Vendor Relations, Disclosures & Editorial Standards
Effective date: March 28, 2026 · Policy version: 2026-03-28
About Our Platform
What is Full Stack HVAC?
Full Stack HVAC is an HVAC-focused research and comparison platform providing analysis and data on HVAC products, services, and contractors. We aggregate and analyze public data sources, including Google reviews, website audits, product specifications, and industry data, to help HVAC contractors make informed purchasing decisions and homeowners understand the HVAC market.
Our product scores are calculated from published criteria and are not influenced by commercial relationships. We maintain select partnerships (website builder integrations, office admin tools, agency referrals) which are disclosed on their respective pages. These partnerships do not affect product scores, rankings, or editorial content.
How do you choose which products to list?
Our product database includes over 2,600 HVAC products and equipment. Products are included based on their availability in the North American market and relevance to the HVAC industry. We do not require vendors to submit products for inclusion, nor do we exclude products because a vendor refuses to work with us or pay a fee.
Product data is sourced from public sources, manufacturer websites, industry databases, and retailer catalogs. We verify product specifications and technical data against authoritative sources.
Vendors who want to supply or correct structured data can do so through our optional, specs-only submission channel. See For Vendors. Submitting is not required for inclusion and does not affect scores or rankings.
Who writes your product descriptions?
Product descriptions are written by our editorial team using manufacturer specifications, industry research, and technical data. Descriptions are fact-checked against multiple sources and updated regularly as product information changes.
We do not accept manufacturer-written copy or submit descriptions to vendors for approval before publication. This ensures our descriptions remain editorially controlled and focused on providing accurate, balanced information to our readers.
Product Scores & Rankings
How are product scores calculated?
Product scores are calculated using our published FSH scoring methodology, which evaluates six dimensions:
- Ease of Use: User interface, onboarding complexity, and mobile experience
- Features: Functionality depth and breadth relevant to HVAC operations
- Support: Response times, channel availability, documentation, and training resources
- Value: Pricing transparency, total cost of ownership, and price-to-capability ratio
- Integrations: API openness, ecosystem compatibility, and interoperability with common HVAC tools
- AI Capabilities: Level of AI integration, from traditional through AI-native
Scores range from 0 to 10 and are updated monthly. The full methodology is published at How We Score Products. Per-index dimension weights are tuned for category relevance to ensure consistent, meaningful evaluation.
Can vendors pay for better scores or placement?
No. Vendors cannot purchase better scores, higher rankings, featured placement, or favorable editorial treatment on Full Stack HVAC. Scores are based on published criteria applied consistently across every product.
We do maintain affiliate partnerships with select vendors in areas outside product scoring (website builder integrations, office admin tools). Some outbound product links may generate affiliate commissions. These partnerships are disclosed on the relevant pages and do not influence scores, rankings, or editorial coverage.
Vendors may submit factual corrections (see "My product score seems wrong" above), but scores are not adjusted based on vendor opinion or preference, and we do not accept payment for ranking improvements.
If someone claims they can obtain better scores or placement from us in exchange for payment, they are misrepresenting an affiliation with Full Stack HVAC. Please report the details to support@fullstackhvac.com.
My product score seems wrong: what can I do?
If you believe a product score is inaccurate due to incorrect product data, please email editorial@fullstackhvac.com with:
- Product name and model number
- The specific data point(s) you believe are incorrect (e.g., SEER rating, availability, warranty)
- Your proposed correction
- Documentation from an authoritative source (e.g., manufacturer specification sheet, certification database, industry registry)
- Your name, title, and relationship to the vendor or product
Our editorial team will review complete requests within 5 business days. If we verify an error, we will update the product record and recalculate the score promptly. For material corrections, we will add a dated note to the product page documenting the correction. If we decline the request, we will briefly explain why.
You may submit one follow-up request with new evidence within 10 business days if we decline your initial submission. We will not adjust scores based on vendor opinion or competitive preference; we adjust scores only on verified factual corrections.
How often are scores updated?
Product scores are recalculated monthly based on the latest available data. Scores may also be updated immediately if we discover a significant data error or if a product is discontinued.
When scores change, we do not notify vendors directly (unless the change resulted from a correction you submitted). Contractors using our platform will see updated scores the next time they visit.
Reviews & Community Content
Where do the reviews come from?
Full Stack HVAC accepts two types of reviews:
- Community reviews: Reviews posted directly by contractors and homeowners on our platform. These are moderated according to our Community Content Policy and may carry verification badges indicating account age, community standing, or verified use.
- Aggregated reviews: Reviews from Google Business Profiles, Google Search, and other public platforms. These are collected and analyzed alongside our proprietary scoring.
Full Stack HVAC does not authenticate all reviewers or guarantee that they have used a product or service. However, community reviews may carry verification badges if we have confirmed (through account history, permissioning, or direct contact) that the reviewer actually used the contractor's services. See our Community Content Policy for verification standards.
Can vendors remove negative reviews?
We do not remove reviews simply because they are negative or critical. However, we may remove reviews that violate our Community Content Policy, which prohibits fake reviews, harassment, defamatory false claims, spam, and other violations.
For reviews from public platforms (Google, etc.): If you believe a review violates that platform's policies, report it directly to the platform. Once the platform removes it, it will no longer appear on Full Stack HVAC.
For reviews posted directly on Full Stack HVAC: If you dispute a review as false, you may contact us with supporting evidence. We will investigate and may remove reviews that we determine are clearly false or defamatory. Honest negative reviews will not be removed.
How does review moderation work?
For aggregated reviews from public platforms (Google, Trustpilot, etc.): We display aggregated review data from these public sources without editorial intervention. Review moderation decisions are made by the platforms on which reviews were posted, not by us.
For reviews posted directly on Full Stack HVAC: We moderate community reviews according to our Community Content Policy, which includes fraud detection, removal of defamatory false claims, spam, and harassment. See our Community Content Policy for full details.
We do not remove reviews because they are negative, critical, or unflattering. We do not suppress reviews for business reasons.
Can vendors respond to reviews?
For reviews posted directly on Full Stack HVAC: Yes, vendors have the right to post a public response to reviews of their business. Vendor responses should address specific claims in the review and provide additional context about the service or experience. See our Community Content Policy Section 6 for response guidelines.
For aggregated reviews from public platforms (Google, Trustpilot, etc.): We do not provide a response mechanism for reviews aggregated from external platforms. However, most review platforms (including Google Business Profiles) allow business owners to respond to reviews publicly. Vendor responses posted on those platforms are not displayed on Full Stack HVAC, but users can access them by visiting the original review source.
To respond to a review on an external platform, go directly to that platform and follow its process for business responses.
What is the Consumer Review Fairness Act and how does it apply?
The Consumer Review Fairness Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45b, is a U.S. federal law that makes certain standardized contract terms unenforceable and unlawful. Under the CRFA, a business may not use form-contract terms that:
- Prohibit or restrict a consumer from posting a review based on the consumer's actual experience
- Impose a penalty or fee on a consumer for posting a review
- Require a consumer to transfer intellectual property rights in review content, except for a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and analyze the content
The CRFA does not protect defamatory statements, clearly false claims, abusive or harassing content, or reviews that are unrelated to the business being reviewed. It does not prevent a platform from removing content under its published policies.
Full Stack HVAC complies fully with the CRFA and similar consumer-protection laws. We will not suppress honest reviews in exchange for vendor payment or requests, we will not require reviewers to sign away review rights, and we will not penalize reviewers for critical content. If a contractor attempts to prevent you from posting an honest review, that may violate the CRFA. The FTC and state attorneys general enforce this law.
Editorial Content
Who writes your blog posts and analysis?
Blog posts and analysis articles are written by our editorial team of HVAC industry specialists and researchers. All content is fact-checked and reviewed before publication.
We do not accept ghostwritten content, sponsored posts, or advertising disguised as editorial content. All blog content is original and editorially controlled. We disclose any data licensing or partnerships that inform our analysis.
How do you fact-check your content?
Our editorial process includes:
- Source verification: All claims are sourced to industry data, academic research, manufacturer specifications, or public records
- Multi-source validation: Claims are verified against at least two independent sources when possible
- Expert review: Content involving technical specifications or industry standards is reviewed by subject matter experts
- Data audit: We validate our proprietary data against public sources and third-party databases
We maintain detailed source documentation for all factual claims in published articles. This documentation is available upon request for bona fide fact-checking inquiries.
I found a factual error in your content: how do I report it?
Please email us at editorial@fullstackhvac.com with:
- The specific article URL or title
- The exact quote or claim you believe is inaccurate
- Your correction and authoritative source(s) supporting it
Our editorial team will investigate and respond within 5-7 business days. If we determine that an error exists, we will correct it and add a note to the article indicating that a correction was made and when.
We take factual accuracy seriously. Corrections are made quickly and transparently, not buried or delayed.
Can vendors request changes to editorial content?
No. We do not modify editorial content at the request of vendors, marketing departments, or business interests. Our editorial decisions are made by our team based on accuracy, relevance, and reader interest.
If you believe content contains a factual error, see the previous question. We will investigate and correct errors, but only errors. We will not change opinions, comparisons, or analysis because a vendor disagrees with our conclusions.
Data & Privacy
Where does your contractor data come from?
Contractor data is sourced from public sources, including:
- Google Business Profiles
- Business registration databases (Secretary of State, provincial registries)
- Industry directories and licensing boards
- Publicly posted business information on company websites
- Consumer review platforms
We do not purchase contact lists or personal data from brokers. We do not collect data by web scraping contractor websites without permission. All data is sourced from publicly available, legitimate sources.
How do you use Google Business Profile data?
