There is nothing worse than watching money burn. I remember sitting with a client last winter—middle of a blizzard, phones should have been ringing off the hook. He’d spent ten grand on ads that looked like a million bucks on a desktop computer. The problem? 70% of his customers were searching on their phones with freezing fingers, and his site was a nightmare to navigate on mobile.
He lost thousands in revenue that week because his marketing agency didn’t understand that a broken furnace is an emergency, not a casual shopping experience.
That moment stuck with me. Generic marketing is a waste of cash. You need a partner who knows the difference between a heat pump and a furnace, and who knows that when the weather shifts, your ads need to shift with it. But finding that partner is exhausting. The industry is full of generalists promising the world. We cut through the noise to find the agencies that actually put booked jobs on the schedule, rather than just sending you a report full of “clicks.”
Table of Contents
We’ve organized this so you can skip to what matters. Whether you need aggressive growth, better branding, or just someone honest to handle your ads, you’ll find it below.
- TL;DR: The Quick List
- Comparison Table
- The “Must-Haves” Before You Sign
- 1. The Marketing Agency
- 2. Effective Media Solutions
- 3. Relentless Digital
- 4. Blue Corona (now RYNO Strategic Solutions)
- 5. Hook Agency
- 6. Alpyne Strategy
- 7. Scorpion
- 8. Socius Marketing
- 9. Lemonade Stand
- 10. Mediagistic
- Notable Mentions
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
TL;DR
Short on time? Here is the snapshot. We broke this down by what these agencies are actually good at, so you can match them to your specific headache.
- Best for Science & AI Growth: The Marketing Agency
- Best for Aggressive Lead Gen: Effective Media Solutions
- Best for Trust & Owning Your Data: Relentless Digital
- Best for Deep Data & Analytics: Blue Corona (RYNO)
- Best for Design & Swagger: Hook Agency
- Best for Commercial & Technical: Alpyne Strategy
- Best for All-in-One Tech: Scorpion
- Best for Organic Content: Socius Marketing
- Best for Month-to-Month Flexibility: Lemonade Stand
- Best for TV, Radio & Mass Media: Mediagistic
Comparison Table
Here’s the quick math on who focuses on what, and how they charge.
| Agency | Best For | The Hook | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marketing Agency | AI-Driven Growth | Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) | Custom / Performance |
| Effective Media Solutions | Aggressive Lead Gen | PPC & LSA Dominance | Custom Quote |
| Relentless Digital | Trust & Ownership | “You Own Everything” Policy | $2k – $12k+ / mo |
| Blue Corona (RYNO) | Data & Analytics | Smart Selling & Lead Recovery | $1,500 – $20k+ / mo |
| Hook Agency | Design & Branding | Visual Storytelling | Custom Quote |
| Alpyne Strategy | Commercial/Technical | They know the tech specs | $5k – $10k / mo |
| Scorpion | All-in-One Tech | AI-Driven Ad Tech | Variable |
| Socius Marketing | Content & Story | Content Strategy & Ownership | Custom Pricing |
| Lemonade Stand | Flexibility | No Contracts | Transparent / Request |
| Mediagistic | TV/Radio & Mass Media | Holistic Media Buying | Custom / High Budget |
The “Must-Haves” Before You Sign
Before you sign a contract, you need to vet these guys. Marketing isn’t magic; it’s math and psychology. Here is what you need to look for so you don’t get burned.
Specialization vs. Generalist
Does the agency live and breathe HVAC? You need a partner who understands the “shoulder seasons” where revenue dips, and the chaos of the first heat wave. Generalists often miss the nuance of high-margin equipment sales like mini-splits because they’re too busy marketing pizza shops and dentists.
Asset Ownership
This is non-negotiable. If you fire your agency, do you keep your website? Do you keep your Google Ads data? We see too many contractors held hostage because an agency “leases” them a website. It is your business; you should own your digital footprint.
Reporting and ROI
Vanity metrics like “impressions” don’t pay payroll. Look for agencies that track “booked jobs” and revenue. The best partners integrate directly with ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, or your CRM to prove that their ads actually made you money.
Service Mix
Your needs change as you grow. A $1M shop needs simple Google Ads. A $10M shop needs SEO, Social, LSA, and maybe billboards. Make sure the agency can handle your current stage, or be willing to switch when you outgrow them.
Contract Terms
Long-term lock-in contracts without performance guarantees are a red flag. We prefer agencies offering month-to-month or performance-based agreements. If they are good, they shouldn’t need a legal document to force you to stay.
