Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

MiniSplit Match ("we," "our," "us," or the "Company") 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 minisplitmatch.com (the "Service"), use our HVAC system configurator, or interact with our services.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our Service and governs our data collection and usage practices. By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the practices described in this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect the following personal information that you voluntarily provide to us:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Account Information: Username, password, and account preferences
• Project Information: Property details, ZIP code, construction era, room specifications, BTU requirements, and system preferences
• Communication Data: Messages, feedback, and correspondence with our support team
• Payment Information: When processed through third-party payment processors, we may receive transaction confirmations but do not store full payment card details

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you access our Service, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates, configuration choices, search queries
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address or ZIP code entered for load calculations
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: As described in Section 4 below
• Log Files: Server logs containing timestamps, requested resources, HTTP status codes, and referrer information

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, including:

• Business Partners: HVAC equipment manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• Service Providers: Analytics services, customer support platforms, and marketing services
• Public Sources: Climate zone databases, building code information, and energy efficiency data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Operate and maintain the HVAC configurator service
• Process system configuration requests and provide recommendations
• Perform load calculations and climate zone adjustments
• Connect you with appropriate equipment and retailers
• Provide customer support and technical assistance

3.2 Communication and Marketing

• Send service-related notifications and updates
• Provide information about new features and improvements
• Send promotional materials and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and requests

3.3 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our Service
• Conduct research and development for new features
• Monitor and analyze trends in HVAC system selection
• Optimize user experience and interface design

3.4 Legal and Security

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Enforce our Terms of Use and other agreements
• Respond to legal requests and prevent harm

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Service:

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality, including session management and security
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings such as dark mode preference and language selection
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Service to improve functionality
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness

4.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our Service. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from particular sites
• Accept cookies only from the site you are currently on

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Service, including:

• Web hosting and cloud storage providers
• Payment processors and financial services
• Email and communication service providers
• Analytics and monitoring services
• Customer support platforms

5.2 Business Partners

We may share certain information with HVAC manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to:

• Provide accurate product information and availability
• Facilitate purchase transactions
• Improve product recommendations
• Support warranty and service claims

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others
• Investigate fraud or respond to government requests

5.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your information.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption: Data in transit is protected using SSL/TLS encryption
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security vulnerabilities and threats
• Employee Training: Regular security awareness training for all personnel
• Incident Response: Established procedures for responding to security incidents

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors we consider when determining retention periods include:

• The nature and sensitivity of the information
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• The purposes for which we collected the information
• Whether we can achieve those purposes through other means

When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Privacy Rights

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

8.1 General Rights

• Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

8.2 California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

8.3 European Residents (GDPR)

EU residents have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, including those listed in Section 8.1 above.

8.4 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. When we transfer information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to ensure your information remains protected, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Adequacy decisions by competent authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you a notification if required by law

Your continued use of our Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.