Take Back Google Search: How Local HVAC Contractors Can Compete on Price (and Win)
By: Will Housh
If you search “furnace prices near me” or “AC cost” on Google today, you’ll notice something important—big-box stores and online retailers are dominating the results.
You’ll see real products, with real prices, from brands like Goodman, Rheem, and Trane—sold by HVACDirect.com, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and others.
What you won’t see?
Local HVAC contractors.
And that’s a problem—because the search terms are changing.
The Rise of Price-Driven HVAC Searches
Today’s homeowners shop differently than they did five or ten years ago. They’re not waiting for your office to open or calling three companies to request estimates. They’re picking up their phone, opening Google, and typing things like:
- “How much does a furnace cost?”
- “AC system price near me”
- “HVAC installation estimate”
- “Cost to replace air conditioner”
According to Google Trends, these types of price-related queries have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Homeowners want transparency—and they want it now.
And when they search, what do they see?
Who’s Winning These Searches?
They see Google Shopping results filled with product listings. Listings with:
- Clear brand names and model numbers
- Upfront prices (even if they don’t include installation)
- Free shipping and high star ratings
In this real example, Lowe’s shows up first with an $1,831 air conditioner price—before any local contractor.
And while it may not include installation or permits, it answers the searcher’s question first. That’s why it wins the click.
Big-box stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s are consistently taking the top search spots for HVAC-related queries. Even Amazon and budget ecommerce shops like HVACDirect.com are now your competition.
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Why Local Contractors Are Losing Out
Here’s the hard truth: search is evolving, and local contractors are falling behind.
Homeowners search at all hours. And when they’re ready to compare options, the first contractor to answer their pricing questions wins.
“I am shocked by how many leads we get from the hours of 8 p.m. till 2 in the morning when people are sitting on their couch or sitting in bed. It was eye-opening to see how many people are shopping late at night… the biggest win is capturing those people that normally would have to wait till 8 in the morning to call or send an email.”
— Deljo HVAC
If your website can’t give them a quote in real-time, they move on. And in 2025, that means you’re competing not just with other contractors—but with ecommerce.
The Fix: Offer Real-Time System Pricing on Your Website
Contractor Commerce makes it possible for any HVAC contractor to show real-time, fully installed system pricing—right on their existing website.
With this tool, contractors can:
- Display multiple matched system options
- Offer instant price ranges for full installation
- Allow customers to request quotes or book appointments online—on their terms
No more “contact us for pricing.” No more guessing games.
You show up in search. You provide what they’re looking for. You win the lead.
Why It Works
Here’s what makes this approach so powerful:
- You meet the customer at the right moment. Whether it’s 10 a.m. or 10 p.m., your website is always working—giving homeowners the information they need.
- You compete with big-box stores without racing to the bottom. Unlike equipment-only pricing, your quotes reflect fully installed system pricing—a service no retailer can match.
- You build trust. By being transparent and helpful online, you become the easy, credible choice before they even pick up the phone.
“They’re one step ahead in their process when they’re sitting on their couch—and you’re right there. You’re the first one.”
— Deljo HVAC
Real Contractors, Real Results
Contractors using this approach are already seeing the shift. Some report:
- More qualified leads arriving pre-educated
- Higher close rates on jobs that start online
- Reduced admin work—fewer calls asking “how much does it cost?”
And perhaps most importantly: they’re back in the game when it comes to search visibility.
If someone searches “AC system cost near me,” and your site gives them an answer—you’ve just taken that search back from the big-box giants.
It’s Time to Take Back the Search
Homeowners aren’t going to stop using Google. And they’re not going to stop expecting pricing transparency.
The only question is: will they find you or someone else?
If you’re not showing up for price-related searches, you’re invisible. But with Contractor Commerce, you can change that—today.
Want to See It in Action?
Watch how contractors like Deljo HVAC are converting more website visitors by offering real-time system pricing:
Let’s Get You Competitive Again
Ready to quote live on your website?
Want to capture price-conscious customers 24/7—without lifting a finger?
Contractor Commerce helps you turn your website into a sales engine.
👉 Schedule a demo today and start showing up in the searches you’ve been missing out on.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
Take Back Google Search: How Local HVAC Contractors Can Compete on Price (and Win)
By: Will Housh
Take Back the Search: How Local HVAC Contractors Can Compete on Price (and Win)
If you search “furnace prices near me” or “AC cost” on Google today, you’ll notice something important—big-box stores and online retailers are dominating the results.
You’ll see real products, with real prices, from brands like Goodman, Rheem, and Trane—sold by HVACDirect.com, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and others.
What you won’t see?
Local HVAC contractors.
And that’s a problem—because the search terms are changing.
The Rise of Price-Driven HVAC Searches
Today’s homeowners shop differently than they did five or ten years ago. They’re not waiting for your office to open or calling three companies to request estimates. They’re picking up their phone, opening Google, and typing things like:
- “How much does a furnace cost?”
- “AC system price near me”
- “HVAC installation estimate”
- “Cost to replace air conditioner”
According to Google Trends, these types of price-related queries have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Homeowners want transparency—and they want it now.
