12 HVAC Advertising Examples That Doubled Revenue (Steal These Campaigns)

2025-07-23

Imagine doubling your HVAC business revenue with a smart marketing spend. 

With these 12 powerful HVAC advertising strategies you can do just that.

These strategies blend both digital and traditional approaches, designed to capture more leads, boost conversions, and significantly increase your bottom line.

1. Seasonal tune-up PPC blitz

HVAC businesses see an average Google Ads conversion rate of 6.5%, significantly higher than the overall average across industries. That’s why you should be able to drive substantial returns with a focused Google Ads campaign targeting tune-up services during peak demand. To get the best out of your campaign, make sure you:

  • Utilize high-intent keywords like "[your service] tune-up near me" and ad extensions.
  • Craft compelling, seasonally relevant landing page offers. 
  • Optimize for mobile with evening-only call ads to capture homeowners planning weekend maintenance. 

Steal this: Match landing page headlines to ad copy, schedule mobile call ads for evenings, and continuously track performance for optimization.

2. Direct-mail postcard + QR code

(Source: PostCardMania)

Roughly 95% of people read their mail, offering a strong opportunity for advertising. You can really stand out with a targeted direct mail campaign using postcards sent to specific zip codes. In your campaign, try to:

  • Feature impactful before-and-after photos with bold offers. 
  • Include a QR code linking to your online scheduling system, bridging physical mail with digital conversion.

This hybrid approach builds local visibility and prompts immediate responses. Direct mail postcards specifically see an average response rate of 2.79% across industries, so you should target a similar response rate and get at least three responses for every 100 cards sent.

Steal this: A/B test headlines (benefit-driven often outperform generic), use UTM codes for QR links for precise tracking, and apply rigorous measurement to traditional channels.

3. Google Local Services Ads domination

Over 70 types of businesses are using Local Services Ads to reach clients more effectively, especially in the HVAC sector where leads often cost between $25-$60 each.

You too can significantly boost local visibility and high-quality leads by dominating Google Local Services Ads. Besides placing the ads, your success hinges on prioritizing online reviews and reputation management, and trying to get an average of a 4.5+ star rating. This will enhance search visibility and build trust. Combine this with a strategic "bid for calls" approach and comprehensive customer service training.

Steal this: Actively solicit reviews, train staff for competent call handling, and optimize your Google Business Profile for sustained lead generation.

4. Facebook lead ads + instant callback

Showcase your HVAC work on Facebook with targeted Lead Ads. Use compelling visuals like before-and-after photos and an irresistible diagnostic offer. Crucially, implement instant lead follow-up automation (e.g., Zapier connecting to a service like SmithAI) to trigger immediate calls to prospects, as the average cost per lead for HVAC on Facebook is around $45 to $120, making efficient follow-up vital for ROI. This rapid response directly addresses consumer expectations.

Steal this: Simplify lead forms to minimize friction, create look-alike audiences from best customers, and combine visuals with streamlined capture and instant response.

5. YouTube how-to retargeting funnel

YouTube boasts over 2 billion monthly users. This makes YouTube a perfect place for you to market your HVAC services.

You can nurture leads and build trust with educational "how-to" videos as well as quick tips and tricks videos addressing common homeowner questions. These questions are nothing new to you, but they can make a world of difference to your customers.

Source: Heating and Cooling Basics for New Home Owners HVAC 101 | Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning

Take a page out of Fire & Ice Home Services and build a retargeting funnel around viewers who watch a significant portion of your content. Retarget these engaged individuals with ads for professional tune-ups, positioning your business as a knowledgeable authority.

Steal this: Produce 3-5 educational videos, set up YouTube audiences for engaged viewers, and retarget with service-focused, trust-building messages.

6. Nextdoor neighborhood sponsorship

Effectively generate word-of-mouth and referrals with a strategic Nextdoor sponsorship. Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. households uses Nextdoor weekly, and 76% of homeowners make purchasing decisions based on business recommendations seen on the platform. Feature weekly "Ask the Expert" posts, localized promo codes, and trust badges to position your business as a knowledgeable local resource.

Steal this: Engage actively on local platforms, use localized content, and humanize your brand through community interaction.

7. Referral & review SMS contest

SMS marketing boasts a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate, significantly higher than email.

Turn satisfied customers into powerful brand advocates with an SMS contest. Use a well-timed, multi-step SMS sequence: 

  • First, request a Google review.
  • Second, send personalized referral links with contest details.
  • Finally, provide leaderboard updates. 

