Google Business Profile Optimisation for HVAC Companies: The Complete 2026 Guide

If you run an HVAC business in the UK, your Google Business Profile is probably your most valuable marketing asset. More valuable than your website. More valuable than your van signage.

Here's why: 80% of your website clicks likely come from local searches, and most of those come through the Google Map Pack. That's the box of three businesses that shows up when someone searches "boiler repair near me" or "air conditioning installation [your town]".

Getting into that top 3 can transform your business. Missing out means watching your competitors take calls that should have been yours.

Why Your GBP Matters More Than Ever

Let's look at what the data actually shows:

• 87% of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses
• 46% of all Google searches have local intent
• 78% of local mobile searches result in a purchase within 24 hours
• The average verified GBP gets around 1,803 views per month

For HVAC contractors, this matters even more. When someone's boiler breaks down in January, they're not browsing. They're searching, clicking, and calling. If your GBP isn't optimised, you're invisible at the exact moment customers need you most.

The Complete GBP Optimisation Checklist

Here's what separates the businesses ranking in the Map Pack from everyone else:

1. Complete Every Single Field

This sounds obvious, but most businesses don't do it. Complete listings get 7x more clicks than incomplete profiles. That's not a small difference.

Make sure you've filled in:

• Business name (exactly as it appears on your van and invoices)
• Full address or service area
• Phone number
• Website URL
• Business hours (including special hours for holidays)
• Business description (use your main keywords naturally)
• All relevant categories (HVAC contractor, heating contractor, air conditioning contractor)
• Services with descriptions and prices where possible

2. Add Photos (Lots of Them)

Businesses with 250+ photos are more likely to rank in the top 3 positions. Photos also increase trust and engagement.

What to upload:

• Your team at work (real jobs, not stock photos)
• Before and after shots of installations
• Your vans and equipment
• Certificates and accreditations
• Happy customers (with permission)

GBP profiles with photos receive 17% more revenue per visitor. That's worth the 10 minutes it takes to upload some pictures from your camera roll.

3. Get More Reviews (And Respond to All of Them)

Reviews are one of the most powerful ranking factors for local SEO. Here's what the numbers show:

The key is consistency. A steady stream of reviews over time beats a sudden burst. And responding to every review, positive or negative, signals to Google that you're an active, engaged business.

For more on this, see our guide on getting more 5-star reviews for your heating business.

4. Post Regular Updates

Google Posts let you share updates, offers, and news directly on your profile. Most HVAC businesses ignore this completely, which is an opportunity for you.

Post about:

• Seasonal offers (boiler servicing before winter, AC maintenance before summer)
• New services you're offering
• Recent projects you've completed
• Tips for customers (how to bleed a radiator, when to replace a boiler)

Regular posting shows Google your business is active and engaged. It also gives potential customers more reasons to choose you.

5. Choose the Right Categories

Your primary category is crucial. It tells Google exactly what you do. But don't stop there, add all relevant secondary categories too.

For most HVAC businesses, consider:

• HVAC contractor (primary)
• Heating contractor
• Air conditioning contractor
• Boiler repair service
• Heat pump supplier
• Plumber (if applicable)

6. Add Your Services with Details

List every service you offer, with descriptions. This helps Google match you to relevant searches and gives customers clear information about what you can help with.

Include:

• Boiler installation and repair
• Central heating installation
• Air conditioning installation and servicing
• Heat pump installation
• Emergency callouts
• Annual servicing and maintenance
• Landlord safety certificates

Mobile Optimisation is Non-Negotiable

70% of local searches happen on mobile devices. If your GBP and website aren't mobile-friendly, you're losing most of your potential customers before they even see your phone number.

Make sure:

• Your phone number is click-to-call on mobile
• Your website loads fast on mobile
• Booking or contact forms work on smaller screens

According to Google Business Profile Help, 88% of smartphone users who do local searches visit or call within 24 hours. For more on improving your local visibility, see our guide to local SEO for HVAC companies.

Research from Moz's Local Search Ranking Factors confirms that GBP signals are among the most important factors for Map Pack rankings.

What Happens When You Get This Right

The difference between ranking #1 and ranking #4 in local search is massive:

• Top 3 rankings get 126% more consumer traffic than positions 7-10
• Top 3 rankings get 93% more conversion actions
• Position #1 in the Local Pack captures 23.6% of all clicks

For an HVAC business, that could mean the difference between 10 calls a week and 50. Between struggling to fill your diary and having to turn work away.

Common GBP Mistakes to Avoid

Based on what we see working with HVAC businesses across the UK, here are the mistakes that hurt rankings most:

• Keyword stuffing in your business name, adding "Best Boiler Repair London" to your actual company name will get you suspended
• Inconsistent NAP, your name, address, and phone must be identical everywhere online
• Ignoring reviews, especially negative ones left unanswered
• Outdated information, wrong phone numbers or old addresses kill trust
• No photos, or only stock photos that don't show your real business

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your local marketing. Get it right, and every other marketing effort becomes more effective.