Most HVAC companies spend thousands on Facebook Ads every month but have no idea what their competitors are doing behind the scenes. The truth is, you don’t need to guess. Facebook literally lets you see every ad your competitors are running, including their videos, ad copy, call-to-actions, and even how long those ads have been active.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to “spy” on other HVAC companies’ Facebook ads the right way, what to look for, and how to use that information to create campaigns that perform better.
Why You Should Spy on Competitor Ads
There’s nothing shady about this. Every top marketer does it. Facebook’s Ad Library is a free tool built to promote transparency, which also makes it an incredibly powerful research weapon for business owners.
Here’s why this strategy matters for HVAC companies:
- You learn what works without wasting money testing from scratch. If an HVAC competitor’s ad has been running for months, it’s almost guaranteed to be profitable.
- You find inspiration for your own ad creatives. Instead of starting from a blank page, you can study real examples and identify winning headlines, offers, and visuals.
- You improve your return on investment. Once you know what type of ad attracts clicks and calls in your local area, you can model it to fit your own brand and offers.
Step 1: Access the Facebook Ad Library
Go to Facebook Ad Library. It’s available to everyone — no special account required.
Once you’re there:
- Choose the country where you want to see ads (for example, United States or Canada).
- Select “All Ads.”
- Enter either a keyword or a competitor’s name.
For instance, you can search for:
- “AC repair Houston”
- “Furnace installation Dallas”
- Or directly for a company like “CoolAir Heating & AC”
The search will show you every active ad related to that keyword or advertiser.
Step 2: Identify Which Ads Are Working
When you find a list of ads, don’t just look at the design: pay attention to how long they’ve been running.
Here’s why that matters:
- Ads running for less than a week might still be in testing.
- Ads running for two to three months are usually proven winners.
For example, if you see an HVAC ad that’s been running since July and it’s still active in October, that company is likely generating solid results. No business keeps spending on ads that don’t bring leads.
Step 3: Study the Ad Creative and Copy
Click on each ad to view the details. Focus on the elements that make it effective:
- Headline: What’s the main message? Is it about savings, reliability, or same-day service?
- Primary text: Does it focus on problems (like “AC not cooling?”) or solutions (“Fast 24/7 repair”)?
- Visuals: Are they using videos, technician images, or before-and-after photos?
- Call-to-action button: “Book Now,” “Call Today,” or “Learn More”?
Take note of the ones that make you stop scrolling. Those are likely the ads that are driving clicks.
Step 4: Visit Their Funnel
Click on the ad’s “Book Now” or “Learn More” button to see where it leads. You’ll land on their landing page or service page.
Study that page carefully:
- What offer do they lead with?
- How easy is it to call or request a quote?
- What testimonials or proof do they use?
- Do they have multiple calls to action or just one?
This gives you a full picture of how their ad and website work together, from the first click to the conversion.
Step 5: Create Your Own Inspired Ad
Now that you know what’s working in your area, use those insights to create your own version.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Use your own branding and visuals. Never copy an ad directly: that’s lazy and risks hurting your credibility.
- Keep the core idea. If their ad focuses on “Free Furnace Tune-Up,” you can offer “Free AC System Check.”
- A/B test your versions. Create two to three ad variations based on what you learned and run them for a week. Then, scale up the one that performs best.
The goal is not to duplicate someone else’s campaign but to shorten your learning curve and avoid wasting money on unproven ideas.
Step 6: Monitor and Improve Over Time
Once your ads are live, revisit the Facebook Ad Library every month. You’ll start to see trends, which competitors are still active, what new offers they’re testing, and which styles of ads dominate your market.
This ongoing habit keeps your strategy sharp and helps you stay ahead of the competition.
Key Takeaways
- The Facebook Ad Library is free and available to everyone; use it regularly.
- Look for ads that have been running for at least two months; they’re usually profitable.
- Study your competitors’ ad copy, visuals, and offers, then apply those lessons to your own campaigns.
- Track trends over time to keep improving your ad performance and ROI.
Final Thoughts
Spying on your competitors’ Facebook ads isn’t about copying; it’s about learning. When you understand what other HVAC companies are doing successfully, you can adapt faster, waste less, and dominate your local market with smarter campaigns.
Use these steps today to uncover what’s working in your city, then create your own version that speaks directly to your customers.
