Optimization Guide

Shopify HVAC & Climate Control Schema — BTU Capacity, SEER2 Efficiency, Refrigerant Type, ENERGY STAR & AHRI Certification Structured Data

AI shopping agents handling queries like "12,000 BTU mini-split with inverter compressor ENERGY STAR," "window AC for 500 sq ft under $400," "SEER2 22 heat pump R-32 refrigerant," or "AHRI certified 24,000 BTU ductless split 230V" need machine-readable BTU capacity, SEER2 efficiency, refrigerant type, voltage, and certification data. Shopify's default JSON-LD for a window air conditioner outputs nothing but name and price — every BTU, SEER2, and AHRI signal that separates a $300 room AC from a $3,000 inverter mini-split is invisible to the AI agents that now drive HVAC purchase research.

TL;DR Use Product @type with additionalProperty for cooling capacity BTU (unitCode 2L3), heating capacity BTU (heat pumps), SEER2 rating, HSPF2 rating (heat pumps), EER2 rating (window ACs), compressor type, refrigerant type and GWP, voltage type, amperage draw (AMP), coverage area sq ft, and noise level dB (unitCode 2N). Add hasCertification for AHRI certification (with certificate number), ENERGY STAR (with EPA registration number), UL Listed (UL 484, UL 1995, or UL 60335-2-40), and CEC for California sales. Store values in an hvac.* metafield namespace. Always include a legalDisclaimer for A2L or A3 refrigerants requiring EPA Section 608 certified technician service.

Why HVAC Products Are Structurally Invisible to AI Agents

A "12,000 BTU mini-split with inverter compressor ENERGY STAR" is a $500–$3,000 SKU where the purchase decision turns entirely on a stack of technical specifications: BTU capacity relative to room size, SEER2 efficiency rating and what it costs in annual electricity, whether the compressor is a fixed-speed unit that cycles on and off or an inverter that modulates continuously, what refrigerant is inside and whether that refrigerant will be available and affordable for service in five years, and whether the published efficiency numbers are verified by an independent body (AHRI) or unverified manufacturer claims. A shopper asking an AI agent "best air conditioner for 500 sq ft under $600" is relying on the agent to filter and rank products by BTU range, efficiency, price, and certification — none of which are available in Shopify's default schema output.

The gap is compounded by the rapid standards shift in the HVAC category. Since January 1, 2023, new residential HVAC equipment must be rated in SEER2 (not the older SEER standard). Portable AC units must now disclose SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) rather than the legacy "as marketed BTU" figure that overstated capacity by 20–30%. Dehumidifier capacity ratings changed from 80°F/60% RH to 65°F/60% RH per updated AHAM standards. Every one of these changes means product pages that haven't been updated to reflect the current standard are either misleading or incomparable — and without structured data encoding the specific standard used, AI agents cannot determine which standard a given rating was measured under.

What Shopify emits by default

Shopify's Dawn theme and most Shopify themes output a Product JSON-LD block with name, description, sku, image, and an Offer block with price, priceCurrency, and availability. For a window air conditioner, this means an AI agent sees: a product name, a price, and whether it's in stock. BTU capacity, SEER2 rating, voltage, AHRI certification, refrigerant type — all absent. The structured data gap between a Shopify HVAC product page and what an AI agent needs to answer a sizing or efficiency query is almost total.

Window AC Schema — LG LW1022ERSM 10,000 BTU Smart Window AC

The window AC example covers BTU cooling capacity, EER2 efficiency, voltage type, noise level, coverage area, and safety certifications. Note this is a 115V unit — no dedicated circuit required, a key purchase criterion.

