Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 12, 2026 | Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how HVACBase.org collects, uses, and protects your information.
1. Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
- Calculator Data: Information entered into our BTU, sizing, and efficiency calculators (room dimensions, climate zone, insulation type)
- Contact Forms: Name, email address, and messages when you contact us
- Comments: Information provided when commenting on articles (if feature enabled)
Information Collected Automatically
| Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Device Information | Browser type, OS, screen size | Site optimization |
| Usage Data | Pages visited, time on site | Content improvement |
| Location Data | Country, state (IP-based) | Regional content |
| Referral Data | How you found us | Marketing analysis |
2. How We Use Your Information
Primary Uses
- • Provide calculator results and recommendations
- • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- • Improve our content and tools based on usage
- • Customize content for your climate zone
- • Send requested information or updates
We Do NOT
- ❌ Sell your personal information
- ❌ Share data with HVAC contractors without consent
- ❌ Use your data for unrelated marketing
- ❌ Create user profiles for advertising
- ❌ Store calculator inputs beyond session
3. Information Sharing & Disclosure
Limited Sharing Policy
We share your information only in these specific circumstances:
- Service Providers: Analytics (Google Analytics), hosting (Vercel/AWS), email services
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or court order
- Safety: To protect rights, property, or safety of HVACBase, users, or public
- Business Transfers: In connection with merger, acquisition, or asset sale
- With Consent: When you explicitly agree to sharing
5. Data Security
Security Measures
- ✓ SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
- ✓ Regular security audits and updates
- ✓ Limited access to personal information
- ✓ Secure hosting infrastructure
- ✓ No storage of sensitive financial data
- ✓ Regular backups and disaster recovery
- ✓ Compliance with industry standards
- ✓ Incident response procedures
6. Your Rights & Choices
You Have the Right To:
- ✓Access: Request a copy of information we have about you
- ✓Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- ✓Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- ✓Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from communications
- ✓Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
California Residents: Additional rights under CCPA including right to know, delete, opt-out of sale (we don't sell data), and non-discrimination.
7. Children's Privacy
HVACBase.org is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at privacy@hvacbase.org for deletion.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. For material changes:
- • We'll post a prominent notice on the homepage
- • The new policy will take effect 30 days after posting
- • Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes