Terms of Service

These terms cover your use of this website. They are not the agreement for any work we carry out — that is a separate written proposal and contract, and where the two differ, the contract governs.

What the technical content is for

This site publishes a substantial amount of technical material: fault codes, measurement standards, code requirements and diagnostic methods. It is written to help you understand your own systems and to ask better questions of whoever works on them.

It is general information, not advice about your specific property. Every building differs, and a page cannot see yours. Nothing here should be treated as a diagnosis, a design, or a substitute for a licensed professional inspecting the equipment in front of them.

Reading this site does not create a contractor–client relationship.

Safety

Some of what we write about is genuinely hazardous — combustion appliances, carbon monoxide, refrigerant under pressure, and electrical systems capable of killing you.

Where an article describes how something is tested or repaired, that is written so you understand what proper work involves, not as instructions to attempt it. Do not use this site as a guide to working on live electrical equipment, gas appliances or sealed refrigerant systems. If you smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide, or see signs of electrical overheating, leave the affected area and call a professional or the emergency services.

Codes, standards and incentives change

We cite building codes, test standards and rebate programmes where they are relevant, and we date our articles so you can judge how current they are. All of those change, sometimes mid-year. Where a figure matters to a decision you are making, confirm it against the issuing authority or ask us to confirm what applies to your address. We deliberately avoid publishing rebate amounts and rate figures for this reason.

Quotes and pricing

Any cost ranges or bands described on this site are illustrative and are not offers. A price becomes binding only in a written proposal that identifies your property and the scope of work.

Content and trademarks

The writing, photographs and layout on this site belong to us. You are welcome to read it, print it, and quote a reasonable extract with a link back. Republishing it wholesale is not permitted.

Manufacturer names and product names appear here to identify equipment we are certified on and service. Those marks belong to their owners, and their use here does not imply that they endorse us.

Links to other sites

We link to outside sources — government agencies, standards bodies and regulators — so you can verify what we have written. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content.

Availability

We try to keep this site accurate and available, but we do not guarantee either. Content may be updated or removed without notice.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for loss or damage arising from reliance on information published here. This does not limit any liability that cannot lawfully be limited, and it does not affect your rights under a contract for work we carry out.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California.

Contact

Questions about these terms can be sent through our contact page. Our privacy practices are described in the privacy policy.