The "Dead Lead" Revival: How to Reactivate Old HVAC Quotes

Every HVAC business has a "Graveyard."

It’s that stack of folders or that list in your CRM of estimates you wrote but never closed. Maybe they ghosted you. Maybe they said "we’ll wait."

You’ve already paid for the lead. You’ve already done the work of the site visit. Why are you letting that investment die?

The "9-Word Email" Strategy

We use a famous marketing tactic called the "9-Word Email" (popularized by Dean Jackson) to wake up these dead leads.

It’s not a fancy newsletter. It’s personal, direct, and expects a reply.

Subject: Your AC Unit Body: "Are you still looking to replace your AC unit?"

That’s it.

Why It Works

• It looks real: It doesn’t look like a marketing blast. It looks like you typed it from your iPhone.
• It’s a question: The human brain is wired to answer questions.
• It invites a "No": Even a "No" is good—it cleans your list. But often, you get: "Actually, yes, we just got busy. Can you resend the quote?"

Automating the Revival

You can’t sit there and email 500 people manually.

The Automation:

1. Trigger: Quote status is "Open" for > 30 days.
2. Action: System sends the "Are you still looking?" email.
3. If No Reply: Wait 7 days. Send follow-up: "I assume you got this sorted, so I’ll close your file. Let me know if I’m wrong." (The "Takeaway" close).

The Fall Tune-Up Play

Another great way to reactivate leads is the seasonal pivot.

Did someone get a quote for a new furnace last winter but didn’t buy?

October 1st Automation: "Hey [Name], I know you decided to hold off on the new furnace last year. Since it’s getting cold again, do you want us to come do a safety check on the old one to make sure it makes it through another winter?"

It’s helpful, relevant, and gets your foot back in the door.

Stop Buying New Leads

Before you spend another $1,000 on Google Ads, mine your own Graveyard. There is gold buried there.

Need help setting up these reactivation campaigns? Book a Strategy Call with HomeOps.