Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Heating and Cooling Experts of St. Louis

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025
Last Updated: July 20, 2025

Introduction

Heating and Cooling Experts of St. Louis (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our website and referral services.

Our service connects customers with qualified HVAC contractors in the St. Louis area. We do not provide direct HVAC services, on-site consultations, or personalized professional advice. All information on our website should be considered general guidance, and customers must obtain specific recommendations from licensed contractors.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you use our services, we collect the following information that you voluntarily provide:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and physical address
  • Project Details: Information about your HVAC needs, property type, preferred service timing, and budget requirements
  • Communication Preferences: How and when you prefer to be contacted by contractors

Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on our site, click patterns, and referral sources
  • Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type, and screen resolution
  • Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address to match you with local contractors

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

  • Contractors: Feedback about completed referrals and service outcomes
  • Analytics Providers: Website performance and user behavior data
  • Marketing Partners: Information to improve our referral matching process

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Primary Service Functions

  • Contractor Matching: Connecting you with qualified HVAC contractors that meet your specific needs and location
  • Referral Processing: Sharing your contact and project information with selected contractors
  • Service Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns to enhance our matching algorithm and user experience
  • Quality Assurance: Following up on referrals to ensure service quality and customer satisfaction

Communication and Support

  • Customer Service: Responding to your inquiries and providing support
  • Service Updates: Sending notifications about your referral status and contractor responses
  • Marketing Communications: Sharing relevant HVAC tips, seasonal maintenance reminders, and service promotions (with your consent)

Legal and Business Operations

  • Compliance: Meeting legal obligations and regulatory requirements
  • Business Analysis: Understanding market trends and improving our contractor network
  • Fraud Prevention: Protecting against fraudulent activity and ensuring service integrity

How We Share Your Information

With HVAC Contractors

When you submit a service request, we share relevant information with contractors in our network, including:

  • Your contact information (name, phone, email, address)
  • Project details and service requirements
  • Preferred timing and budget information
  • Any special instructions or preferences you provide

Important: By using our service, you expressly consent to us sharing this information with contractors for referral purposes.

With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who help operate our business:

  • Website Hosting: Companies that host and maintain our website infrastructure
  • Analytics Services: Providers that help us understand website usage and improve user experience
  • Communication Tools: Services that facilitate email communications and customer support
  • Payment Processing: If applicable for any premium services we may offer in the future

These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Legal Disclosures

We may disclose your information when required by law or to protect our rights:

  • In response to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes
  • To comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • To protect the safety and security of our users and contractors
  • In connection with business transfers, mergers, or acquisitions

No Sale of Personal Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Our business model is based solely on referral fees from contractors when successful connections are made.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
  • Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information in our records
  • Completion: Add missing information to your profile

Deletion and Opt-Out

  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
  • Marketing Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
  • Service Opt-Out: Request to be removed from future contractor referrals

Data Portability

You can request a copy of your personal information in a commonly used, machine-readable format.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require identity verification for security purposes.

Data Security

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

Security Measures

  • Encryption: Data transmission is protected using SSL/TLS encryption
  • Access Controls: Strict limitations on who can access personal information
  • Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
  • Secure Storage: Information is stored on secure servers with appropriate safeguards
  • Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for all team members

Data Breach Response

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your privacy rights:

  • We will investigate and contain the breach immediately
  • Affected users will be notified within 72 hours when feasible
  • We will cooperate with relevant authorities as required by law
  • We will take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

Types of Cookies Used

  • Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
  • Marketing Cookies: Enable personalized content and advertising (with consent)

Managing Cookie Preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block all cookies (may limit website functionality)
  • Delete existing cookies from your device
  • Set preferences for specific types of cookies

For detailed instructions, visit your browser’s help section or privacy settings.

Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in locations outside of Missouri or the United States for business operations purposes. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

  • Standard contractual clauses with service providers
  • Adequacy decisions from relevant authorities
  • Other appropriate transfer mechanisms as required by law

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make material changes:

  • Website Notice: We will post a prominent notice on our website
  • Email Notification: Registered users will receive email notification of significant changes
  • Effective Date: The updated policy will include a new effective date
  • Continued Use: Your continued use of our services after changes constitute acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it immediately and take steps to prevent similar occurrences.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately at stlouisquotes@yourheatingandcoolingexperts.com.

Legal Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy and any disputes arising from your use of our services are governed by the laws of the State of Missouri. Any legal proceedings related to privacy matters will be conducted in the appropriate courts of Missouri.

Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Heating and Cooling Experts of St. Louis

Important Disclaimers

  • General Information Only: All content on our website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice
  • Licensed Contractor Consultation: Always consult with licensed HVAC contractors for specific recommendations and professional guidance
  • No Direct Services: We are a referral service only and do not provide direct HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance services
  • Contractor Independence: All contractors in our network are independent businesses responsible for their own services, licensing, and compliance

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.