We collect and analyze public information from Google Business Profiles and Google Search reviews, including:
- Business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation
- Service area and coverage information
- Aggregated review counts and star ratings
- Website technical performance metrics (Lighthouse audit scores)
This data is analyzed to create market benchmarks and contractor comparisons. We use this data in accordance with applicable terms of service and platform policies.
We do not claim that our listings are affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of Google Business Profile or Google's directory services. Our use of publicly available business data does not represent a partnership with Google.
Can a contractor opt out of being listed?
Our listings are based on public information and publicly available data from Google, business registries, and industry sources. We do not maintain an opt-out system for individual contractors.
If your information is incorrect, you may update it at the source:
- Update your Google Business Profile, and the changes will be reflected on our platform over time
- Update your business registration with your Secretary of State or provincial registry
- Contact us with corrected information and we will review it for accuracy
You cannot request to be delisted based on negative reviews or unfavorable scores. However, if your business no longer operates, we may remove outdated listings upon request with verification (e.g., business closure documents).
Working With Us
Can vendors claim their product listing?
We do not offer a vendor "claim" or ownership system that hands control of a listing to a vendor. Product data is managed by our editorial team, and listings are not owned or controlled by vendors.
We do offer an optional, specs-only submission channel. You (or your AI agent) can supply structured product data, or correct what we already have, using a machine-readable JSON contract documented at For Vendors. Submissions are factual claims for editorial verification: they are reviewed against manufacturer materials and other authoritative public sources, and are not published verbatim. Submitting is not a path to a better score: a submission never directly changes scores, rankings, or editorial conclusions. Only independently verified factual corrections may update a product record, and any resulting score change follows from our published methodology. Any classification you suggest is a hint; editorial assignment remains authoritative. This channel is optional and free, and is not required for inclusion. You can also email corrections to editorial@fullstackhvac.com.
Do you have vendor partnerships?
Yes. Full Stack HVAC maintains affiliate partnerships with select vendors whose products we believe add value for HVAC professionals. Current partnerships include integrations with our website builder, office administration tools, and agency service referrals.
These partnerships are disclosed on their respective pages (e.g., Office Admin, Agency Services). Some outbound product links on the platform may generate affiliate commissions when users click through or make a purchase. Affiliate relationships do not influence product scores, rankings, or editorial content. We do not accept advertising, sponsored editorial posts, or paid placement within our product catalog or scoring system.
Our revenue comes from the FSH website builder, subscription tiers, and affiliate commissions.
Do you notify vendors before publishing or updating a score?
No. We do not provide advance notice or prepublication review to vendors. Scores are updated monthly based on available data, and vendors do not have the right to review or approve them before they are published.
Vendors may submit factual corrections at any time, but we do not delay score publication to accommodate vendor review requests. If you believe data is inaccurate, submit a correction request (see "My product score seems wrong" above).
How do you handle discontinued products, rebrands, or acquisitions?
When we verify that a product has been discontinued, rebranded, or its manufacturer has changed ownership, we update the product listing to reflect the current status. Discontinued products remain accessible in our database with a clear "discontinued" label for research and historical comparison purposes.
Rebranding information is updated once we verify the change through manufacturer announcements or official sources. Products acquired by new manufacturers are updated to reflect the new parent company.
Who may submit a factual correction?
We accept correction requests from authorized vendor representatives (e.g., manufacturer marketing, sales, or engineering staff), vendors' legal counsel or agencies acting on their behalf, or other parties with documented evidence supporting the correction.
We may request proof of your authority to represent the vendor before acting on significant corrections. This prevents bad-faith submissions and ensures accuracy.
How do I contact the editorial team?
For editorial inquiries, corrections, or concerns, please email: editorial@fullstackhvac.com
For general support or platform issues, email: support@fullstackhvac.com
Response timeframe: Editorial inquiries are reviewed within 5-7 business days. We respond to all legitimate inquiries, though we cannot guarantee changes will be made based on vendor requests.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Full Stack HVAC is committed to providing accurate, data-driven research that serves the interests of contractors and homeowners. Our business success depends on our credibility and the quality of our data and analysis.
We maintain strict separation between our product scoring system (which is based on published criteria and cannot be purchased or influenced by commercial relationships) and our commercial partnerships (which are disclosed and limited to areas outside product evaluation). This separation ensures that our scoring remains a trusted resource for decision-making.
If you have concerns about our editorial practices or disclosures, please contact us at editorial@fullstackhvac.com.
Disclaimer: This FAQ summarizes our editorial and vendor-relations practices. It does not create a contractual right to product placement, score changes, review removal, listing modifications, advance notice of publication, or prepublication review. Scores, rankings, review data, and editorial commentary reflect our analysis and professional judgment based on information reasonably available at the time of publication and are provided for informational purposes only. We correct verified factual errors through the processes described above. This FAQ is not legal advice. For legal questions about our practices, consult with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Full Stack HVAC reserves the right to modify these policies at any time.