This way, you will get online reviews and friend referrals with one campaign.

Steal this: Automate SMS sequences post-service, offer meaningful prizes, create urgency with limited-time contests, provide real-time feedback, and make sharing effortless with direct links.

8. Geo-fenced display ads around competitors

(Source: Flickr)

The location-targeted mobile advertising market is expected to grow from $35.32 billion in 2024 to $100 billion by 2035, highlighting its increasing effectiveness.

You can gain a strategic advantage with geo-fenced display ads around competitor locations. Target mobile users with a bold, value-driven hook like "Get a Second Opinion & Save $$." This delivers timely, relevant messaging when prospects are considering HVAC services.

Steal this: Create competitor-focused messaging, set tight geographic boundaries (200-500 meters), schedule ads during peak hours, and develop separate, hyper-localized landing pages for each competitor.

9. Maintenance membership email push

Automated emails generate 320% more revenue than non-automated emails. They also save you the time and effort you’d have to put into doing one-off campaigns every time you want to reach out to potential customers.

Most email marketing tools support automated campaigns. You can turn one-time service calls into predictable revenue with targeted, customized email automation campaigns that offer maintenance memberships. Just segment your customer list based on equipment age and service history, tailoring benefits. Implement automated upsell workflows triggered by customer actions.

Steal this: Segment your customer list, create automated email sequences focusing on peace of mind and cost savings, and continually A/B test subject lines and offers.

10. Emergency call-only Google Ads

For HVAC services, conversion rates for Google Ads can go up to 6.5%. Given that 90% of the traffic comes from mobile, this presents an interesting opportunity to HVAC marketers to experiment with call-only Google Ads.

These ads can help you turn late-night HVAC emergencies into a significant revenue driver with a focused Google Ads investment. This after-hours campaign excels through precision timing and mobile optimization. To get the most out of your investment, schedule ads exclusively during off-peak hours (e.g., 6 PM - 6 AM) with a mobile bid boost.

Steal This: Configure Google Ads for specific after-hours with mobile bid adjustments, use urgent CTAs, track every call interaction, and refine phone scripts (e.g., mentioning upfront pricing).

11. Local TV + connected TV hybrid

Connected TV (CTV) advertising is a rapidly growing trend, projected to reach $46.89 billion by 2027, effectively merging online ad targeting with TV's broad reach through personalized, skippable ads during streaming content.

You can experiment with CTV advertising by featuring authentic customer testimonial montages to build trust through social proof. Track performance with vanity URLs and include interactive QR codes on Connected TV ads for immediate offers.

Steal this: Create compelling customer testimonial videos, set up tracking mechanisms (unique numbers/URLs), maintain professional visual standards, and treat TV as part of a multi-channel strategy.

12. 24/7 Call capture with AI receptionist

The global call and contact center outsourcing market was valued at $97.31 billion in 2024, highlighting the industry's reliance on professional call handling.

With AI, professional call handling has completely transformed. Invest in a 24/7 call capture solution, such as a human-backed AI receptionist, and never miss a call. This ensures professional help is always available through after-hours transfers to technicians, live chat triage, automatic CRM syncing, and instant calendar booking. This strategy directly addresses the critical need for rapid response times.

Steal this: Integrate live chat and calls with an AI call handling service, configure automatic CRM syncing, provide detailed call instructions for receptionists, and enable instant appointment scheduling for seamless 24/7 lead capture.

Beyond the blueprint

The strategies outlined in this guide provide a robust blueprint for increasing your HVAC business's revenue. However, the true power lies not just in implementing these tactics, but in the ongoing commitment to refinement and responsiveness. 

The HVAC industry is highly competitive, with consumer expectations, especially for rapid service, continuously evolving. Integrating these proven marketing campaigns with a seamless operational backbone, particularly a 24/7 lead capture system, will ensure that every advertising dollar translates into a tangible return. This consistent effort in both attracting and expertly handling customer inquiries is the ultimate driver of sustained growth in a competitive market.

Generate valuable HVAC leads. Book a free consultation and learn how to turn every call into a success with Smith.ai.

Written by Maddy Martin

Maddy Martin is Smith.ai's SVP of Growth. Over the last 15 years, Maddy has built her expertise and reputation in small-business communications, lead conversion, email marketing, partnerships, and SEO.

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