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "LG LW1022ERSM 10,000 BTU Smart Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner",
  "description": "LG LW1022ERSM 10,000 BTU window air conditioner with ThinQ Wi-Fi control. EER2 12.0. Covers up to 450 sq ft. 115V standard outlet — no dedicated circuit required. 52 dB noise level. R-32 refrigerant (GWP 675). ENERGY STAR certified. Auto-evaporation — no manual drain. 24-hour on/off timer. Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.",
  "sku": "LW1022ERSM",
  "mpn": "LW1022ERSM",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "LG" },
  "legalDisclaimer": "R-32 refrigerant: A2L classification (mildly flammable). Requires EPA Section 608 certified HVAC technician for refrigerant service and disposal. DIY installation of window unit by homeowner is permitted; refrigerant circuit must not be opened without certification.",
  "hasCertification": [
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "ENERGY STAR Certified",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency",
        "url": "https://www.energystar.gov"
      },
      "certificationIdentification": "ES-2024-RAC-LG-LW1022ERSM",
      "description": "ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioner. Verify at energystar.gov/productfinder."
    },
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "UL Listed — UL 484",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "UL (Underwriters Laboratories)",
        "url": "https://www.ul.com"
      },
      "certificationIdentification": "UL 484",
      "description": "UL 484 — Standard for Room Air Conditioners. UL Listed for US and Canada markets."
    }
  ],
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "HVAC Product Category", "value": "Window / Room Air Conditioner" },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Cooling Capacity",
      "value": "10000",
      "unitCode": "2L3",
      "description": "10,000 BTU/hr (British Thermal Units per hour) cooling capacity. UN/CEFACT unitCode 2L3 = BTU per hour. Covers approximately 400-450 sq ft under standard conditions (average insulation, 8-ft ceiling, temperate climate zone)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "EER2 Rating",
      "value": "12.0",
      "description": "EER2 12.0 — Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (2023 DOE standard replacing EER). Instantaneous efficiency at AHRI 210/240 test conditions. Higher is more efficient. DOE 2023 minimum for 115V window ACs: EER2 9.7."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Coverage Area",
      "value": "up to 450 sq ft",
      "description": "450 sq ft at standard conditions: average insulation, 8-ft ceiling, 1-2 occupants. Add 10% for sunny south-facing rooms; subtract 10% for heavily shaded rooms. Add 600 BTU per person beyond 2 occupants. Add 4,000 BTU if used as kitchen cooling."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Voltage Type",
      "value": "115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15",
      "description": "Standard 115V/120V household outlet. NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug. No dedicated circuit required. Minimum 15A circuit. Compatible with standard US household wiring."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Amperage Draw",
      "value": "10.6",
      "unitCode": "AMP",
      "description": "10.6 amperes rated current draw. Required for circuit breaker sizing — must not exceed 80% of circuit breaker rating on a shared circuit."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Noise Level — Indoor",
      "value": "52",
      "unitCode": "2N",
      "description": "52 dB(A) noise level on high fan speed. Low speed: ~46 dB. Reference: 40 dB = library, 50 dB = normal conversation, 55 dB = loud window AC. Sleep mode: 46 dB."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Refrigerant Type",
      "value": "R-32",
      "description": "R-32 refrigerant. GWP 675 — 68% lower GWP than legacy R-410A (GWP 2,088). A2L flammability class (mildly flammable). Not subject to EPA AIM Act 2025 R-410A phase-out."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Refrigerant GWP",
      "value": "675",
      "description": "Global Warming Potential 675 (100-year AR5 value). Significantly lower environmental impact than R-410A (GWP 2,088) used in older equipment."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Compressor Type",
      "value": "Fixed-Speed (Single-Stage)",
      "description": "Single-stage fixed-speed compressor. Cycles on and off to maintain set temperature. Standard technology for window AC units."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Drain Type",
      "value": "Auto-evaporation — no manual drain required",
      "description": "Self-evaporating system recycles condensate through the condenser coil for improved efficiency. No drip pan to empty under normal operating conditions."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "399.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
    "url": "https://example-hvac.myshopify.com/products/lg-lw1022ersm"
  }
}
</script>

Mini-Split Schema — MRCOOL DIY-12-HP-115 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini-Split

Mini-splits and heat pumps require separate cooling and heating BTU figures, both SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings, compressor type (inverter is standard), refrigerant, voltage, and AHRI certification. The MRCOOL DIY-12-HP-115 is unusual in running on 115V — most mini-splits require 230V — which is a critical purchase decision that structured data must encode explicitly.