And when they search, what do they see?
Who’s Winning These Searches?
They see Google Shopping results filled with product listings. Listings with:
- Clear brand names and model numbers
- Upfront prices (even if they don’t include installation)
- Free shipping and high star ratings
In this real example, Lowe’s shows up first with an $1,831 air conditioner price—before any local contractor.
And while it may not include installation or permits, it answers the searcher’s question first. That’s why it wins the click.
Big-box stores like Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s are consistently taking the top search spots for HVAC-related queries. Even Amazon and budget ecommerce shops like HVACDirect.com are now your competition.
Why Local Contractors Are Losing Out
Here’s the hard truth: search is evolving, and local contractors are falling behind.
Homeowners search at all hours. And when they’re ready to compare options, the first contractor to answer their pricing questions wins.
“I am shocked by how many leads we get from the hours of 8 p.m. till 2 in the morning when people are sitting on their couch or sitting in bed. It was eye-opening to see how many people are shopping late at night… the biggest win is capturing those people that normally would have to wait till 8 in the morning to call or send an email.”
— Deljo HVAC
If your website can’t give them a quote in real-time, they move on. And in 2025, that means you’re competing not just with other contractors—but with ecommerce.
The Fix: Offer Real-Time System Pricing on Your Website
Contractor Commerce makes it possible for any HVAC contractor to show real-time, fully installed system pricing—right on their existing website.
With this tool, contractors can:
- Display multiple matched system options
- Offer instant price ranges for full installation
- Allow customers to request quotes or book appointments online—on their terms
No more “contact us for pricing.” No more guessing games.
You show up in search. You provide what they’re looking for. You win the lead.
Why It Works
Here’s what makes this approach so powerful:
- You meet the customer at the right moment. Whether it’s 10 a.m. or 10 p.m., your website is always working—giving homeowners the information they need.
- You compete with big-box stores without racing to the bottom. Unlike equipment-only pricing, your quotes reflect fully installed system pricing—a service no retailer can match.
- You build trust. By being transparent and helpful online, you become the easy, credible choice before they even pick up the phone.
“They’re one step ahead in their process when they’re sitting on their couch—and you’re right there. You’re the first one.”
— Deljo HVAC
Real Contractors, Real Results
Contractors using this approach are already seeing the shift. Some report:
- More qualified leads arriving pre-educated
- Higher close rates on jobs that start online
- Reduced admin work—fewer calls asking “how much does it cost?”
And perhaps most importantly: they’re back in the game when it comes to search visibility.
If someone searches “AC system cost near me,” and your site gives them an answer—you’ve just taken that search back from the big-box giants.
It’s Time to Take Back the Search
Homeowners aren’t going to stop using Google. And they’re not going to stop expecting pricing transparency.
The only question is: will they find you or someone else?
If you’re not showing up for price-related searches, you’re invisible. But with Contractor Commerce, you can change that—today.
Want to See It in Action?
Watch how contractors like Deljo HVAC are converting more website visitors by offering real-time system pricing:
Let’s Get You Competitive Again
Ready to quote live on your website?
Want to capture price-conscious customers 24/7—without lifting a finger?
Contractor Commerce helps you turn your website into a sales engine.
👉 Schedule a demo today and start showing up in the searches you’ve been missing out on.
TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF CONTRACTORS
“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air ConditioningRECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
Industry-Leading Contractors Use Contractor Commerce
“The fact is, consumers would rather shop online than in person. If you don’t build an e-commerce presence, you won’t have the opportunity. Now is the time.”
Lou Hobaica, Hobaica Services“It was scary-easy to get set up. It’s plug and play. I drive people to the site, and I collect on the backend. Contractor Commerce takes the order, processes the order, and ships it…any HVAC company would be crazy not to start an online store with Contractor Commerce.”
Bob Reilly, Courtney's Heating & Cooling“Working with the Contractor Commerce team is simple. It’s great. They’re understanding, and they will do anything possible in their power to accommodate your needs. It’s an added service for us…it’s good for our customers”
Jeremy Shellabarger, Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning“Having our website store powered by Contractor Commerce gives us a unique competitive advantage in our market. Our friends in the industry look at our website and say, ‘Wow! That’s super cool. I don’t know why my company isn’t doing this.”
Lizeth Melisa, Comfort Pro“Having an online store from Contractor Commerce is great for our customers! It is convenient and easy for customers to order filters. It saves time when they can go right to the website, place their order and have the filter delivered within a couple of days. Plus, the Contractor Commerce team is great to work with. They are very responsive and helpful and I know they really care about my success!”
Karen B, Liberty Comfort Systems“It’s really easy to set up. I had an online store and was selling products within 48 hours of talking to these guys.”
Jeff K, Ductworks Heating & Air Conditioning“The Contractor Commerce team has been easy to work with and has even customized a few things to fit the needs of my business!”
Chris H, Dick Hill and Sons Heating and Cooling“We have several subscription customers already. This just means recurring revenue for us with no additional overhead or managing.”
Jason C, Advent Air Conditioning