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ServiceMag

Editorial Standards & Ethics

Last updated: March 2026

Our Editorial Mission

ServiceMag exists to serve the appliance repair and HVAC professionals of California with accurate, useful, independent journalism. We cover the industry from the technician's perspective: what is happening, what it means for your business, and what you need to know to make informed decisions.

We are a trade publication, not a marketing agency. Our editorial content is produced by journalists and experienced industry professionals, and its purpose is to inform — not to promote.

Editorial Independence

Our editorial and advertising operations are separate. Advertisers do not influence editorial coverage, story selection, or article content.

Advertising revenue supports our journalism but does not direct it. Sales staff have no role in editorial decisions. No advertiser, sponsor, or business relationship can buy favorable coverage, influence a review, or suppress a story.

Editor-in-Chief Dominic Rossi has final authority over all editorial decisions.

Source Standards

  • We attribute all factual claims to named sources, official documents, or verifiable data.
  • When we cite manufacturer specifications, we link to the original technical documentation where available.
  • Anonymous sources are used only when the source faces professional risk for speaking on the record, and only when the information cannot be obtained through other means. All anonymous sourcing is approved by the editor-in-chief.
  • Repair cost estimates in our guides reflect current market rates gathered from practicing technicians in California. We state the basis for all cost figures.

Fact-Checking & Accuracy

All technical claims — including part numbers, diagnostic procedures, and repair costs — are verified against manufacturer documentation and confirmed by at least one practicing technician.

All industry statistics are sourced to the original data provider (e.g., Bureau of Labor Statistics, AHRI, EPA, CPSC). When we are uncertain or a topic is contested, we say so.

Corrections & Retractions

We correct errors of fact promptly and transparently.

  • Corrections are noted at the top of the affected article with the date and nature of the correction.
  • If an article requires a substantive correction that changes its conclusions, we note that prominently.
  • We do not silently edit published articles. Any material changes after publication are logged.

To report a factual error, email corrections@servicemag.org with the article URL, the specific claim you believe is incorrect, and the correct information along with its source.

Advertising & Sponsored Content Disclosure

ServiceMag accepts display advertising and newsletter sponsorship. All advertisements are visually distinct from editorial content and labeled “Advertisement.”

We do not publish advertiser-written articles as editorial content. If ServiceMag were ever to publish a sponsored or partner article, it would be:

  • Clearly labeled “Sponsored” or “Partner Content” at the top of the article
  • Visually differentiated from editorial content
  • Not written by our editorial staff

Directory listings are based on publicly available business data. Businesses cannot pay for higher placement or favorable representation in the directory.

Conflicts of Interest

  • Editorial staff do not accept gifts, travel, or other consideration from companies we cover.
  • If a writer has a material relationship with a company mentioned in their article, it is disclosed within the article.
  • Our contributing editors are working technicians and industry professionals. Their professional experience is a qualification, not a conflict — but we disclose their professional affiliations where relevant.

Contact Us About Our Standards