5 Best Review Platforms for HVAC Businesses (+ a Bonus You’ll Love!)
Online reviews can make or break an HVAC business. With so many potential customers relying on reviews to choose service providers, managing your online reputation is now more important than ever. But with endless platforms to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
“You only have so much time, effort, and energy to manage the platforms and places that your business is on,” explains Avram Gonzales, Chief Strategist at Digital Harvest. The key is to focus on the platforms that matter most.
That’s what we’ll explore here—the top 5 review platforms that every HVAC business owner should prioritize (plus a bonus based on your unique lead sources). You don’t need to be everywhere—just where it counts.
1. Google: The No-Brainer You Can’t Ignore
Google is the king of search engines, and therefore the king of visibility. When potential customers search for HVAC services, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is likely the first thing they see, including your reviews. Positive reviews boost trust and can influence whether your business shows up in the coveted Map Pack—a highly visible section of Google results.
But it’s not just about showing up—the details on your profile matter too. The Knowledge Panel aggregates important business information like reviews, contact details, and your location. A strong profile with plenty of good reviews makes a powerful first impression.
Tips for Dominating Google
- Prioritize Quantity and Recency: Continuously collect new reviews to show you’re actively serving customers.
- Respond Promptly: Reply to all reviews—both positive and negative—to demonstrate engagement.
- Use Keywords: Naturally include HVAC-related terms in your responses, which can enhance local SEO.
Imagine an HVAC company with 200+ reviews and a 4.9-star rating. They’re going to win customers over almost every time, especially compared to competitors with minimal reviews.
For step-by-step help in optimizing your Google profile, here are some tips to get more Google reviews.
2. Yelp: Love It or Hate It, You Need to Be There
Yelp can be polarizing for businesses, largely due to its review filtering and aggressive ad sales tactics. But here’s the thing—customers still use Yelp to search for HVAC services, particularly in competitive markets. It ranks well in search engines and remains a trusted resource for many users.
“Yelp is one of the places that people love to leave reviews on that you do need to manage and be on top of,” says Avram Gonzales, underscoring its importance.
Tips for Managing Yelp Without Friction
- Keep Your Profile Updated: Ensure your business details (e.g., hours, service descriptions) are current.
- Respond to All Reviews: Even filtered reviews matter—Yelp’s algorithm may restore them over time.
- Encourage Organic Reviews: Politely mention your Yelp page to satisfied customers but follow Yelp’s strict non-solicitation policy.
For more guidance, check out this HubSpot blog on Yelp Reviews.
3. Facebook: The Recommendation Machine
Facebook serves as a vital tool for building trust and expanding your reach. Local Facebook groups are hotspots for recommendations, and having an active business page ensures you get noticed when someone tags your business.
An active Facebook page makes it easier for people to recommend you. It also serves as a discovery platform—for example, if someone searches for “HVAC repair near me,” your page will likely appear alongside user reviews.
Tips to Maximize Facebook’s Potential
- Post relevant updates regularly to stay on your followers’ radar.
- Respond to comments and questions quickly—engagement builds trust.
- Turn “Review” settings on, enabling customers to leave recommendations and feedback.
If a local group user asks for a heating repair recommendation and your business is tagged multiple times, you’ve already won half the battle.
4. Nextdoor: Your Neighborhood Trust Anchor
Nextdoor is a hyper-local platform, designed to connect neighbors with services right in their community. For HVAC professionals, it’s a goldmine for securing trust and capturing leads. Neighbors rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and Nextdoor facilitates that.
“That’s going on in every community across the United States,” says Avram. Being visible here means you’re more likely to land first-time and repeat customers.
How to Leverage Nextdoor
- Set up a verified business profile with all your details.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews right after completing a job.
- Be responsive to messages and inquiries to build credibility.
For more details, explore Nextdoor’s Recommendations Guide.
5. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Still a Top Search Result
Despite being more formal and slightly dated compared to other platforms, the BBB often ranks on the first page of search results for brand-related queries. Reviews here carry weight, especially among older customers who value trust and credibility.
BBB offers:
- A platform where customers can leave reviews that emphasize professionalism.
- Mediation for resolving complaints, which can enhance your reputation.
- Accreditation seals that reinforce trustworthiness.
Tips for Leveraging BBB
- Keep your profile polished with updated business hours, services, and photos.
- Encourage happy customers to share reviews here, particularly for high-stakes cases like system installations or large repairs.
Check the BBB site for more information on how to claim and maintain your profile.
Bonus: Review Platforms Based on Your Lead Sources
When it comes to platforms like Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, and others, your approach should align with how much they contribute to your overall lead generation strategy.
If you’re investing in paid lead generation through these platforms, then your profile presence—especially reviews—can have a big impact on key metrics like cost-per-lead and close rates. A strong, well-reviewed profile increases your chances of converting potential leads into customers.
The key here is prioritization. Focus your energy on the platforms that bring you the most leads. For example, if 40% of your leads originate from Thumbtack, it makes sense to go all-in on maintaining an excellent profile there.
Take the time to consistently gather high-quality reviews, respond to inquiries promptly, and ensure your information is up to date. This targeted approach helps you make the most of your investments and positions your business as a top choice on those platforms.
How to Prioritize Where You Get Reviews
With limited time, it’s crucial to focus on where the biggest impact lies. Think about these key factors:
- Visibility: Platforms like Google show up first in customer searches.
- Trust: Platforms like BBB appeal to customers who value credibility.
- Relevance: Go where your audience is most active (Nextdoor for local leads, for example).
Simplify your process with tools that automate review requests and centralize feedback management.
Keep It Simple: Focus on the Platforms That Matter Most
Managing reviews across too many platforms can be exhausting, but luckily, you don’t have to be everywhere. Instead, focus your time and resources on the top five platforms mentioned here. If your lead sources skew toward Angi or HomeAdvisor, spend extra time there as well.
Need help setting up or managing your review platforms? Connect with Avram Gonzales on LinkedIn or reach out to Digital Harvest. We’ll point you in the right direction.