If you're an HVAC business owner, getting your website and Google Business Profile to rank higher can be the difference between getting 3 calls a month and 30. This guide walks you through every key element of HVAC SEO with simple, clear explanations. If you want to consistently generate leads without paying for ads, this is for you.
What is HVAC SEO?
HVAC SEO is the process of optimizing your HVAC website and Google Business Profile so that your business shows up when someone in your area searches for services like "furnace repair near me" or "air conditioner installation Vancouver."
This includes:
- Making your website easy to find and read by search engines
- Optimizing your Google Business Profile
- Getting reviews from real customers
- Building trust with Google through content and links
When done well, HVAC SEO can bring in high-quality leads on autopilot.
Why Local SEO Matters for HVAC Businesses:
Most people who search for HVAC services need help right away. They search something like "emergency AC repair near me," and they almost always pick a business on the first page of Google. That first page includes:
- Google Ads
- Google Business Profile results (Maps)
- Organic search results (websites)
You want to show up in all three when possible, but especially in the map pack and organic results.
How Google Decides Who Ranks in the Map Pack
Google uses three main factors to decide which businesses show up in the top 3 spots:
- Relevance
Are you offering the services the searcher is looking for? If they search "ductless heat pump installer," and your profile says "general HVAC contractor," you may not be considered relevant enough. - Proximity
How close is your business to the person searching? This can depend on where your service areas are and how you’ve structured your Google Business Profile and website. - Prominence
This includes:
- Number of Google reviews
- Average rating
- Consistency across the web (name, address, phone number)
- Links from other websites
- Local content and authority
Let’s break down each piece of the HVAC SEO puzzle step-by-step.
Step 1: Set Up & Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see. It needs to be complete and accurate.
Key things to include:
- Primary category: HVAC contractor (or more specific like "Furnace repair service")
- Service area coverage
- Business hours
- Photos of your work, your team, your trucks
- Full business description
- Links to your website
Most importantly, you need:
- A steady stream of 5-star reviews
- Keywords in your services and description
Where to insert images:
- Add 8-12 photos to your profile: Before and afters, team headshots, equipment, vehicles
- Use your logo as the profile image
Step 2: Build Out Your Website for SEO
If your website is outdated or thin on content, it won’t rank. Google needs to see that you’re a real, trustworthy business.
Must-have pages:
- Home
- Services (each service should have its own page: furnace repair, AC install, etc.)
- About
- Contact
- Blog
Each service page should be:
- 500-800+ words
- Include location (ex: "air conditioning repair in Burnaby")
- Have a call to action (like a quote form or phone number)
Website tips:
- Use clear H1, H2, and H3 headlines with keywords
- Add photos and videos of your team working on-site
- Add review/testimonial widgets
- Mobile-friendly layout
- Fast loading speed
Image suggestions:
- Insert photos of each service in action
- Before/after photos
- Google review screenshots
Step 3: Do Keyword Research the Right Way
Use tools like Semrush, Ubersuggest, or Google's free Keyword Planner to find the best keywords for your area.
Look for:
- High intent searches: "emergency furnace repair Vancouver"
- Local modifiers: "near me," city names
- Service-based keywords: "HVAC installation," "AC repair"
Build a list of top keywords and assign them to specific pages:
- Homepage: general keywords like "HVAC services Vancouver"
- Service pages: "heat pump installation Surrey"
- Blog topics: "Is a ductless system right for BC homes?"
Step 4: Add Local Landing Pages
If you serve multiple cities, create dedicated landing pages for each area. Don’t just list them all on one page.
For example:
- /hvac-burnaby
- /air-conditioning-richmond
- /furnace-repair-north-vancouver
Each should include:
- City-specific copy
- Reviews from customers in that city
- Images from projects in that city
Image suggestions:
- Local landmarks as subtle backgrounds
- Maps showing service coverage
Step 5: Get Google Reviews Consistently
You don’t need 1,000 reviews. You need consistent new reviews that mention your services and your city.
Tips:
- Send a follow-up SMS or email asking for a review
- Link directly to your Google review form
- Thank reviewers and respond to every review
- Ask customers to mention what service they got and where (ex: "Great job replacing our heat pump in Coquitlam")
Step 6: Build Local Citations
Citations are mentions of your business across the web. These should match your Google Business Profile exactly.
Start with:
Use a tool like Whitespark or BrightLocal to find more local directories.
Step 7: Create Helpful Blog Content
Blogging isn’t just about stuffing keywords. It helps Google see you as an expert.
Ideas:
- "How to Know If You Need a New Furnace"
- "Top Heat Pump Brands in BC Compared"
- "Why Your AC Might Be Blowing Warm Air"
Each blog should:
- Be at least 800–1000 words
- Include keywords naturally
- Link to your service pages
- Answer questions your customers ask
Where to insert examples:
- Add screenshots from your Semrush or Keyword Planner research
- Insert simple diagrams of HVAC systems
- Add customer question examples as pull-quotes
Step 8: Build Backlinks (Without Being Spammy)
Google trusts sites with links from other trusted sites.
Start with:
- Local partnerships (plumbers, builders, electricians)
- Sponsor a local event and get listed on their site
- Write a guest post for a local home builder or news site
Avoid:
- Buying random backlinks from Fiverr
- Link farms
Every link should make sense to a human visitor.
Step 9: Track Results & Adjust
Use these tools to track your performance:
- Google Search Console: track keyword rankings
- Google Analytics: track traffic
- Google Business Profile Insights: track calls, directions, views
Pay attention to:
- Which pages get the most traffic
- Which keywords are driving phone calls
- Where you show up in the map pack vs. organic
Over time, you’ll learn what’s working and where to focus.
Final Tips for HVAC SEO Success
- Don’t over-optimize. Use natural language
- Always focus on the customer’s needs first, not just keywords
- Update your site regularly with new photos, blogs, and testimonials
- Stay consistent — SEO takes time but builds momentum
Want Help Ranking Your HVAC Business?
If you want someone to implement all this for you so you can focus on running your business, get in touch. Our SEO team specializes in helping HVAC and construction companies rank higher on Google and get more qualified leads.
Get your free strategy call now.
.svg)
.svg)
