Most HVAC businesses sit on an invisible goldmine of loyal, paying customers. These customers want (and desperately need) their services but aren’t being communicated to.

That’s where Email and SMS marketing comes in. Unlike ads that drive short-term sales, Email and SMS can transform one-off customers into rockstar clients who keep coming back for more and refer their friends.

So, what makes it such a potent strategy? Think about it: it’s the only channel people check hundreds of times daily.

Furthermore, people are used to buying from their phones and inboxes. Which means if your HVAC business isn’t leveraging this strategy, you’re missing out on profits. If you’ve hesitated because you’re not sure where to start or feel like you’re too busy, read on.

In this post, you’ll discover 9 practical ways to make Email and SMS work for your HVAC business—quickly.

Before We Get Started…

Don’t be the HVAC business that forgets what drives long-term business: relationships. Too many businesses today focus on “chasing the sale” with their marketing instead of (really) caring what their customers need.

Instead, ask yourself a few questions:

• How can I connect with my customers instead of just selling them?

• What problem(s) are they going through—besides what’s obvious?

• If I were the customer, what would I want to see (and feel) from the business?

Make no mistake: the quality of your answers will dramatically impact your results with any Email and SMS marketing campaigns.

1. Segment Your Customer List For 2X Impact

Blasting messages to your entire list is like shouting into the crowd: you’ll get ignored. Instead, divide your list into groups based on who your customers are: current clients, first-time inquiries, and seasonal customers. This is basic segmentation, but further down the line you can get more targeted.

By customizing your message to each group, you’ll speak to their exact needs while boosting open rates, clicks and conversions. Most importantly, messages will feel personalized instead of “spammy” like most businesses tend to use.

For example, send a “Tune-Up Reminder” email to customers who booked a service last year or a “New Customer Discount” to first-time inquiries. People appreciate personalized messages and they’re more likely to book when you’re speaking directly to their needs.

2. Automate Follow-Up Messages to Save Time

Failing to use automation and AI these days is a massive mistake. You’re busy running your HVAC business, which means you don’t have time to waste.

So, what are some easy ways to leverage automation? Set up automatic reminders for seasonal tune-ups, annual services or post-visit feedback requests. Automate the process from contact to being tagged in your Email and SMS back-end. Setting up only takes minutes but keeps customers engaged without any extra work.

To maximize this tip, draw out every touchpoint of your customer’s journey from first discovery to long-term client. Then make sure they’re being communicated to automatically every step of the way. This keeps your name top-of-mind without requiring extra time on your end.

3. Craft Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines

Your subject line will make or break you. So will the first few words of your SMS message. This can be the difference between a customer opening your email and clicking “delete.” Use subject lines that pique curiosity or highlight clear benefits instead of generic lines like “Special Offer.”

For instance, rather than “Winter HVAC Checkup,” try something like, “Is your HVAC costing you an extra $1,800 a year?” Notice the difference. One creates intrigue. The other is easy to ignore.

4. Personalize with Their Name (and a Little Extra)

Nothing grabs attention like seeing your own name. Take it further by mentioning the customer’s location or the last service they booked. This added personalization feels like a direct conversation rather than a bulk email.

Imagine sending an email that says:

“Hi John, our team was looking at our best customer list and realized you were due for an annual HVAC check-in. Time flies, right? No pressure, but since we’re booking up—if you book your check-up within the next 72 hours, we’ll give you 50% off.”

Instead of the typical sales-driven material, this feels personal (and different). Again, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Instead, focus on small touches that make your Email and SMS messages unique and personalized.

5. Send Seasonal Reminders that Drive Bookings

Seasonal changes are key times for HVAC services and a timely reminder can fill your calendar fast. Before peak seasons like summer and winter, schedule Emails or SMS messages encouraging customers to book their tune-ups early.

For example, as temperatures start to rise in spring, send out a message: “Open this if you’re not excited about 113-degree days.” A little humor and some curiosity go a long way instead of the typical emails most businesses send.

6. Use SMS for Quick Reminders and Promotions

Text messages have a jaw-dropping 98% open rate. Which means they’re ideal for quick, time-sensitive communications. Use SMS to send reminders about upcoming appointments, flash discounts, or last-minute openings that can be filled immediately.

A simple SMS could be: “Hey [Name], the team’s in the area, and we’ve got an opening today at 2 PM for an A/C tune-up. With Austin’s summer right around the corner—you can be first in line. Drop me a line if you’re interested and we’ll get you squared away.”

This lets you fill gaps in your schedule while making your offer feel exclusive and immediate.

7. Run Exclusive Promotions for Your Email and SMS Lists

Want to keep customers on your list? Reward them! Offering exclusive discounts or priority bookings only to your email or SMS subscribers creates loyalty and makes customers feel appreciated.

Just like everything else we’ve covered, you’ll want to make customers feel special. Make it personal and different. In doing so, you’ll add value to your emails and build a base of repeat customers who see staying on your list as a perk.

8. Create Referral Incentives that Bring New Customers

Happy customers are your best promoters. Encourage them to refer friends by offering incentives like discounts or credits for each successful referral. Use Email or SMS to promote the program and make it easy for them to forward to friends.

Remember: some customers can be thrilled with your service but never share it with others because you didn’t ask. Stay top of mind, create incentives (or even a referral contest) and watch the magic happen.

9. Analyze, Test and Refine for Better Results

Guessing isn’t a strategy. To truly grow your HVAC business, track your email and SMS metrics—open rates, click-through rates and conversions. Use this data to see what works and adjust your approach accordingly.

For example, if you notice your SMS messages have better response rates at noon than at 5 PM, shift your schedule to hit that sweet spot. Testing everything from subject lines to send times gives you data-driven insight into what resonates best with your customers, keeping them coming back.

Don’t Leave Money On The Table. Let Slamdot Handle It.

Email and SMS marketing are more than additional tasks. They’re powerful tools for driving revenue and keeping customers engaged long-term.

But you may wonder how to implement all of these strategies while running your day-to-day operations. That’s why Slamdot exists.

Our team of expert marketers becomes an extension of your HVAC business, handling every detail with one goal: ROI.

From crafting personalized messages to high-converting campaigns, we’ll help you reach your revenue goals and keep customers coming back.

Want to see how? Request a Fast Quote today!

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