1. The Marketing Agency
We’re putting ourselves first, not out of ego, but because we genuinely believe our approach addresses the biggest shift in search history: Artificial Intelligence.
Best Known for AI-Driven Growth & Science
The Lowdown
If you’re tired of guessing which half of your marketing budget is wasted, that’s where we come in. We don’t just “do marketing”; we engineer systems. We blend human creativity with machine intelligence. We specialize in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This means we ensure your HVAC business is recommended by the AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini, which are quickly becoming the new way homeowners find local services.
Key Features
- Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Optimizing your brand so AI recommends you, not just Google.
- Local Marketing Systems: Hyper-targeted campaigns that drive calls from your actual service area.
- Advanced Analytics: We connect every dollar spent to actual revenue in your bank account.
- Web Development: Sites built to convert mobile traffic into booked jobs.
The Good
- Future-Proof: We optimize for where search is going, not where it was five years ago.
- No BS Data: You see real ROI, not fluffy vanity metrics.
- Holistic Strategy: We connect SEO, PPC, and Content into one engine.
The Bad
- Scientific Approach: We are data-heavy. If you just want a “set it and forget it” relationship where you never look at a report, we might be too detailed for you.
Scorecard
- Innovation: 5/5
- Data & Analytics: 5/5
- Local Focus: 5/5
Price
Custom quoted based on your market. SEO typically starts from $1,500/mo and PPC management from $750/mo.
Check us out: themarketingagency.ca
2. Effective Media Solutions
Effective Media Solutions (EMS) is for the contractor who wants the phone to ring now. They are veterans in the space and focus heavily on direct response.
Best Known for Aggressive Lead Gen
The Lowdown
Effective Media Solutions isn’t here to make you famous; they are here to make you busy. With over 20 years in the game, they operate as a partner, not a vendor. Their strategy is aggressive. They focus specifically on helping residential service businesses dominate their local replacement markets. If you are looking for brand awareness, they can do it, but their bread and butter is putting you in front of customers who have a broken unit and money in hand.
Key Features
- PPC Management: Highly targeted paid search campaigns designed for immediate conversion.
- Local Service Ads (LSA): They handle the Google Guarantee headaches for you.
- Google Maps Strategy: dominating the “Map Pack” for local intent.
The Good
- Deep Experience: Two decades in HVAC means they don’t need you to explain the industry to them.
- Conversion Focus: They care about high-converting leads, not just traffic volume.
- You Own It: You retain control of your accounts and data.
The Bad
- High-Touch: Their comprehensive strategy might be overkill for a very small, one-truck operation just starting out.
Scorecard
- Industry Knowledge: 5/5
- Lead Generation Focus: 5/5
- Asset Ownership: 5/5
What People Say
The vibe around EMS is solid, especially regarding their location-based services. They have a physical presence in Charlotte, NC, which lends credibility. Their retention rate is high, which usually means the phones are ringing.
Price
Custom quoted based on your market size and aggressiveness.
Check them out: myeffectivemedia.com
3. Relentless Digital
Relentless Digital is the “anti-agency.” Founded by former HVAC pros, they built their reputation on transparency and their “You Own Everything” policy.
Best Known for Contractor Trust
The Lowdown
Founded by former HVAC professionals, Relentless Digital was built to dismantle the “black box” marketing style of the big corporate giants. Their defining characteristic is the “You Own Everything” policy. You will never be held hostage by a website you don’t own or ad data you can’t access. They combine this ethical stance with proprietary tech called Bullseye Pro, which helps automate lead nurturing so your CSRs don’t drop the ball.
Key Features
- Google Local Services Ads: Expert management of LSA profiles.
- SEO & Website Design: Custom builds that you own 100%.
- Bullseye Pro Automation: Automated follow-ups to squeeze every dollar out of your leads.
The Good
- HVAC Veterans: The founders come from the industry. They get the operational side.
- Data Ownership: You own 100% of your data. No strings attached.
- No Hostage Contracts: They rely on performance to keep you, not lawyers.
The Bad
- Waitlists: As a boutique agency, they cap their client roster to keep quality high. You might have to wait to get in.
Scorecard
- Transparency: 5/5
- Contractor Trust: 5/5
- Technical SEO: 4.5/5
What People Say
The community feedback for Relentless is borderline fanatical. Reviews frequently name-drop Joshua Crouch, citing his genuineness. One user noted they went from a startup to $6 million in revenue in 27 months with Relentless. The recurring theme is that clients feel “heard.”