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "MRCOOL DIY-12-HP-115VAC-9 12,000 BTU 115V Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System",
  "description": "MRCOOL DIY 3rd Gen 12,000 BTU ductless mini-split heat pump with homeowner-installable pre-charged line set. 115V/60Hz — runs on standard household outlet (unique for mini-splits; most require 230V dedicated circuit). SEER2 20.5. HSPF2 10.0. Inverter compressor. R-32 refrigerant. AHRI certified. Heats down to 5°F outdoor temperature. Covers 550 sq ft cooling / 650 sq ft heating.",
  "sku": "DIY-12-HP-115VAC-9",
  "mpn": "DIY-12-HP-115VAC-9",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "MRCOOL" },
  "legalDisclaimer": "R-32 refrigerant: A2L classification (mildly flammable). Refrigerant circuit pre-charged and sealed for DIY installation — line set connection does not require opening the refrigerant circuit. Any refrigerant service after installation requires an EPA Section 608 certified HVAC technician.",
  "hasCertification": [
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "AHRI Certified",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)",
        "url": "https://www.ahridirectory.org"
      },
      "certificationIdentification": "204856231",
      "description": "AHRI Certificate 204856231. Independently verified BTU cooling capacity (12,000 BTU/hr), heating capacity, SEER2 20.5, and HSPF2 10.0. Verify at ahridirectory.org."
    },
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "ENERGY STAR Certified",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency",
        "url": "https://www.energystar.gov"
      },
      "description": "ENERGY STAR certified ductless mini-split heat pump. ENERGY STAR minimum for mini-splits: SEER2 15.2 or higher."
    },
    {
      "@type": "Certification",
      "name": "UL Listed — UL 60335-2-40",
      "issuedBy": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "UL (Underwriters Laboratories)",
        "url": "https://www.ul.com"
      },
      "certificationIdentification": "UL 60335-2-40",
      "description": "UL 60335-2-40 — Household and Similar Electrical Appliances: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners, and Dehumidifiers."
    }
  ],
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "HVAC Product Category", "value": "Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump" },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Cooling Capacity",
      "value": "12000",
      "unitCode": "2L3",
      "description": "12,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity (1 ton). Covers approximately 500-550 sq ft cooling at standard conditions."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Heating Capacity",
      "value": "13000",
      "unitCode": "2L3",
      "description": "13,000 BTU/hr heating capacity at 47°F outdoor temperature (AHRI 210/240 rated condition). Heating capacity exceeds cooling capacity — standard characteristic of heat pumps. Rated heating at 5°F outdoor: 8,500 BTU/hr. Covers approximately 600-650 sq ft heating."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "SEER2 Rating",
      "value": "20.5",
      "description": "SEER2 20.5 — Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (2023 DOE M1 test standard). Approximately 53% more efficient than the 2023 minimum requirement of 13.4 SEER2. Annual estimated electricity cost for 750 hours cooling at $0.15/kWh: approximately $88."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "HSPF2 Rating",
      "value": "10.0",
      "description": "HSPF2 10.0 — Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (2023 DOE standard replacing HSPF). Measures heat pump heating efficiency over a full season. ENERGY STAR minimum: HSPF2 7.5. Higher is more efficient."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Compressor Type",
      "value": "Inverter (Variable-Speed DC)",
      "description": "DC inverter compressor — continuously modulates output from 10% to 100% to match the actual cooling/heating load. 20-40% more efficient than single-stage fixed-speed compressors. Maintains set temperature within ±0.5°F. Quieter operation — no on/off cycling noise. Now standard in mini-split systems."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Refrigerant Type",
      "value": "R-32",
      "description": "R-32 refrigerant. GWP 675 — 68% lower global warming potential than R-410A (GWP 2,088). A2L mildly flammable — pre-charged sealed system for DIY line set connection."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Refrigerant GWP",
      "value": "675",
      "description": "Global Warming Potential 675. R-32 is not subject to the 2025 EPA AIM Act restrictions that target high-GWP refrigerants including R-410A."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Voltage Type",
      "value": "115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15",
      "description": "115V/120V single-phase. NEMA 5-15 standard household outlet. NOTE: Unusual for a mini-split — the vast majority of mini-split systems require a dedicated 230V/240V circuit. This unit's 115V operation is a primary selling point for rentals and locations without 230V access. Requires 15A dedicated circuit."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Amperage Draw",
      "value": "12.5",
      "unitCode": "AMP",
      "description": "12.5 amperes. Requires a dedicated 15A circuit — must not share circuit with other loads."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Frequency",
      "value": "60",
      "unitCode": "HTZ",
      "description": "60 Hz — US/Canada standard. Not compatible with 50 Hz electrical systems (EU, AU, most of Asia) without a frequency converter."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Noise Level — Indoor Unit",
      "value": "28",
      "unitCode": "2N",
      "description": "28 dB(A) minimum (low fan, sleep mode). High fan: 38 dB. Reference: 25 dB = whisper, 30 dB = quiet bedroom. Among the quietest window-alternative cooling options available."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Noise Level — Outdoor Unit",
      "value": "56",
      "unitCode": "2N",
      "description": "56 dB(A) outdoor condenser unit noise level at rated conditions."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Minimum Operating Temperature",
      "value": "5",
      "unitCode": "FAH",
      "description": "5°F (-15°C) minimum outdoor heating operation temperature. Continues to provide useful heat output down to 5°F — no backup electric resistance heat required in most US climates."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "DIY Installation",
      "value": "Yes — pre-charged line set, no HVAC license required for installation",
      "description": "Pre-charged, pre-flared line set. Homeowner installation permitted. Refrigerant circuit is sealed — no refrigerant handling tools or EPA Section 608 certification required for installation. Electrical connection by licensed electrician recommended."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Coverage Area",
      "value": "up to 550 sq ft cooling",
      "description": "550 sq ft cooling at standard conditions. 650 sq ft heating. See BTU sizing table for adjustment factors."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "899.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
    "url": "https://example-hvac.myshopify.com/products/mrcool-diy-12-hp-115"
  }
}

SEER2 vs SEER: The Most Important Efficiency Spec Change Since 2023

The DOE's 2023 regional efficiency standards replaced SEER with SEER2 for all new residential HVAC equipment. The change is more than a renaming — SEER2 uses M1 testing conditions with a more realistic external static pressure of 0.5 inches of water column (in H2O) compared to the 0.1 in H2O used for the old SEER rating. The practical result: a unit that would have tested at SEER 16 under the old methodology tests at approximately SEER2 15.2 under the new standard — roughly a 5% reduction in the numeric rating for the same physical equipment.

