How to Get Rid of Fake/Bad Reviews on Google for Your HVAC Company 

Fake reviews can feel like a sucker punch to your business. You’ve worked hard to build your HVAC company’s reputation, yet inaccurate or malicious reviews can unfairly tarnish it.

Seeing a false claim about your services doesn’t just sting personally—it can actively turn away potential customers. Studies show that 93% of consumers rely on reviews to decide on local services, and just one bad review can make a sizable dent in your credibility.

While dealing with fake or malicious reviews may feel overwhelming, there’s a way forward. This guide will walk you through exactly how to report and handle fake Google reviews. Plus, we’ll cover strategies to protect your reputation long-term, even if some unfair reviews persist.

Step-by-Step: How to Report a Fake Review on Google 

Step 1: Find Your Business and the Problem Review

To begin, find the review you believe is fake by following these steps:

• Go to Google and search for your business name. 
• Open your Google Business Profile, and under the "Reviews" tab, locate the problematic review. 
• Ensure you're logged in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile.

This step is crucial—only the business owner or assigned account manager can flag reviews. 

Step 2: Report the Review 

Once you’ve found the review, look for the small flag icon or the three-dot menu next to it. Click the flag or select “Report Review” to open Google’s reporting interface.

This action signals to Google that the review is potentially inappropriate. 

Step 3: Choose the Most Relevant Reason for the Report 

When prompted, you’ll need to identify why this review needs to be removed. Google typically offers several report categories, including:

• Off-topic: The review has nothing to do with your services. 
• Spam: It’s bot-generated or fake. 
• Conflict of interest: It’s written by a competitor or their affiliates. 

For example, if the reviewer makes claims about a service you don’t offer, “Off-topic” is likely the best choice. Be concise and stick to the facts without over-explaining. 

Step 4: Fill in Any Additional Information Requested 

Sometimes, Google will ask for more details regarding your claim. If this happens, stay factual and avoid emotional language.

You can respond like “This individual is not listed as a customer in our system and has not used our services.” 

Step 5: Submit and Document Your Report 

Finalize the report by hitting "Submit," and take a screenshot or note the date you filed it. It’s also worth notifying your team so they’re aware of any updates.

What to Expect After You Submit a Dispute 

After submitting a dispute, manage your expectations and stay practical about the results. Google reviews every flagged review, but it only removes about 20%. This statistic might seem discouraging, but it reflects how the process works. A realistic mindset can help you avoid investing too much emotional or mental energy into the outcome. 

If Google denies your dispute, don't spend excessive time re-appealing.

Avram Gonzales, Chief Strategist at Digital Harvest, says, “Google will take action on about 20% of these requests, and the rest—no matter how much you appeal 'em—you’re just not gonna get very far.” 

Instead of focusing on follow-ups, direct your energy toward things you can control, like encouraging happy customers to leave fresh, positive reviews to offset any negativity. 

If the flagged review stays live, move on and avoid letting it dominate your focus. A single review doesn’t deserve all your energy, especially when you can use that effort to grow your business in other ways. 

Still, document the dispute internally. Record the filing date, claim details, and Google’s response. Keeping clear records will help if you need to reference them later. However, don’t fixate on the outcome. Accept the results and adjust your strategy to focus on what’s next. This approach will serve you better in the long run.

Why One Bad Review Doesn’t Destroy Your Reputation 

It’s easy to feel disappointed when you see a negative review pop up, but the good news is that one bad review isn’t the end of the world. Here's why:

• Consumers value authenticity: A mix of reviews shows that your business is genuine and not artificially perfect. 

• People can spot spammy reviews: Today’s customers are aware of fake or exaggerated reviews and can differentiate between them and genuine feedback. 

• Imperfections build trust: Slightly critical reviews can make your business seem more human and relatable. 

• It’s about your response, not the review itself: Potential customers are more focused on how you handle criticism than the review itself. You may respond to a bad review like: “We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would love to make things right. Please reach out to us directly so we can assist you further.”

The Real Fix: More Good Reviews, More Often 

Instead of spending countless hours worrying about or responding to every fake or negative review, consider shifting your focus to proactive growth. The best way to combat the occasional bad review isn’t reactive damage control—it’s building a stronger foundation of consistently great feedback.

Businesses that actively encourage positive reviews often find that the occasional fake or critical one barely makes a dent in their reputation. Why? Because when the majority of your reviews are glowing, the few outliers don’t carry much weight. 

Implement a strong review strategy by using multiple methods, like asking for reviews in person after positive interactions, automating requests via email or text, and following up with happy customers. This multi-channel approach keeps things simple and maintains steady momentum.

For a deeper look into these tactics, check out our “Four Easy Ways to Get More Reviews” video—it’s packed with actionable tips to help you build trust and grow your reputation. After all, boosting the frequency of positive reviews isn’t just a safeguard; it’s one of the best ways to attract more business. 

Remember, quantity matters. A high volume of reviews naturally lessens the impact of bad ones. Instead of stressing over occasional hiccups, focus on creating rave-worthy experiences. With the right system, generating positive feedback becomes easy—and it’s a simple way to help your business thrive. 

Reputation Is Bigger Than Just Reviews 

Your online reputation is about more than reviews alone—it’s the sum of your digital presence. Here’s how a well-rounded approach can protect your brand and generate long-term growth:

1. Organic rankings: A strong review score helps you rank higher on Google, reducing the need for excessive ad spend. 

2. High-quality leads: Consumers perceive well-reviewed businesses as more credible and reliable. 

3. Retention and loyalty: Integrating a reputation management strategy can keep both customers and employees happier. 

To help HVAC companies like yours thrive, Digital Harvest offers a “3% solution” system designed to amplify your reputation while reducing unnecessary expenses. If you’d like to build a holistic reputation strategy, connect with Avram Gonzales on LinkedIn or schedule a call with us today.