Your Privacy Matters

Privacy Policy

Bernie's Heating & A/C Service is committed to protecting your personal information

Last Updated: November 2024

Bernie's Heating & A/C Service ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise handle your personal information when you visit our website, call us, or use our services.

Table of Contents

1. Information We Collect2. How We Use Your Information3. SMS Communications & Opt-In4. Google Services5. Information Disclosure6. Data Security7. Data Retention8. Your Rights9. Children's Privacy10. Contact Us

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly:

  • Contact information (name, phone number, email address, physical address)
  • Service request details (type of service needed, equipment information, preferred timing)
  • Payment information processed through secure third-party processors
  • SMS phone numbers when you opt in to receive text messages
  • Customer feedback, testimonials, and reviews
  • Information from service calls and work performed at your property

Information Collected Automatically:

  • Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, referring website)
  • Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
  • Location data (approximate location from IP address)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies
  • Analytics data through Google Analytics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To schedule, provide, and support HVAC services
  • Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
  • Billing & Payments: To process payments and send invoices
  • SMS Marketing: To send appointment reminders and promotional messages (only with your consent)
  • Service Improvements: To analyze usage patterns and improve our website and services
  • Marketing: To send marketing communications about our services (with appropriate consent)
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraudulent or illegal activity

3. SMS Communications & Opt-In

SMS Opt-In

When you provide your mobile phone number and consent to SMS communications, you are opting in to receive text messages from Bernie's Heating & A/C Service. These messages may include:

  • Appointment reminders and confirmations
  • Service updates and notifications
  • Emergency service alerts
  • Promotional offers and seasonal reminders
  • Customer feedback requests

How to Opt-In

  • By providing your phone number on our website contact form
  • By providing your phone number during a phone call with our team
  • By texting "SUBSCRIBE" to 773-900-BERNIE (773-900-2373)
  • During service scheduling or appointment booking

How to Opt-Out

You can opt out of SMS communications at any time by:

  • Texting "STOP" to any SMS message from us
  • Calling us at 773-900-6248 and requesting to opt out
  • Emailing us at [email protected] with your request

Note: Even if you opt out of promotional SMS, you may still receive transactional messages for service confirmations and emergency alerts.

Message Rates & Frequency

Message and data rates may apply. SMS messages are typically sent on a per-message basis. Message frequency depends on your service needs and opt-in selections. By opting in, you consent to receive an estimated 2-4 messages per month, though frequency may vary.

4. Google Services

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic, user behavior, and engagement patterns. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect data about how you interact with our website.

Google Ads & Remarketing

We may use Google Ads and remarketing services to display ads on Google platforms and partner websites. This allows us to reach visitors who have previously visited our website with relevant service information.

Google My Business

We maintain a Google My Business profile. Information you submit through Google My Business (reviews, Q&A) is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

Privacy Notice: The information collected by Google is governed by Google's Privacy Policy. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing theGoogle Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Information Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share information in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist in our operations (payment processors, SMS providers, email services)
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
  • Business Transfer: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
  • Franchise Partners: Limited information may be shared with authorized service partners
  • Your Consent: With your explicit permission for specific purposes

6. Data Security

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

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted over the internet
  • Secure password policies for employee access
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Limited employee access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
  • Regular security audits and assessments

Note: While we strive to protect your information, no security system is impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Retention periods vary based on the type of information:

  • Customer Service Records: Retained for 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
  • SMS Opt-In Records: Retained as long as you remain opted in, plus 1 year after opt-out
  • Website Analytics: Automatically aggregated and anonymized after 26 months
  • Marketing Communications: Retained until you unsubscribe

8. Your Rights

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

  • Access: Right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
  • Correction: Right to request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Right to request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
  • Opt-Out: Right to opt out of marketing communications and SMS
  • Portability: Right to receive your information in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete such information.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Phone

773-900-6248

Email

[email protected]

Mailing

Bernie's Heating & A/C Service
Chicago, IL

Last Updated: November 2024

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Your continued use of our website and services following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Have Questions About Your Privacy?

We're happy to discuss how we protect your information. Reach out to us anytime.

Contact Us