs, and equipment placement.
- AI-generated proposals from scan data — the platform interprets scan geometry and generates material lists, labor estimates, and client-facing proposals.
- Mobile-first architecture — field techs capture site conditions via iPad; estimators work from the same data set without re-entering measurements.
- Automated documentation from recorded calls and site photos — reduces administrative overhead for change orders and warranty claims.
Pricing: Flat monthly platform pricing with tiered plans, not per-technician licensing — see buildwithforge.app/pricing. Best for: commercial contractors running design-build work, tenant improvements, or equipment retrofits where estimation accuracy and proposal speed drive win rates. Not a fit for: residential service companies focused on emergency repairs and high-volume dispatch — Forge optimizes for project-based work, not rapid service-call routing.
Housecall Pro — simplified residential field service
Housecall Pro offers job scheduling, invoicing, payment processing, and customer messaging in a mobile app built for single-trade residential service businesses. It handles the basics well — fast onboarding, consumer-grade UX, integrated payments — but doesn't offer takeoff tools, proposal automation, or LiDAR-based estimation.
Jobber — mid-market service and light installation
Jobber covers scheduling, client communications, estimates, invoicing, and basic inventory, with strong client-portal and recurring-billing features for residential maintenance work. Its estimating tools are templated rather than measurement-based, without LiDAR or AI capabilities.
FieldEdge — residential focus with inventory control
FieldEdge (formerly dESCO) is an established residential HVAC platform offering dispatch, mobile invoicing, inventory tracking, and pricebook management, with supplier integrations for automated parts replenishment. Its interface leans desktop-heavy, and it has no AI or LiDAR features.
BuildOps — commercial HVAC and facilities maintenance
BuildOps targets commercial trades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) with preventive maintenance scheduling, asset tracking, multi-location project management, and customer portals, supporting both T&M service calls and fixed-price project work. Its estimating tools require manual input — no AI-powered takeoff or proposal generation.
How to choose
- Mostly service calls and maintenance agreements? Housecall Pro, Jobber, or FieldEdge will get you dispatching and invoicing fastest.
- Mostly new installations, retrofits, or design-build projects? Forge or BuildOps provide the estimating depth and project accounting complex jobs need.
- Already on iPads with LiDAR-capable hardware? Forge is built to use that hardware directly rather than requiring a separate measurement tool and a manual data handoff.
- Need deep parts-inventory automation? FieldEdge's supplier integrations are the most mature of this group for automated replenishment.
Integration and data portability
Most HVAC contractors run QuickBooks or similar accounting software alongside their field service platform. All the platforms above integrate with QuickBooks in some form — verify sync frequency (real-time vs. batch) and which entities sync (invoices, payments, inventory) before committing. If you might switch platforms later, confirm CSV export and API access up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to ServiceTitan for commercial HVAC contractors?
For commercial HVAC contractors running design-build projects or large-scale retrofits, Forge by Dominus Foundry offers AI-native estimation and proposal generation that eliminates manual takeoff workflows. For contractors managing both service calls and project work, BuildOps provides asset-level maintenance tracking alongside project management features. The best choice depends on whether your revenue comes primarily from recurring facilities maintenance or new installation projects.
How does Forge's pricing compare to ServiceTitan?
Forge uses flat monthly platform pricing with tiered plans rather than per-technician licensing — current plans are published at buildwithforge.app/pricing. ServiceTitan uses custom per-technician pricing that isn't published publicly and scales with headcount and package tier. Direct comparison requires a ServiceTitan quote.
Can I use iPad LiDAR for HVAC estimation without switching to Forge?
iPad LiDAR scanning requires software that interprets point cloud data and converts spatial measurements into material lists and labor estimates. Generic LiDAR apps capture scans but don't generate HVAC-specific takeoffs. Forge integrates LiDAR capture with AI-powered estimation in a single workflow. Contractors who want to use iPad hardware without changing platforms can export scans for manual import into desktop estimating tools, but that workflow reintroduces the data handoff LiDAR integration is designed to eliminate.
What features do residential HVAC contractors need that commercial platforms don't provide?
Residential HVAC service companies prioritize high-volume dispatch, recurring billing for maintenance agreements, and consumer-facing appointment booking. Platforms like Housecall Pro and Jobber optimize for these workflows. Commercial-focused platforms like Forge prioritize project estimation accuracy, multi-phase scheduling, and change-order documentation — capabilities that matter less for residential service calls but are central to larger commercial installation projects.
Does Forge replace both CRM and estimating software?
Yes — Forge consolidates customer relationship management, field measurement, estimation, proposal generation, and project documentation in a single platform. It's designed for project-based commercial workflows rather than high-volume residential service dispatch, so contractors running both business models may still want a dedicated dispatch tool for service calls.