What money buys here — and what it doesn't
This guide is free for homeowners. It is supported by clearly labeled commercial products sold to companies. The line between editorial and paid is the product, so here is the line, in writing.
What companies can pay for
- Claimed profile. A company verifies it controls its listing and can submit documentation (license, insurance, photos, service details) for us to verify and publish. Marked "claimed."
- Enhanced profile. More photos, expanded service detail, team and financing information. Facts still pass our verification rules. Marked "enhanced."
- Sponsored directory placement. Higher visibility inside the directory, always labeled "Sponsored," never mixed into editorial rank order.
What companies cannot pay for
- An editorial rank, a better rank, or a "best for" label.
- Softer language in their writeup, or removal of drawbacks we observed.
- Removal or demotion of a competitor.
- A rating, review summary, or any number we publish.
How you can tell
- Every sponsored placement says Sponsored on its face, near the listing — not in a footer.
- Paid outbound links carry
rel="sponsored". - Each profile shows its status: free, claimed, enhanced, or sponsored.
- Our methodology lists every ranking factor; sponsorship is not one of them.
If we ever break this policy
Tell us: editor@sandiegowaterheater.com. A paid placement that isn't labeled is a defect we treat at the same severity as a factual error, with an on-page correction.
Policy last updated June 2026