This matters for Shopify merchants in two ways. First, selling new HVAC products with SEER ratings instead of SEER2 ratings is non-compliant with DOE disclosure requirements for units manufactured after January 1, 2023. Second, comparing a new unit's SEER2 rating against an older unit's SEER rating on a product listing page without explicit labeling of which standard applies will mislead buyers — a 14 SEER2 new unit is approximately equivalent to a 14.7 SEER older unit.

SEER2 Regional Minimums (2023 DOE Standards)

Region Unit type Minimum SEER2 Minimum HSPF2
North (DOE Region IV)Central AC, ductless split ≤45,000 BTU13.4 SEER27.5 HSPF2
South / Southwest (DOE Region V)Central AC, ductless split ≤45,000 BTU13.4 SEER27.5 HSPF2
Southeast (DOE Region VI)Central AC, ductless split ≤45,000 BTU14.3 SEER27.5 HSPF2
All regionsWindow AC (room AC) ≤18,000 BTU, 115VEER2 9.7N/A — cooling only
All regionsWindow AC ≤18,000 BTU, 230VEER2 9.4N/A — cooling only
All regionsENERGY STAR mini-split (any region)15.2 SEER2 minimum8.1 HSPF2 minimum

For units still in inventory that predate January 1, 2023 and carry a SEER rating, use name: "SEER Rating (pre-2023 standard)" in the additionalProperty and include the note in the description field. Never publish a SEER value under the name "SEER2" — these are different measurements and the substitution is both technically incorrect and misleading.

HSPF2 and EER2: The Heat Pump and Window AC Equivalents

HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) is the heating-mode analog to SEER2 for heat pumps — it measures heating efficiency across an entire heating season. Like SEER2, it replaced the older HSPF standard using the same M1 test methodology change. A heat pump with HSPF2 10.0 is meaningfully different from one with HSPF2 7.5 — encode this as a separate additionalProperty entry on every heat pump product.

EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) applies to window and room air conditioners and measures instantaneous efficiency — cooling output in BTU/hr divided by power input in watts at a single test condition. It is the primary efficiency metric for window ACs because they lack the variable-speed operation that makes seasonal metrics more meaningful. A window AC with EER2 12.0 uses 24% less electricity than one with EER2 9.7 at the same cooling output.

SACC vs BTU for Portable ACs — A Consumer Protection Issue

Before 2019, portable air conditioners were marketed using a "gross BTU" figure that measured cooling output without accounting for the heat the unit itself generates from its motor and the heat that leaks back into the room through the exhaust duct. A unit marketed as "14,000 BTU" might deliver only 9,000–10,000 BTU of net cooling to the room.

The DOE's 2019 portable AC rule mandated SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) as the required disclosure metric. SACC accounts for duct heat gain, moisture removal efficiency, and the unit's self-generated heat load. A "14,000 BTU" portable AC under the old method typically rates at approximately 9,000–10,000 SACC BTU under the new standard — a 25–30% reduction in the headline number.

For Shopify merchants: always encode the SACC value, not the old gross BTU, as the coolingCapacityBTU additionalProperty for portable ACs manufactured after 2019. If you have older stock with pre-SACC ratings, label it explicitly: name: "Cooling Capacity (pre-2019 DOE gross BTU — not SACC)". Failing to distinguish SACC from gross BTU in structured data causes AI agents to produce incorrect room-size coverage calculations and misleading comparisons between portable and window units.

/* Portable AC — SACC-compliant capacity encoding */
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Cooling Capacity (SACC)",
  "value": "9800",
  "unitCode": "2L3",
  "description": "9,800 BTU/hr SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) per DOE 2019 portable AC standard. This is the actual net cooling delivered to the room. Legacy gross BTU label on older packaging: 14,000 BTU — that figure is not comparable to SACC and overstates effective cooling by approximately 30%."
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Drain Type",
  "value": "Self-evaporating with manual drain backup",
  "description": "Auto-evaporating in most conditions — condensate is expelled through the exhaust duct. In high-humidity conditions, manual drain bucket (0.9L capacity) may fill and require emptying. Continuous drain hose connection available."
}

Refrigerant Type Reference Table

Refrigerant type is increasingly a purchase decision factor for buyers with environmental screening criteria, corporate sustainability commitments, or long-term cost concerns about refrigerant availability and price as phase-outs proceed.

