Data Privacy Statement

1. Introduction

SoCal HVAC ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (socal-hvac.com) or interact with our services.

By using our website or providing us with your information, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or provide us with your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Contact Information:

• Name (first and last)

• Email address

• Phone number (home, work, mobile)

• Mailing address

• Property address (if different from mailing address)

Service-Related Information:

• HVAC system details and service history

• Property type and characteristics

• Service preferences and scheduling information

• Special instructions or accessibility needs

Communication Preferences:

• Marketing communication consent

• Preferred contact methods and times

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

Technical Information:

• IP address and location information

• Browser type and version

• Operating system

• Device type and screen resolution

• Referring website and pages visited

Website Usage Data:

• Pages viewed and time spent on pages

• Links clicked and downloads

• Search terms used on our site

• Date and time of visits

• Website navigation patterns

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• Session cookies for website functionality

• Analytics cookies to understand website usage

• Marketing cookies for advertising purposes

• Local storage for user preferences

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Social media platforms (if you interact with our social profiles)

• Review platforms (public reviews and ratings)

• Marketing partners and lead generation services

• Background check services for employment purposes

• Professional licensing verification services

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Uses

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery:

• Responding to service requests and inquiries

• Scheduling and conducting HVAC services

• Providing estimates and invoicing

• Following up on completed services

• Processing payments and managing accounts

Communication:

• Sending appointment confirmations and reminders

• Providing service updates and notifications

• Responding to customer support requests

• Sending important safety or recall information

Business Operations:

• Improving our services and customer experience

• Training staff and quality assurance

• Maintaining business records and compliance

• Managing customer relationships

3.2 Marketing and Promotional Uses

With your consent, we may use your information for:

• Sending newsletters and promotional offers

• Providing seasonal maintenance reminders

• Sharing educational content about HVAC systems

• Inviting participation in customer surveys

• Promoting special offers and discounts

3.3 Legal and Compliance Uses

We may use your information to:

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations

• Respond to legal requests and court orders

• Protect our rights and interests

• Investigate and prevent fraud or misconduct

• Maintain insurance and licensing requirements

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Service Providers and Partners

We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist us:

Business Partners:

• HVAC equipment manufacturers for warranty service

• Parts suppliers for special orders

• Subcontractors for specialized services

• Insurance companies for claims processing

Service Providers:

• Payment processors for transaction handling

• Scheduling software providers

• Email marketing services

• Website hosting and analytics providers

• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law:

• In response to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process

• To comply with regulatory investigations

• To protect the safety of our employees or customers

• To investigate suspected fraud or illegal activity

• To enforce our terms of service or contracts

4.3 What We Don't Share

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

5. Data Security and Protection

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest

• Secure servers and firewalls

• Regular security updates and patches

• Access controls and authentication systems

• Regular security audits and monitoring

Organizational Safeguards:

• Employee training on data protection

• Limited access to personal information

• Confidentiality agreements with staff and vendors

• Incident response procedures

• Regular policy reviews and updates

5.2 Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for:

• Providing ongoing services and support

• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements

• Resolving disputes and enforcing agreements

• Legitimate business purposes

Typical Retention Periods:

• Active customer records: Duration of relationship plus 7 years

• Inactive customer records: 7 years after last service

• Website analytics data: 26 months

• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe

• Legal compliance records: As required by applicable law

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information:

Right to Know:

• Categories of personal information we collect

• Specific pieces of personal information we have about you

• Categories of sources from which information is collected

• Business purposes for collecting information

• Categories of third parties with whom we share information

Right to Delete:

• Request deletion of your personal information

• Exceptions apply for legal compliance and legitimate business needs

Right to Opt-Out:

• Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell information)

• Opt-out of targeted advertising

Right to Non-Discrimination:

• We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

6.2 General Privacy Rights

All users have the right to:

• Access the personal information we have about you

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information

• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

• Object to certain types of processing

• Withdraw consent for marketing communications

6.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights:

Contact Methods:

• Email: [Privacy Email Address]

• Phone: [Privacy Phone Number]

• Mail: [Business Address], Attn: Privacy Officer

• Online Form: [Privacy Request Form URL]

Verification Process:

• We may require verification of your identity

• Requests will be responded to within 45 days

• Extensions may be necessary for complex requests

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies:

• Required for basic website functionality

• Session management and security

• Cannot be disabled without affecting site operation

Analytics Cookies:

• Google Analytics for website usage statistics

• Performance monitoring and optimization

• Aggregated and anonymized data collection

Marketing Cookies:

• Third-party advertising platforms

• Social media integration

• Conversion tracking and remarketing

7.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings to block or delete cookies

• Opt-out tools provided by advertising networks

• Our cookie preference center (if available)

• Third-party privacy tools and browser extensions

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Children's Privacy

8.1 Age Restrictions

Our website and services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8.2 Parental Rights

If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13:

• Contact us immediately using the information below

• We will delete the information promptly

• Parents can review and request deletion of their child's information

9. International Data Transfers

9.1 Data Location

Your information may be stored and processed in the United States. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

9.2 International Users

If you are accessing our website from outside the United States:

• Your information will be transferred to and stored in the United States

• U.S. privacy laws may differ from your country's laws

• We will protect your information according to this privacy policy

10. Third-Party Websites and Services

10.1 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites:

• We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices

• Third-party sites have their own privacy policies

• We encourage you to review their privacy practices

• This policy applies only to our website and services

10.2 Social Media

Our social media pages are governed by:

• The privacy policies of the respective platforms

• Our social media terms of use

• This privacy policy for information shared with us

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

11.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our information practices

• Updates to applicable privacy laws

• New features or services we offer

• Feedback from customers and regulators

11.2 Notification of Changes

When we make material changes:

• We will post the updated policy on our website

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top

• For significant changes, we may provide additional notice

• Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of changes

12. Compliance and Regulatory Information

12.1 Applicable Laws

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

• California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines

• Industry-specific regulations for HVAC services

12.2 Regular Review

We regularly review this Privacy Policy to ensure:

• Compliance with current privacy laws

• Accuracy of our data practices

• Protection of customer privacy rights

• Alignment with industry best practices