Price
Estimates suggest $2,000–$5,000/mo for small companies and $12,000+ for larger operations.
Check them out: relentless-digital.com
4. Blue Corona (now RYNO Strategic Solutions)
Blue Corona (recently merged with RYNO) is the heavy hitter. If you love spreadsheets, KPIs, and tracking every single penny, these are your guys.
Best Known for Analytics & Reporting
The Lowdown
Blue Corona is for contractors who treat their business like a Fortune 500 company. If you need to track a specific keyword all the way to a specific phone call, this is your partner. They are famous for “Smart Selling” and lead recovery. They don’t just generate the lead; they listen to the recorded calls and tell you why your dispatcher failed to book it. They specialize in market dominance for the big players.
Key Features
- Lead Recovery: They catch unbooked calls and help you save the sale.
- Smart Selling Training: Coaching for your CSRs and dispatchers.
- Full-Service Digital: SEO, PPC, and OTT (Over-the-Top) advertising.
The Good
- Data Granularity: You will know exactly where every dollar went.
- Revenue Recovery: Their ability to identify lost revenue from unbooked calls often pays for the service itself.
The Bad
- Cost: This level of data is expensive. Likely out of reach for smaller contractors.
- Corporate Feel: The merger with RYNO created a massive entity. It might feel impersonal to family-owned shops.
Scorecard
- Analytics & Reporting: 5/5
- Scalability: 5/5
- Full-Service Capabilities: 5/5
What People Say
Clients say Blue Corona “under-promises and over-delivers.” Long-term clients appreciate the accountability, noting that account managers keep the business focused on growth even when the contractors get caught in the whirlwind of the busy season.
Price
SEO audits start around $2,500. Monthly retainers can range from $1,500 to over $20,000.
Check them out: bluecorona.com
5. Hook Agency
Hook Agency brings the swagger. They hate “boring” marketing and focus on high-end web design mixed with aggressive SEO.
Best Known for Design & Branding
The Lowdown
Hook Agency is loud, visual, and focused on brand. Their philosophy is that a website must do more than exist; it must convert. If you want a website that looks like it belongs in 2026 and not 2015, Hook is the go-to. They combine this aesthetic focus with “relentless” SEO and Google Ads management to drive high-intent traffic to those beautiful pages.
Key Features
- Custom Website Design: Visually superior builds that prioritize user experience.
- Brand Storytelling: Helping you articulate why customers should choose you.
- SEO & Google Ads: High-performance traffic generation.
The Good
- High Energy: The team culture is vibrant and proactive.
- Transparent Reporting: They are open about what is working and what isn’t.
- Visual Superiority: Their design work stands out in a sea of templates.
The Bad
- Selectivity: They are picky. They typically require a minimum revenue threshold to engage.
Scorecard
- Design & Branding: 5/5
- SEO Performance: 4.8/5
- Culture Fit: 4.5/5
What People Say
Reviews for Hook often call them a “game-changer.” An owner of an 8-figure roofing business praised them for building a site that actually converts. One HVAC client noted that after just three months, the difference in lead flow was “unimaginable.”
Price
Custom quoted. Generally premium pricing for premium output.
Check them out: hookagency.com
6. Alpyne Strategy
Alpyne Strategy are the “nerds” of the group (in the best way possible). They have deep technical knowledge of the industry, making them perfect for commercial and industrial HVAC.
Best Known for Technical Industry Knowledge
The Lowdown
Alpyne Strategy distinguishes itself by knowing the nuts and bolts. They understand refrigerant regulations, manufacturing specs, and the commercial side of the business. If you sell complex commercial systems and need marketing that speaks to facility managers rather than just homeowners, Alpyne is the specialist you want. Their leadership even hosts the Refrigerant365 Podcast, proving they actually get it.
Key Features
- Technical SEO: Optimization for complex, industry-specific keywords.
- Content Marketing: High-level writing that demonstrates real authority.
- Sales Enablement: Tools to help your sales team close commercial deals.
The Good
- Subject Matter Expertise: They understand EPA regulations and technical specs better than almost anyone.
- US-Based: All work is done domestically.
- Commercial Focus: They fill a gap that residential-focused agencies often miss.
The Bad
- Capacity: As a boutique firm, they cannot scale to hundreds of clients like the massive agencies.
