Summer’s almost here, and with it comes the flood of emergency AC calls, last-minute tune-ups, and frantic “why is my unit blowing hot air?” messages. If you’re in HVAC, this is your season. But here’s the truth: just being busy isn’t the same as growing.
The contractors who crush it in summer don’t just rely on the weather—they market smarter while everyone else scrambles.
Whether you’re a one-truck operation or running a full crew, these next-level strategies will help you attract more qualified leads, boost visibility in your local area, and book better jobs—not just more of them.
At BuildPro Media, we know what works for HVAC pros because we work with them every day. Let’s dive into the strategies that can turn this summer into your strongest season yet.
Market Like a Local: Become The AC Pro in Your Area
You don’t need to outspend the big national brands—you just need to out-local them. When someone’s AC goes out in the middle of July, they’re looking for a fast, reliable tech who feels like a neighbor, not a stranger.
Instead of using broad, generic messaging, focus your marketing on the specific neighborhoods and communities you serve. Mention local landmarks, weather patterns, or even seasonal events. A Facebook ad that says, “Cooling down families in East Ridge since 2010” hits harder than “Serving the tri-county area.”
Get involved in your community, too. Sponsor a booth at the summer fair, show up at a farmer’s market, or drop off branded water bottles during a local sports event. People remember HVAC companies that feel familiar—especially when it’s 95 degrees and they need help fast.
If you want to stand out this summer, don’t just market your services. Market your connection to the community you serve.
Show Up Before the AC Breaks
Most HVAC companies wait for the phones to ring when the heat hits. But the smart ones? They get ahead of the rush.
Think about all those past customers whose units barely made it through last year. A quick check-in via email or text—before the first 90° day—can be all it takes to bring them back. A message like, “Hey [First Name], summer’s coming—want to lock in an AC tune-up before things heat up?” feels personal, helpful, and timely.
You don’t need complicated software to do this. Just segment your contacts by service history, send a few short reminders, and make scheduling easy. People are busy—they’ll appreciate the nudge, especially if you’re offering a seasonal deal or limited appointments.
Reaching out early doesn’t just fill your schedule—it builds loyalty. And in a competitive summer season, that’s gold.
Build a “Heat Emergency” Campaign
When the AC quits in the middle of a heatwave, people aren’t shopping around—they’re clicking the first HVAC company that feels fast, local, and trustworthy. That’s why having a summer-specific campaign ready to go is a game-changer.
Create a dedicated landing page on your website just for emergency cooling services. Keep it simple and focused: clear headline, what you offer, where you serve, and how fast you can get there. Add a few reviews from happy summer customers and a photo of your crew in the field—it builds instant trust.
Then drive traffic to that page with Google Ads, social media posts, or even a “Beat the Heat” email blast. Use real urgency in your messaging: “Don’t sweat through another night—call now for same-day AC repair.”
You’re not just offering a service—you’re offering relief. Make sure that message comes through loud and clear.
Use Video to Build Trust Fast
Most people don’t know what a compressor does—or why their AC suddenly sounds like a jet engine. But they do want to see that you know what you’re doing. That’s where short, simple videos come in.
You don’t need fancy gear or a script. Just pull out your phone and record a quick clip of a tech explaining a common issue, walking through a repair, or giving a “pro tip” on how to keep systems running smoother in the summer heat. Keep it real, keep it local, and keep it under a minute.
Post those videos on Instagram, Facebook, and your Google Business Profile. Even better—embed them on your website or service pages. People are way more likely to call the company they’ve seen in action, especially when that company sounds like a real human, not a sales pitch.
It’s not about going viral—it’s about showing up and building trust, one quick video at a time.
Launch a “Beat the Heat” Social Challenge
Sometimes the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. If you want to boost engagement and get your name circulating around town, try running a simple social media challenge that taps into the summer heat.
Encourage your followers to post how they’re staying cool—whether it’s a kiddie pool in the backyard, a trip to the lake, or a window unit on full blast—with a branded hashtag like #BeatTheHeatWith[YourBusinessName]. Offer a free AC tune-up or gift card to one lucky winner.
It’s fun. It’s light. And it gets your name shared by real people in your community—which is more powerful than any ad.
Plus, this kind of user-generated content helps you reach new audiences and keeps your brand top-of-mind when someone’s AC goes out unexpectedly.
Partner With Local Businesses
Marketing doesn’t have to be a solo job. Some of your best leads might come from people who aren’t in HVAC—but who serve the same customers you do.
Think real estate agents, pool service companies, home inspectors, or even local hardware stores. These businesses are already in front of homeowners who might need you. A simple referral partnership or shared promotion can be a win-win.
You could offer their clients a discount on a summer AC tune-up, leave behind business cards or flyers, or collaborate on a seasonal “Home Comfort” bundle. Even co-hosting a quick Facebook Live with a local partner can expand your reach and build instant credibility.
People trust local recommendations more than anything else. By building a network of businesses that speak your name, you create a steady stream of warm leads—no pun intended.
Wrap Up: Your Summer Marketing Should Work as Hard as You Do
Summer moves fast—and so should your marketing. While everyone else is chasing emergency calls and reacting to the heat, you have the chance to be one step ahead.
From local partnerships to simple videos, smart emails, and community-focused campaigns, these strategies are built for real HVAC pros who want real results. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need to show up consistently, stay local, and make it easy for people to choose you when the temperature rises.
At BuildPro Media, we help HVAC businesses book more jobs, boost local visibility, and turn busy seasons into record-breaking ones. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, we’re ready to help. Contact us today and let’s build your summer marketing plan—before your competitors do.