Google reviews for HVAC companies: ask every job, every time
An HVAC company doing 300 jobs a month should be adding 20 to 40 Google reviews a month. Most add three, because the ask depends on the tech remembering at 6pm in a 100-degree attic. Here is how to take memory out of it.
How does a HVAC company get more Google reviews?
Text a review request from the technician’s name 30 to 60 minutes after an AC repair, the next morning after an install, and right after a maintenance visit, with the Google link and no incentive. Reply to every review within 48 hours. At 300 jobs a month with 83% of asked customers willing and 5 to 15% actually posting, that is 15 to 45 new reviews a month, every month.
What reviews do for a HVAC company
BrightLocal’s 2026 survey says 97% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, 78% were asked to leave one in the past year, and 83% of those asked did. Nearly half (47%) want to see at least 20 reviews before they trust a rating, and 89% expect the business to reply. For HVAC the stakes are higher than most trades: a summer AC failure is a panic purchase, the homeowner is choosing from the map pack on their phone, and in DFW or Houston the top three companies usually show 300 to 1,000 reviews. If you have 40, you are not in the conversation. Reviews also feed Google Local Services Ads ranking, where HVAC leads run $60 to $120 each.
The review request texts that work for HVAC
One ask, timed to the moment they are happiest, from the tech by name, with the Google link and nothing else to click. No incentive, no “if you were happy” filter.
After a repair, 30–60 minutes later
“Hi [First name], [Tech] here from [Company]. Glad the AC is cooling again. If you have 30 seconds, a quick Google review helps my family business more than you would think: [link]. Thanks for having me out today.”
After an install, next morning
“Morning [First name], it’s [Tech]. How did the new [Carrier] system do overnight? If everything is good, a Google review would mean a lot to our crew: [link]. If anything is off, just reply here and I will come back.”
After a maintenance visit, same evening
“Thanks for having us out for the tune-up today, [First name]. Your system is set for summer. A quick review helps other [City] homeowners find us: [link].”
Reminder, 3 days later, only if none posted
“Hi [First name], [Tech] again. No pressure at all, just leaving the review link here in case it got buried: [link]. Thanks either way.”
When to ask, by job type
| Job type | Best moment to ask | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency AC repair in summer | 30–60 min after the tech leaves | Relief is at its peak; the house is cooling |
| New system install | Next morning | They have slept in a cool house and the install dust is gone |
| Maintenance / tune-up | Same evening | Low drama, so strike while the visit is fresh |
| Warranty callback | After the second visit fixes it, not the first | Asking after a failed fix invites a bad review |
| Duct cleaning / IAQ | Same evening with a before/after photo | The photo gives them something to say |
| Commercial rooftop unit | After the invoice is paid, to the facilities manager | B2B reviews come from the person who approved the bill |
Replying to HVAC reviews
- Reply to every review within 48 hours. 89% of consumers expect it, and the reply is read by the next 50 people, not the reviewer.
- Name the job, not the stars. “Glad the AC is sorted, thanks for having us out” beats “Thanks for the 5 stars!”
- Negative reviews get a calm, specific reply and a phone call. Do not argue in public. Say what you will do, then do it. For HVAC, most bad reviews are about a second visit or a part on backorder; say when the part lands.
- Never offer anything for a review. The FTC rule in force since 21 October 2024 bans conditional incentives, and Google removes reviews it catches.
Texas notes for HVAC review requests
TDLR requires your TACLA licence number on advertising, and a review request is customer communication rather than advertising, but putting “TACLA [number]” in the signature costs nothing and reassures. During the July 2026 heat, when ERCOT hit a record 91,089 MW, HVAC companies in Texas were completing two to three times normal volume; that is the month to have the ask automated, because nobody remembers to send texts at 9pm after fourteen calls. A review request goes to a customer who just paid you, so it is customer communication and exempt from SB 140 registration under the November 2025 settlement; still keep it between 9am and 9pm (noon to 9pm Sunday) and include your business name.
How we automate HVAC review requests
Trigger from the paid invoice
Job marked complete and paid in ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro or Jobber fires the request at the right delay for that job type.
Tech’s name on it
The text comes from the technician who was in the home, which roughly doubles response in our client data.
One reminder, then stop
A second text three days later if no review appears, then nothing. No third ask.
Reply drafts
New reviews land in your inbox with a suggested reply that names the job; you approve or edit.
Monthly count
Reviews asked, received, average rating and reply time in one text on the first of the month.
Questions owners ask
How many reviews should a HVAC company have?
Enough that a homeowner stops counting. BrightLocal’s 2026 survey says 47% want to see at least 20; in competitive Texas metros the top three in the map pack usually have 200 or more.
When is the best time to send a review request?
30 to 60 minutes after a repair, the next morning after an install, and the same evening after maintenance. Never after a failed first visit.
Should the review request come from the company or the tech?
The tech, by name. People review people. Our client data shows roughly double the response when the text is from the person who was in the home.
Can I offer a discount for a review?
No. The FTC rule effective 21 October 2024 bans incentives conditioned on a review, and Google removes reviews it detects as paid.
Is it legal to text review requests in Texas?
Yes. The customer just paid you, so it is customer communication and exempt from SB 140 registration under the November 2025 settlement. Send between 9am and 9pm.
How many times can I ask?
Once, with one reminder three days later. A third ask annoys customers and does not add reviews.
Why do HVAC companies get so few reviews?
Because the ask is manual. The tech is on to the next call, the office is on the phone, and by the next day the moment is gone. Automating the request from the paid invoice fixes it.
Should I ask after a warranty callback?
Only after the problem is actually fixed. Asking after the first failed visit is how you get a two-star review.
Do reviews affect Google Local Services Ads for HVAC?
Yes. Review count and rating are ranking factors in LSA, alongside responsiveness and hours.
Can I ask commercial customers for reviews?
Yes. Send it to the person who approved the invoice, after it is paid. Facilities managers do leave reviews when asked by name.
Next pages
Sources
- BrightLocal, Local Consumer Review Survey 2026: 97% read reviews, 78% asked, 83% of those asked left one, 47% want 20+ reviews, 89% expect a reply.
- FTC, Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (effective 21 Oct 2024).
- Google, Prohibited and restricted content policy for reviews (2026).
- ERCOT, peak demand record 91,089 MW on 22 Jul 2026.
- 16 TAC §75.71, TDLR air conditioning and refrigeration advertising requirements.
- Texas SB 140 (1 Sep 2025); Texas AG settlement Nov 2025.
Doing 300 jobs a month and adding three reviews?
We fire the review request from your paid invoice, in the tech’s name, at the right delay for the job type, and draft the replies. You approve and watch the count climb.