Refrigerant GWP (100-yr) Flammability class Phase-out status Common use
R-410A2,088A1 (non-flammable)Production cap 2025, phasing out per EPA AIM Act. Supply will tighten and prices will rise.Legacy central AC, mini-splits manufactured before ~2023
R-32675A2L (mildly flammable)Not subject to current EPA AIM Act phase-out. Preferred replacement for mini-splits and window ACs.New mini-splits, new window ACs (increasingly common)
R-454B466A2L (mildly flammable)DOE-preferred R-410A replacement for central AC systems. Being adopted by major manufacturers.New central AC systems, replacing R-410A in commercial
R-290 (Propane)3A3 (highly flammable)Not phased out. Ultra-low GWP. Approved for small self-contained units in EU; expanding US approvals.Small window ACs in EU; niche US approval for small units
R-22 (Freon)1,760A1 (non-flammable)Banned for new equipment since 2010 (US). Still in existing systems; virgin R-22 no longer manufactured.Legacy systems only — pre-2010 equipment

BTU to Coverage Area Sizing Table

The Energy Star sizing guideline is approximately 20 BTU per sq ft (or 1 BTU per 25 sq ft in the direction most sources express it). The table below shows standard and adjusted coverage estimates. Always include the methodology note in structured data — coverage varies substantially with local conditions.

BTU/hr Sq ft (standard, 8-ft ceiling) Sq ft (high ceiling, 9-10 ft) Use case
5,000100–150 sq ft85–125 sq ftSmall bedroom, office
6,000150–250 sq ft125–210 sq ftBedroom, small living room
8,000300–350 sq ft250–300 sq ftMaster bedroom, large room
10,000400–450 sq ft340–380 sq ftLarge bedroom, small apartment
12,000 (1 ton)450–550 sq ft380–460 sq ftLiving room, studio apartment
18,000 (1.5 ton)700–800 sq ft600–680 sq ftLarge living room, open plan
24,000 (2 ton)900–1,100 sq ft760–930 sq ftWhole small apartment, large suite
36,000 (3 ton)1,400–1,700 sq ft1,200–1,440 sq ftLarge home zone, small commercial

Sizing adjustments: add 10% BTU for south-facing sunny rooms; subtract 10% for heavily shaded rooms; add 600 BTU per additional occupant above 2; add 4,000 BTU for kitchen installations; add 20% for high-humidity climates. These adjustments should appear in the description field of the coverageArea additionalProperty, not the value — the value should be the nominal standard-condition figure so AI agents can filter by it numerically.

AHRI Certification: Why It Is the Most Important HVAC Certification

Unlike UL listing (which certifies electrical safety) or ENERGY STAR (which certifies energy efficiency), AHRI certification verifies that the published performance numbers — BTU cooling capacity, BTU heating capacity, SEER2, and HSPF2 — were independently tested and match what the manufacturer claims. Without AHRI certification, any BTU or SEER2 figure is an unverified manufacturer claim that cannot be trusted for product comparison.

This matters for AI agents because product comparison and recommendation queries require that the underlying numeric specifications are reliable and comparable across products. An AI agent cannot confidently rank a 12,000 BTU SEER2 20 unit against a 12,000 BTU SEER2 22 unit if either rating is an unverified manufacturer claim — the comparison could be completely meaningless. AHRI certification makes the numbers trustworthy.

The AHRI directory at ahridirectory.org is publicly searchable by certificate number. Always include the specific certificate number in certificationIdentification — this is what makes the certification verifiable rather than just a text claim. The AHRI certificate number is typically on the product nameplate and in the installation manual.

Voltage Requirements: Preventing Installation Errors

Voltage type is one of the most consequential purchase specifications for HVAC products. Installing a 230V window AC into a 115V circuit destroys the unit and may cause electrical fire. Purchasing a central AC system without verifying a 240V dedicated circuit is available creates a return scenario and electrician costs. Voltage data that is absent or buried in a product description PDF rather than in structured data causes preventable purchase errors.

The voltage encoding pattern needs to include four pieces of information: nominal voltage (115V or 230V), frequency (60Hz in US/Canada, 50Hz in EU/AU), plug type (NEMA standard), and minimum circuit breaker size. All four belong in the description field of the voltageType additionalProperty — the value should be the human-parseable shorthand ("115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15" or "230V / 60Hz NEMA 6-20") that AI agents can use for filtering.

