Privacy Policy

At Efficiency Heating & Cooling, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, contact us by phone, or use our HVAC services in the Portland metropolitan area.

By using our services or website, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our services or website.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

• Name, email address, phone number, and physical address
• Service request details, scheduling preferences, and appointment history
• Payment and billing information for services rendered
• Communications with our team via phone, email, or online forms
• Reviews and feedback you provide about our services

Information Collected Automatically

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Referring URLs and search terms that led you to our site
• Geographic location (city/region level)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our HVAC services
• Process service appointments, estimates, and transactions
• Send appointment confirmations, service reminders, and follow-ups
• Respond to your questions and customer service requests
• Send promotional offers, maintenance reminders, and seasonal tips (with your consent)
• Improve our website functionality and user experience
• Analyze service trends and customer needs
• Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Prevent fraud and ensure security of our systems

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (Google Analytics)
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our website.

We Do Not Sell or Transfer Your Information

Your information stays with us. We do not sell, rent, lease, or transfer your personal information to any outside parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

Your information is used solely for:

• Providing HVAC services you have requested
• Scheduling and confirming appointments
• Communicating about your service (with your consent)
• Processing payments for services rendered
• Complying with legal obligations when required by law

No mobile information will be shared for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with anyone except the service providers who deliver messages on our behalf (and they are prohibited from using your data for any other purpose).

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including maintaining service records, honoring warranties, providing customer support, and complying with legal obligations. Service records are typically retained for 7 years after the last service date. You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.

Data Security

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

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmitted to and from our website
• Secure storage of customer records with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Know: Request information about what personal data we collect and how we use it
• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). You may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected, and request deletion of your data. We do not sell personal information as defined by the CCPA.

Oregon Residents

Oregon residents have rights under the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act effective July 1, 2024. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data, and opt out of targeted advertising.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond to your request within 45 days.

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want to be tracked. Our website currently does not respond to DNT signals. However, you can manage your tracking preferences through your browser settings and by opting out of analytics cookies.

SMS/Text Message Communications

If you opt in to receive text messages from us, we may send appointment reminders, service updates, scheduling confirmations, and promotional offers. Message frequency varies based on your service needs and preferences. Message and data rates may apply.

Your phone number and SMS consent information is strictly protected and used only for:

• Sending you the text messages you have consented to receive
• Providing customer service and support for our SMS program
• Complying with legal obligations

Opt-Out Instructions

You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. For help, reply HELP or contact us at (503) 698-5588. For complete SMS terms, please see our Terms of Service.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

External Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites, including manufacturer sites, review platforms, and social media. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. For significant changes, we may notify you by email or through a prominent notice on our website. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.