If you are running an HVAC company and you want to dominate your local area, Google Maps is the number one place to do it. When homeowners need an emergency AC repair or a furnace replacement quote, the first thing they do is search on Google and click the companies that appear on the map. Those spots are extremely valuable because they capture high intent customers. The problem is most HVAC business owners have no idea that you can actually show paid ads directly inside Google Maps. If you are wondering how your competitor somehow shows above everyone else on the map with a little “Sponsored” label, you are about to learn exactly how to do the same thing.
This is the exact process we use for our HVAC clients as part of our Local Domination Program. These ads do not just get attention, they generate calls from people who are actively searching and ready to book a job. In this guide I will break down step by step how to run ads on Google Maps properly without wasting money.
Why Google Maps Ads Matter for HVAC
Most homeowners are not scrolling through websites or social media when they need HVAC help. When the AC stops working, they search “AC repair near me” and click the top map result. Local intent searches like that convert extremely well and they are increasing every single year. Organic map ranking takes months of optimization work, but Google Maps ads let you appear above everyone instantly. If you need leads now, this is one of the fastest ways to get them. The key is setting these ads up correctly so Google actually shows them in Maps and not just Search. That is where most businesses fail.
Step One: Set Up a Search Campaign the Right Way
Many people try to find a special Maps campaign type but Google does not give you one. You must start by creating a standard Search campaign inside Google Ads. You do not choose Local Store Visits or Performance Max because those options send your ads to places you do not want. Performance Max will push your ads to random websites and apps and you will waste money on junk clicks. Instead, start a new campaign and select “Leads” or “Create a campaign without a goal’s guidance” and choose “Search” as the campaign type.
Once you do that, select the conversions you want such as phone calls or form submissions. Since HVAC leads convert best via calls, include a call extension. Name your campaign something simple like HVAC Search Local. The goal here is to build a clean search campaign that Google will later use to show map ads once we connect it to your business profile.
Step Two: Turn Off the Budget Wasters
By default Google turns on search partners and display networks. You need to shut both off. Your focus is to get real HVAC customers from Google only, not useless clicks from blogs and mobile games. Keep your campaign strictly on Google Search and focus your budget only where customers are searching with intent.
Step Three: Target Your Service Area Properly
Stop targeting entire states. Your service is local and your ads must reflect that. Target by city or zip codes inside your service area. Select the option to show ads only to people located in those areas. This prevents people outside your market from clicking. HVAC leads are expensive and every click matters. If you want to reach someone searching for service for their parents or vacation home, you can test the second option later. Start with tight targeting to control spend.
Step Four: Use High Intent HVAC Keywords
Do not waste money with broad keywords like “HVAC” or “air”. Those will trigger clicks from people looking for definitions or jobs. Focus on high intent keywords that signal a ready customer such as AC repair near me, furnace installation, HVAC emergency service, heat pump repair, AC not working, HVAC company near me. Use phrase match or exact match to control relevance. Avoid broad match keywords unless you have a massive budget to test. At our agency we start with phrase and exact match to protect ad spend.
Step Five: Connect Your Google Business Profile to Ads
This is the step that unlocks Google Maps ads. Your search campaign will not show in the maps until you link your Google Ads account to your Google Business Profile. Inside Google Ads go to Assets, then Locations, and connect your business profile. If your account is already verified you will see your business information. Add it and save. This tells Google to show your ad directly on Google Maps beside your business listing. Once this is done, Google understands that your search ads are local and tied to a real location and your ads qualify for Maps placement.
Step Six: Write Strong HVAC Ads That Convert
Your ad copy must speak to people who have a problem now. Do not write generic weak lines. Use your main service and location directly in the headline. A simple structure works best. AC Repair in Houston, Available Today. Call Now for Fast Service. Licensed Local Technicians. When homeowners search for HVAC services they want assurance you are local, fast and trustworthy. If you offer 24 hour service, financing or free estimates add it. These messages boost conversion and increase your chances of getting calls from the ad. Include your phone number using the call extension so customers can click and call without even visiting the website.
Step Seven: Build a Focused Landing Page
Even if your ad shows in maps, some people still click through to your website to check you out. If your landing page is weak you will lose them. Do not send them to your home page. Use a dedicated HVAC service page that matches the keywords in your ad. If you are running AC repair ads, send them to a page about AC repair. Add your service area, benefits, reviews and trust badges above the fold. Include a click to call button and contact form for visitors who prefer messaging.
Step Eight: Bid Smart and Control CPC
Google Maps clicks are valuable but also competitive. Use manual cost per click bidding if you want full control. Use the Google Keyword Planner to see the average CPC for your area. If top of page bids are around thirty dollars, start around forty so your ads show consistently. Set a daily budget you can sustain for at least thirty days. HVAC ads need time to stabilize before you judge performance.
Step Nine: Start and Optimize
Once the campaign is live you will not see map ads immediately every single time. Google rotates ads based on budget, relevance and proximity. Monitor performance inside Google Ads and also check your Google Business Profile insights. You will start to see calls marked as coming from ads. Over time increase bids on keywords that drive calls and pause any that are wasting budget. If your map ads are not showing after several days make sure your location assets are active and review your keywords. Search your main keywords in your exact service area on your phone to test visibility.
The Difference Between Search and Maps Ads
A search ad shows above the normal search results. A maps ad appears inside the Google Maps pack and on the Google Maps app. The only way to get maps ads is by linking your Google Business Profile and running local search ads. There is no separate button for maps. The setup process above is the only way to do it correctly.
Final Thoughts
Google Maps ads are one of the most powerful lead generation tools available for HVAC businesses today. They put your company directly in front of people who are ready to book. When done properly they can bring a steady flow of high quality phone calls. The key is precise setup and ongoing optimization. If you skip any step Google simply will not show your ads on maps.
If you want help getting your HVAC company to the top of Google Maps fast and you want a team that does this every day for HVAC businesses, book a call with us at HVAC 10X. We build campaigns that deliver real service calls and installs, not vanity clicks. If you are ready to dominate your local market, reach out today and let us show you how it is done.