Scorecard
- Technical Industry Knowledge: 5/5
- Personalized Service: 5/5
- B2B/Commercial Focus: 4.5/5
What People Say
Feedback for Alpyne emphasizes their professionalism and “marketing acumen.” Clients like Estes Services mention that the team takes the time to understand seasonality deeply. If you need to communicate technical competence, Alpyne is the choice.
Price
Retainers typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per month.
Check them out: alpynestrategy.com
7. Scorpion
Scorpion is a technology-first company. They offer a slick, all-in-one platform. It’s beautiful, but be aware of the “golden handcuffs.”
Best Known for Technology Platform
The Lowdown
Scorpion doesn’t just offer services; they provide a proprietary platform that integrates your website, reputation management, and ads into one sleek dashboard. They serve many verticals but have a massive footprint in home services. Their tools utilize machine learning to optimize ad spend automatically. If you want a high-tech, “set it and forget it” solution with a beautiful interface, Scorpion is the major player.
Key Features
- AI-Driven Advertising: Algorithms that adjust bids in real-time.
- Proprietary CMS: A custom-built website platform.
- Reputation Management: Integrated tools to gather and manage reviews.
- Live Chat: 24/7 lead capture on your site.
The Good
- Interface: The technology is slick and easy to use.
- All-in-One: It consolidates your entire tech stack into one vendor.
The Bad
- Asset Ownership: This is the friction point. You are often renting their platform. If you leave, you cannot simply export your website to WordPress; you often have to rebuild from scratch.
- Impersonal: You may feel like a number compared to boutique shops.
Scorecard
- Technology/Platform: 5/5
- Speed to Market: 4.5/5
- Reputation Management: 4.5/5
What People Say
Reviews for Scorpion are mixed. They are praised for their aggressive sales and slick presentation. However, many clients have expressed frustration that they cannot take their website with them if they leave. The “golden handcuffs” of their technology are a recurring theme in community feedback.
Price
Variable based on market size and ad spend.
Check them out: scorpion.co
8. Socius Marketing
Socius Marketing plays the long game. They focus on organic growth and content, ensuring you actually own the assets they build.
Best Known for Content Strategy
The Lowdown
Socius Marketing focuses heavily on the “story” and organic presence of your business. They believe that content is king. Instead of just buying leads, they build a digital asset for you. They are known for creating educational content that helps you rank for specific problems—like “why is my furnace making a banging noise.” Crucially, they emphasize that you own your site and your code, positioning themselves as the anti-Scorpion.
Key Features
- Content Writing: High-quality blog and service page copy.
- SEO: Organic ranking strategies based on user intent.
- Web Design: Mobile-first builds.
The Good
- Asset Ownership: They build assets you keep forever.
- Original Content: Strong emphasis on writing that actually helps the customer.
The Bad
- Patience Required: Their SEO-heavy approach takes longer to manifest results compared to aggressive paid-media-only agencies.
Scorecard
- Content Strategy: 5/5
- Organic Growth: 4.5/5
- Web Design: 4/5
What People Say
Clients appreciate the reporting and communication from Socius. Reviews mention specific reps who excel at breaking down results into easy-to-understand reports. The general sentiment is that they are a reliable, steady partner that helps build long-term authority.
Price
Custom pricing.
Check them out: sociusmarketing.com
9. Lemonade Stand
Lemonade Stand hates contracts. They force themselves to earn your business every month, which is refreshing in an industry full of lock-ins.
Best Known for Flexibility
The Lowdown
Lemonade Stand disrupts the agency model by offering services with no long-term contracts. This forces them to earn your business every single month. If they stop performing, you stop paying. It’s that simple. They offer a full suite of digital marketing and focus on lowering the cost per lead (CPL). Their culture is distinctively “service-first.”
Key Features
- Yext PowerListings: Management of your business listings across the web.
- Google Premier Partner Management: Expert ad handling.
- Content Marketing & Graphic Design: Creative services included.
The Good
- Low Risk: The no-contract model makes them incredibly safe to try.
- Service Culture: They are responsive and eager to please because they have to be.
The Bad
- Tooling: They might lack some of the proprietary enterprise-grade software tools of the giants.
Scorecard
- Flexibility: 5/5
- Customer Service: 4.5/5
- Performance Pressure: 5/5
What People Say
The agency’s reputation hinges on its retention rate despite having no contracts. The model itself serves as a review; the fact that they continue to grow without locking clients in speaks volumes.
Price
Transparent pricing models are usually available upon request.
