Stop Throwing Away Money:
How to Turn AC Repair Referrals into Cash
If you're an HVAC contractor, you know the drill. A customer calls with a busted AC in July. You show up, diagnose the problem, and realize they need electrical work that's outside your wheelhouse. What happens next?
For most of us, it goes something like this:
"I can't handle the electrical myself, but I know a guy. Let me give you his number."
Then what? Absolutely nothing. You just handed away a solid lead that you earned through your reputation, marketing, and hustle—and got zero in return.
The Hidden Economy of Referrals
Think about how many times you've passed along a name last month. 5 times? 10? More?
Now do the math. If the average job is worth $500, and you refer out just 5 jobs a month, that's $2,500 worth of business you're handing to other contractors... for free.
That's $30,000 a year you're giving away.
Let that sink in.
"But It's Just How Things Work"
Yeah, we've all been there. The old-school way of thinking says you should give referrals freely and hope the favor comes back around. But let's be real:
- When you send exclusive referrals with RevLink, you're expanding your professional network
- The bigger your network, the more likely you are to place more leads and get the types of jobs you love
- You create a documented system of mutual success
- You transform chaos into a streamlined business opportunity
It's 2024, and we're still managing referrals like it's 1985—with scribbled notes and "trust me, bro" arrangements.
The Smart HVAC Tech's Solution
Here's what the top-earning HVAC contractors are figuring out: those referrals have real value, and it's time to stop giving them away.
Let's break it down with a real example:
Dave from Cool Breeze HVAC gets called to fix a central air system. During inspection, he notices the customer's electrical panel needs updating before he can safely install the new unit. Instead of making his customer go through the hassle of finding and vetting an electrician, Dave provides better service by connecting them directly with a trusted professional. Dave sends a direct referral through RevLink to Jim's Electric.
Jim gets the details, quotes the job, and lands it for $1,200. After completing the work, he pays Dave a $120 referral fee through the app.
Dave made money without lifting a finger, Jim got a pre-qualified lead that turned into a paying job, and the customer got their problem solved through a trusted connection.
The Numbers Don't Lie
If you're sending out even 3-4 referrals a week, you could be making an extra $1,000-$2,000 a month with zero additional work. That's a truck payment, insurance premiums, or a significant bump to your take-home pay.
All from jobs you were never going to do anyway.
How to Get Started
- Track your referrals - Next time a customer needs something you don't offer, make a note. Start counting how many potential leads you're giving away each week.
- Value your network - You've spent years building relationships with customers who trust you. That trust has monetary value when you refer them to someone else.
- Use the right tools - Ditch the chaotic text messages and forgotten follow-ups. RevLink lets you send leads, track their progress, and get paid automatically when the job closes.
The Bottom Line
Every time you give away a lead, you're leaving money on the table. In today's economy, no HVAC contractor can afford to do that.
The smartest techs are monetizing every aspect of their business—including the jobs they don't even take.
Ready to stop throwing away free money? Join RevLink today and start getting paid for the referrals you're already giving.
Join the conversation with other HVAC professionals in our contractor community.