Ownership research methodology and corrections policy

Classifications

• Private equity-backed: linked public records support a private-equity ownership or control relationship through the company or a parent platform.
• VC / investor-backed: sources support an investor relationship, but the available evidence does not establish private-equity control.
• Independent: available sources support the displayed ownership description and do not identify a controlling private-equity or venture-capital owner. This is not proof that no undisclosed or later investment exists.
• Under review: a material ownership question or credible dispute needs further checking. The label does not itself change the underlying ownership classification.

Evidence confidence describes the strength and directness of the available support. It is not a quality score for a company. A dated transaction or parent-company link is included only when supported by a source.

Evidence and verification dates

We favor company announcements, investor or parent-company materials, regulatory filings, and reliable reporting that directly supports the specific ownership relationship. A company website can support a claim only when the linked page actually states it. We show source links and the supported ownership chain on each listing when they are available.

A verification date is shown only when a company-specific date is recorded. If a date or source link is unavailable, the listing says so. Missing evidence is a research gap, not a reason to silently change a classification.

Corrections and disputed information

1. Use the “Request a correction” action on the relevant company listing. Include the specific claim and, if available, source links or other supporting evidence. A reply email is optional.
2. Submissions are private and are not published automatically. An administrator reviews the claim and evidence before any public record changes.
3. Where a credible dispute needs investigation, an administrator may mark the listing “Under review.” The existing classification is not changed just because a report was submitted.
4. We keep a private review history and preserve evidence that supported prior publication so later corrections do not erase the record of what was reviewed.

You can also contact admin@WhoOwnsYourHVAC.org.

What this research does not establish

Ownership research does not certify a contractor’s licensing, insurance, financial condition, conduct, safety, or workmanship. Verify licensing and insurance with the appropriate authority and assess any contractor independently.