Are AI Overviews Damaging Your Organic Rankings?
In the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing, AI-powered search enhancements are transforming how HVAC companies approach SEO. At Leadhub, we’re dedicated to helping HVAC companies navigate these shifts effectively.
Our recent study of 319 HVAC-related keywords reveals valuable insights into how these AI-driven changes impact SEO performance in this industry. Here, we’ll break down the implications of AI-generated overviews (AIOs) in Search Generative Experiences (SGE), other key SERP features, and strategies HVAC businesses can use to stay competitive. Download our E-Book below!
Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords In The HVAC Industry
Our keyword analysis shows that short-tail keywords (such as “HVAC repair” or “AC service”) continue to dominate HVAC searches, representing 55.8% of the terms in our dataset.
This indicates that many users still start with broad searches, which often lead them to the top players in the industry. Competing in these broad terms requires a strong foundation in SEO fundamentals, including a well-optimized website and consistent, high-quality content.
This indicates that many users still start with broad searches, which often lead them to the top players in the industry. Competing in these broad terms requires a strong foundation in SEO fundamentals, including a well-optimized website and consistent, high-quality content.
However, long-tail keywords are gaining traction, accounting for 21.6% of analyzed keywords. These more specific phrases, like “best ductless AC installation,” allow smaller HVAC companies to stand out by targeting niche, intent-driven searches.
For business owners, this is an opportunity to capture highly relevant leads through content that meets unique user needs. For marketers, it’s a chance to guide businesses toward a content strategy that focuses on addressing specific customer questions and pain points.
Location-based searches are essential in HVAC as well. Short-tail keywords with geographic modifiers (like “HVAC repair Austin”) make up 19.4% of searches, underscoring the importance of local SEO. While long-tail keywords with location modifiers are less common (3.1%), they offer a more targeted way to reach customers in specific areas.
AI Overviews (AIOs) In HVAC Search Results
AI-generated overviews, or AIOs, summarize information on the search results page, giving users quick answers to their queries. In our study, 9.7% of HVAC-related searches triggered AIOs, with long-tail keywords being the primary driver.
Only 0.4% of short-tail HVAC keywords triggered AIOs, so for most businesses competing for broad terms, AIOs don’t pose a major threat — yet. However, with 62% of long-tail keywords triggering AIOs, HVAC businesses aiming to capture niche traffic should be mindful of the AIO impact.
For HVAC companies, this data suggests that content targeting long-tail keywords should be optimized to meet Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines. By crafting content that aligns with these standards, businesses can increase their chances of appearing within AIOs, which can direct valuable traffic to their sites. From a business owner’s perspective, this may require a shift toward more educational and solution-focused content on your website—an area where Leadhub can offer guidance.
Key SERP Features: What Matters Most For HVAC Keywords
Our findings identified the most important SERP features in the HVAC sector, starting with the map pack, which appeared in 37.6% of searches.
For HVAC businesses, this is essential: the map pack highlights local service providers, so maintaining a presence here can significantly impact your visibility. Since HVAC services are usually sought by customers nearby, having a well-optimized Google Business Profile, generating positive reviews, and establishing strong local citations can help you secure a spot in these local search results.
The shopping carousel was the second most common SERP feature, appearing in 22.6% of searches. While shopping results may seem unusual for a service-based industry, this reflects the trend of consumers purchasing HVAC-related products online, such as air filters, thermostats, and HVAC accessories. For HVAC companies, there’s an opportunity here: by integrating product pages with structured data on your site, you could appear in these shopping carousels, potentially driving additional revenue and offering customers a one-stop shop.
For business owners, the key takeaway is to consider diversifying offerings where possible. Adding e-commerce functionality to your site can capture interest from product-focused searches, while also helping your brand stand out as a complete HVAC solution provider.
Less Relevant SERP Features For HVAC: The Knowledge Panel
On the other end of the SERP feature spectrum, knowledge panels were the least frequently triggered, only showing up twice in our study. Knowledge panels typically provide verified information from authoritative sources and are more common for brands or well-known entities.
This means HVAC companies likely don’t need to prioritize this feature, though maintaining accurate and comprehensive information across your online profiles is still essential for overall credibility and visibility.
Adapting To The AI-Driven Search Landscape
As the HVAC industry adapts to AI-enhanced search, local SEO remains a top priority. For HVAC companies looking to strengthen their visibility and attract local customers, focusing on map pack optimization is critical. Long-tail keywords, meanwhile, offer a unique opportunity for businesses to capture targeted traffic through detailed content aligned with Google’s quality guidelines.
At Leadhub, we understand that staying competitive in a fast-evolving digital space can be challenging. Our team specializes in SEO strategies tailored to the HVAC industry, helping businesses like yours leverage these AI-driven changes to boost visibility and drive customer engagement. Connect with us to learn how we can enhance your SEO efforts and ensure your business thrives in the AI-enhanced search environment.