/* 115V standard outlet — window ACs ≤12,000 BTU, portable ACs, dehumidifiers */
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Voltage Type",
  "value": "115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15",
  "description": "Standard 115V/120V household outlet. NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug. No dedicated circuit or electrician required. Suitable for standard 15A household circuits. Do not use with extension cord — plug directly into wall outlet."
}

/* 230V dedicated circuit — window ACs >12,000 BTU, most mini-splits, central AC */
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Voltage Type",
  "value": "230V / 60Hz NEMA 6-20",
  "description": "230V/240V — requires a dedicated 20A circuit with NEMA 6-20 outlet (or NEMA 14-30 for 30A). Cannot plug into standard 115V household outlet. Licensed electrician installation required for circuit and outlet. Confirm circuit availability before purchase."
}

/* Mini-split single-phase (residential) */
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Voltage Type",
  "value": "230V / 60Hz single-phase NEMA 6-20",
  "description": "230V single-phase residential electrical. Requires dedicated 20A or 25A circuit. Standard for residential mini-split installations. Three-phase (commercial) version also available — see model suffix '-3P'. Single-phase is correct for all residential installations."
}

HVAC Efficiency Rating Comparison Table

Rating Unit type What it measures 2023 DOE minimum
SEER2Central AC, mini-splits, ductless splitsSeasonal cooling efficiency — total cooling BTU divided by total watt-hours over the cooling season under M1 test conditions (0.5 in H2O duct static pressure)13.4 SEER2 (North/South); 14.3 SEER2 (Southeast)
HSPF2Heat pumps (heating mode)Seasonal heating efficiency — total heating BTU divided by total watt-hours over the heating season. M1 test conditions.7.5 HSPF2. ENERGY STAR minimum: 8.1 HSPF2
EER2Window ACs, room ACsInstantaneous efficiency at a single rated condition — BTU/hr divided by watts input. Higher = more efficient.9.7 EER2 (115V, ≤18,000 BTU); 9.4 EER2 (230V, ≤18,000 BTU)
COPHeat pumps, mini-splitsCoefficient of Performance — instantaneous heating output in watts divided by electrical input in watts. COP 3.0 means 3× more heat output than electrical energy consumed.No DOE minimum for COP directly; derived from HSPF2
SACCPortable ACsSeasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity — net room cooling accounting for duct heat gain and moisture. DOE 2019 standard. 20-30% lower than legacy gross BTU figure.Required disclosure metric for portable ACs post-2019
SEER (legacy)Equipment manufactured before Jan 1, 2023Seasonal cooling efficiency under older 0.1 in H2O test conditions. Approximately 5% higher numerically than SEER2 for same unit. Should not be reported for new equipment.Discontinued for new equipment; still applies to pre-2023 inventory

Dawn Liquid Snippet: hvac.* Metafield Namespace

Save as snippets/hvac-product-schema.liquid. Activates for products tagged hvac, air-conditioner, mini-split, heat-pump, dehumidifier, or in the hvac collection.

{% comment %} hvac-product-schema.liquid — HVAC and climate control schema {% endcomment %}
{% assign is_hvac = false %}
{% if product.tags contains 'hvac' or product.tags contains 'air-conditioner' or product.tags contains 'mini-split' or product.tags contains 'heat-pump' or product.tags contains 'dehumidifier' or product.tags contains 'air-purifier' %}
  {% assign is_hvac = true %}
{% endif %}
{% for collection in product.collections %}
  {% if collection.handle == 'hvac' or collection.handle == 'air-conditioners' or collection.handle == 'climate-control' %}
    {% assign is_hvac = true %}
  {% endif %}
{% endfor %}

{% if is_hvac %}
{% assign hvac_cat        = product.metafields.hvac.product_category %}
{% assign cool_btu        = product.metafields.hvac.cooling_capacity_btu %}
{% assign heat_btu        = product.metafields.hvac.heating_capacity_btu %}
{% assign seer2           = product.metafields.hvac.seer2_rating %}
{% assign hspf2           = product.metafields.hvac.hspf2_rating %}
{% assign eer2            = product.metafields.hvac.eer2_rating %}
{% assign comp_type       = product.metafields.hvac.compressor_type %}
{% assign refrig_type     = product.metafields.hvac.refrigerant_type %}
{% assign refrig_gwp      = product.metafields.hvac.refrigerant_gwp %}
{% assign voltage_type    = product.metafields.hvac.voltage_type %}
{% assign amperage        = product.metafields.hvac.amperage_draw %}
{% assign coverage        = product.metafields.hvac.coverage_sqft %}
{% assign noise_indoor    = product.metafields.hvac.noise_db_indoor %}
{% assign ahri_cert       = product.metafields.hvac.ahri_certificate %}