Check them out: lemonadestand.org
10. Mediagistic
Mediagistic is the giant. If you want to be on TV, radio, and billboards while utilizing manufacturer co-op funds, this is your agency.
Best Known for Holistic Media Buying
The Lowdown
Mediagistic is one of the few agencies that effectively bridges the gap between traditional media (TV/Radio) and digital marketing. They are the nation’s largest HVAC advertising agency. If you want to be on the radio, on a billboard, and at the top of Google simultaneously, Mediagistic has the buying power to do it all. They are particularly adept at managing manufacturer co-op funds, helping you spend that “free money” from Carrier, Trane, or Lennox.
Key Features
- Traditional Media Buying: TV, Radio, and Billboards.
- Co-op Marketing Management: Handling the paperwork for manufacturer funds.
- Direct Mail: Physical mail campaigns.
- Digital Marketing: Full-service online presence.
The Good
- Buying Power: Their size allows them to negotiate better media rates.
- Co-op Experts: They know how to utilize manufacturer funds better than anyone.
The Bad
- Budget: Traditional media requires deep pockets.
- Overkill: This is likely too much for smaller contractors focused solely on digital.
Scorecard
- Holistic Marketing: 5/5
- Media Buying Power: 5/5
- Brand Awareness: 4.5/5
What People Say
You need to be careful here. Mediagistic has a very polarized reputation. Long-term clients praise them as fantastic partners. However, there are significant 1-star reviews alleging “unprofessional practices.” Some former clients claim the agency retaliated against negative reviews or that they paid large sums with zero results. Do your homework before signing.
Price
Custom. Typically requires a higher budget for mass media campaigns.
Check them out: mediagistic.com
Notable Mentions
Here are four others that deserve a look depending on your specific situation.
RS Gonzales
Great for smaller businesses wanting an “all-in-one” solution. Based in San Diego, they focus heavily on helping entrepreneurs gain freedom through local SEO.
rsgonzales.com
First Page Sage
Excellent if you want to be a thought leader. They use a proprietary algorithm to drive SEO results and offer high-level content planning that positions you as the expert in your market.
firstpagesage.com
One Firefly
Originally from the tech trades, they have expanded effectively into HVAC. They offer a strong content marketing approach and “Ideal Customer Persona” targeting, making them great for high-end residential work.
onefirefly.com
Hibu
A solid option for contractors who want simplicity. They focus on synchronizing your digital marketing—listings, reviews, social, and web—into one dashboard.
hibu.com
FAQ
Here are the questions we hear every day.
How much should I spend on HVAC marketing?
Rule of thumb: 5% to 10% of gross revenue to maintain, 12-15% if you are in aggressive growth mode. But the key isn’t the spend; it’s the ROI. If you put in $1 and get $5 back, spend as much as you can. Use a marketing budget calculator to figure out your sweet spot.
What is the difference between SEO and PPC?
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is a faucet—you pay Google, and the leads flow immediately. Great for empty schedules. SEO is like farming—it takes time to grow, but eventually, it feeds you for “free.” You generally need both: PPC for today, SEO for next year.
Do I really need an agency that specializes in HVAC?
Yes. A generalist won’t know that “mini-split” keywords are high-value or that furnace tune-up campaigns need to launch in September. Industry knowledge prevents wasted ad spend. If you want TV or Radio, check out the best hvac advertising agencies for that specific muscle.
Should I sign a long-term contract?
Be careful. In 2026, results should speak for themselves. Month-to-month contracts keep the agency hungry. If they demand a 12-month lock-in without performance outs, ask yourself why they are so afraid you’ll leave.
How do I know if my agency is doing a good job?
Ignore “Impressions” and “Clicks.” Look at “Booked Jobs” and “Revenue.” If your agency can’t tell you how much money their ads made you, they are failing. Use a marketing ROI calculator to check the math.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a partner is about more than just picking the agency with the flashiest website. It’s about finding a team that understands the sweat and stress of this business. You must own your assets, demand transparency, and ensure the agency matches your size. Don’t hire a massive corporate firm if you have two trucks.
While the agencies listed above are great, The Marketing Agency offers a different angle: The Science of Marketing. If your business has plateaued, you might need a partner that goes beyond standard keywords.
We specialize in getting you found by the AI tools that homeowners are actually using. Plus, we track every dollar so you never have to guess if your marketing is working. Whether you choose a boutique shop or a large firm, make sure they understand the trade. The right partner changes your business; the wrong one just drains your bank account.
Explore how data and science can transform your lead generation at The Marketing Agency.
