In the function \( f(h) = 80h + 59 \) that models the total cost of the heating repair service, the term \( 80h \) indicates the labor cost per hour. Specifically, \( 80 \) represents the hourly rate charged for labor. Therefore, for every hour \( h \) of labor, the cost contribution from labor to the total bill is \( 80h \).
In summary, \( 80 \) is the hourly labor rate in dollars.