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": {{ product.title | json }},
  "description": {{ product.description | strip_html | truncatewords: 80 | json }},
  "url": "{{ shop.url }}{{ product.url }}",
  "sku": {{ product.selected_or_first_available_variant.sku | json }}
  {% if product.selected_or_first_available_variant.barcode != blank %}
  ,"gtin": {{ product.selected_or_first_available_variant.barcode | json }}
  {% endif %}
  {% if product.vendor != blank %}
  ,"brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": {{ product.vendor | json }} }
  {% endif %}
  {% if refrig_type != blank %}
  ,"legalDisclaimer": "This product contains {{ refrig_type }} refrigerant. Refrigerant service requires an EPA Section 608 certified HVAC technician. Do not attempt to open the refrigerant circuit without proper certification and equipment."
  {% endif %}
  ,"hasCertification": [
    {% assign cert_first = true %}
    {% if ahri_cert != blank %}
    { "@type": "Certification", "name": "AHRI Certified", "issuedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)", "url": "https://www.ahridirectory.org" }, "certificationIdentification": {{ ahri_cert | json }} }
    {% assign cert_first = false %}
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.hvac.energy_star == "true" or product.metafields.hvac.energy_star == true %}
    {% unless cert_first %},{% endunless %}{ "@type": "Certification", "name": "ENERGY STAR Certified", "issuedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency", "url": "https://www.energystar.gov" } }
    {% assign cert_first = false %}
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.hvac.ul_listed != blank %}
    {% unless cert_first %},{% endunless %}{ "@type": "Certification", "name": {{ product.metafields.hvac.ul_listed | json }}, "issuedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "UL (Underwriters Laboratories)", "url": "https://www.ul.com" } }
    {% endif %}
  ]
  ,"additionalProperty": [
    {% assign ap_s = false %}
    {% if hvac_cat != blank %}
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "HVAC Product Category", "value": {{ hvac_cat | json }} }
    {% assign ap_s = true %}
    {% endif %}
    {% if cool_btu != blank %}
    {% if ap_s %},{% endif %}{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Cooling Capacity", "value": {{ cool_btu | json }}, "unitCode": "2L3", "description": {{ cool_btu | append: " BTU/hr cooling capacity" | json }} }
    {% assign ap_s = true %}
    {% endif %}
    {% if heat_btu != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Heating Capacity", "value": {{ heat_btu | json }}, "unitCode": "2L3", "description": {{ heat_btu | append: " BTU/hr heating capacity" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if seer2 != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "SEER2 Rating", "value": {{ seer2 | json }}, "description": {{ "SEER2 " | append: seer2 | append: " — Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (2023 DOE M1 testing standard)" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if hspf2 != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "HSPF2 Rating", "value": {{ hspf2 | json }}, "description": {{ "HSPF2 " | append: hspf2 | append: " — Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (2023 DOE standard)" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if eer2 != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "EER2 Rating", "value": {{ eer2 | json }}, "description": {{ "EER2 " | append: eer2 | append: " — Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (2023 DOE standard for room air conditioners)" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if comp_type != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Compressor Type", "value": {{ comp_type | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if refrig_type != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Refrigerant Type", "value": {{ refrig_type | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if refrig_gwp != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Refrigerant GWP", "value": {{ refrig_gwp | json }}, "description": {{ "Global Warming Potential " | append: refrig_gwp | append: " (100-year AR5 value)" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if voltage_type != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Voltage Type", "value": {{ voltage_type | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if amperage != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Amperage Draw", "value": {{ amperage | json }}, "unitCode": "AMP" }
    {% endif %}
    {% if coverage != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Coverage Area", "value": {{ coverage | append: " sq ft" | json }}, "description": {{ "Up to " | append: coverage | append: " sq ft at standard conditions (average insulation, 8-ft ceiling)" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
    {% if noise_indoor != blank %}
    ,{ "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Noise Level — Indoor", "value": {{ noise_indoor | json }}, "unitCode": "2N", "description": {{ noise_indoor | append: " dB(A) indoor unit noise level on high fan speed" | json }} }
    {% endif %}
  ]
  ,"offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": {{ product.selected_or_first_available_variant.price | money_without_currency | json }},
    "priceCurrency": {{ cart.currency.iso_code | json }},
    "availability": {% if product.available %}"https://schema.org/InStock"{% else %}"https://schema.org/OutOfStock"{% endif %},
    "url": "{{ shop.url }}{{ product.url }}"
  }
}
</script>
{% endif %}

