Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 5, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to HowManyWatts.org ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at howmanywatts.org (the "Site"). By using the Site, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

We are committed to transparency and protecting your privacy. This policy complies with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Submit a contact form or inquiry
• Subscribe to our newsletter (if applicable)
• Leave comments on our articles
• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

This information may include your name, email address, and the content of your message.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, certain information about your device and browsing behavior is automatically collected, including:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and time/date stamps
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: How you interact with our content, including click patterns and time spent on pages

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how visitors use our Site
• Deliver personalized advertising
• Improve site performance and functionality

3. Google AdSense and Third-Party Advertising

3.1 Google AdSense Cookies

HowManyWatts.org uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense uses cookies, including the DoubleClick DART cookie, to serve ads based on your visits to our Site and other websites across the Internet.

The DART cookie enables Google to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our Site and other sites on the Internet. This is known as interest-based advertising or personalized advertising.

3.2 How Google Uses Your Information

Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to:

• Serve ads on our Site based on your prior visits to our Site or other websites
• Measure ad effectiveness and analyze user interactions
• Prevent fraud and improve ad security

3.3 Opting Out of Personalized Advertising

You have the right to opt out of personalized advertising. You can do so by:

• Visiting the Google Ads Settings page
• Using the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out tool
• Visiting the Network Advertising Initiative's opt-out page
• Adjusting your browser settings to block third-party cookies

Please note that opting out of personalized advertising does not mean you will see fewer ads; it means the ads you see will be less relevant to your interests.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Site Operation: To provide, maintain, and improve our Site's functionality and content
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, comments, and feedback
• Analytics: To understand user behavior, analyze trends, and optimize content
• Advertising: To display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, or security breaches

5. Third-Party Services and Links

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze how visitors use our Site. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. For more information, review Google's Privacy Policy.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5.2 External Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites, including manufacturers' sites, government resources (such as the U.S. Department of Energy), and Energy Star databases. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Automatically collected data (such as IP addresses and log files) is typically retained for 26 months, in accordance with Google Analytics' default settings.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access and update any personal information you have provided to us. To request access or correction, contact us at the email address provided in Section 12.

7.2 Data Deletion

You may request that we delete your personal information. Please note that we may need to retain certain information for legal or administrative purposes.

7.3 Cookie Management

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific websites
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our Site and prevent certain features from working properly.

7.4 Rights for European Users (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the GDPR, including:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Restriction: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to our processing of your personal data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

7.5 Rights for California Users (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your CCPA rights

8. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States, where data protection laws may differ. By using our Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.

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This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable privacy laws. By using HowManyWatts.org, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.