Editorial Ethics Policy

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Most affiliate sites in this niche claim they tested every product. Almost none of them did. This policy explains what we do instead, and the rules we will not break.

1. We do not fake hands-on testing

We never claim "we bought," "we tested," or "we used" a product unless we actually did. Our recommendations come from verified manufacturer specifications, public certification databases (Energy Star v5.0, AHAM), CPSC recall records, EPA/DOE/CDC authority guidance, and patterns aggregated from thousands of verified user reviews. We always tell you exactly where the data came from.

2. We cite our sources

Every meaningful claim links to the source: EPA, DOE, Energy Star, CPSC, CDC, AHAM, EIA, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, FEMA, Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, or the manufacturer's own published documentation. If a claim has no source, it is opinion — and we mark it as such.

3. We accept no paid placements

Brands cannot pay to be recommended on AirCareGuide. We do not accept payment, free product samples, sponsored content, or any other consideration in exchange for editorial coverage. Affiliate revenue (see policy 4) is the only money we accept, and the affiliate relationship does not change which products we recommend.

4. We disclose affiliate relationships

AirCareGuide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. When you click a product link on our site and make a purchase, the retailer pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is disclosed on every page that contains affiliate links. The disclosure is also at the top of our affiliate disclosure page.

5. We update guides quarterly

Energy Star standards change. Recalls happen. New products launch. We re-audit every pillar guide at least four times a year, with the last-updated date visible on every page. If a recommended product is recalled or its standards-compliance changes, we update the page within 7 days of confirming the change.

6. We do not recommend recalled products

Every model on our recommendation lists is verified against the current CPSC recall database before publication. If you find a recommendation on our site that is now under recall, please tell us via the contact page and we will pull the recommendation within 24 hours.

7. We correct errors transparently

When we are wrong, we say so. Material errors get a correction note at the top of the relevant page, dated, with a brief explanation. We do not silently edit content to hide mistakes. If you spot an error, send it to us — we will look at it within 7 days.

8. We protect reader trust ahead of revenue

Every editorial decision on this site is made with one filter: would a careful, honest expert recommend this to a friend? If the answer is no, we will not publish it — no matter how much affiliate revenue it would generate.

Questions or concerns

Use our contact page to flag anything that looks off. We treat every report as a real concern and respond within 7 days.