hvac.* metafield namespace

Metafield Type Example values
hvac.product_categorySingle line textWindow / Room Air Conditioner, Ductless Mini-Split, Portable Air Conditioner, Central AC, Heat Pump, Dehumidifier, Air Purifier
hvac.cooling_capacity_btuInteger6000, 8000, 10000, 12000, 18000, 24000
hvac.heating_capacity_btuInteger13000, 15000, 18000, 24000 (heat pumps and mini-splits only)
hvac.seer2_ratingDecimal15.2, 18.0, 20.5, 22.0, 25.0
hvac.hspf2_ratingDecimal8.1, 9.0, 10.0, 11.5 (heat pumps only)
hvac.eer2_ratingDecimal10.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5 (window ACs only)
hvac.compressor_typeSingle line textInverter (Variable-Speed DC), Fixed-Speed (Single-Stage), Dual-Stage (Two-Stage)
hvac.refrigerant_typeSingle line textR-32, R-410A, R-454B, R-290
hvac.refrigerant_gwpInteger675 (R-32), 2088 (R-410A), 466 (R-454B), 3 (R-290)
hvac.voltage_typeSingle line text115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15, 230V / 60Hz NEMA 6-20
hvac.amperage_drawDecimal10.6, 12.5, 15.0, 20.0
hvac.coverage_sqftInteger250, 450, 550, 750, 1000
hvac.noise_db_indoorInteger28, 38, 46, 52
hvac.ahri_certificateSingle line text204856231, 123456789 (from ahridirectory.org)

5 Common HVAC Schema Mistakes

# Mistake Impact Fix
1 SEER reported instead of SEER2 for post-2023 equipment Post-January 2023 HVAC products must be rated under SEER2. Reporting SEER overstates efficiency by approximately 5% relative to current DOE standards and makes the rating incomparable to other current products rated in SEER2. AI agents cannot correctly rank efficiency or verify DOE minimum compliance from SEER figures on new equipment. Use additionalProperty with name: "SEER2 Rating" for all equipment manufactured after January 1, 2023. For older inventory, use name: "SEER Rating (pre-2023 standard)" with an explicit note in the description field that this is the legacy metric and is not directly comparable to SEER2.
2 No AHRI certificate number in hasCertification Without an AHRI certificate number, published BTU and SEER2 figures are unverified manufacturer claims. AI agents handling comparison queries — "which 12,000 BTU mini-split has the highest verified SEER2?" — cannot distinguish verified-performance products from unverified ones. Unverified claims can be inflated with no accountability. Add hasCertification with name: "AHRI Certified", issuedBy.name: "AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)", issuedBy.url: "https://www.ahridirectory.org", and the actual AHRI certificate number in certificationIdentification. Certificate numbers are on the product nameplate and at ahridirectory.org.
3 Portable AC gross BTU instead of SACC Legacy "as marketed BTU" ratings for portable ACs can exceed actual SACC cooling capacity by 20–30%. A unit labeled "14,000 BTU" may deliver only 9,500 SACC BTU. AI agents using the inflated gross BTU for room-size coverage calculations will systematically overestimate the unit's ability to cool a given space, leading to buyer dissatisfaction and returns. Encode the DOE 2019 SACC value as coolingCapacityBTU additionalProperty for all portable ACs. If the product listing still shows the old gross BTU on the packaging, add a separate additionalProperty labeled "Cooling Capacity (legacy gross BTU — not SACC)" and explicitly note the difference in the description.
4 Voltage type absent or only in description text 230V units purchased by buyers without a dedicated circuit create returns, electrician costs, and potential electrical hazards. 115V units purchased by buyers who assumed they needed 230V and hired an electrician unnecessarily generate support burden. Voltage is the single most consequential installation spec — burying it in description text rather than encoding it as a structured property makes it unfiltered and unreliable for AI agent purchase guidance. Add additionalProperty with name: "Voltage Type" and a value that includes voltage, frequency, and NEMA plug type: "115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15" or "230V / 60Hz NEMA 6-20". Add amperage draw as a separate PropertyValue with unitCode: "AMP". Both fields are needed for correct circuit breaker sizing guidance.
5 Missing refrigerant type and GWP R-410A (GWP 2,088) is being phased out under the EPA AIM Act — service costs for R-410A systems are already rising as supply contracts. Buyers with environmental purchasing criteria, building sustainability requirements, or long-term service cost concerns are actively filtering for low-GWP refrigerants. Without structured refrigerant type and GWP data, products using R-32 (GWP 675) or R-454B (GWP 466) are indistinguishable from R-410A products in AI agent results. Add two additionalProperty entries: name: "Refrigerant Type" with value such as "R-32" and a description noting the flammability class, and name: "Refrigerant GWP" with the integer GWP value. Add legalDisclaimer for any A2L or A3 refrigerant noting the EPA Section 608 technician requirement for service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I encode BTU capacity in schema.org for HVAC products?

Use additionalProperty with PropertyValue and unitCode: "2L3" (the UN/CEFACT code for BTU per hour). For mini-splits and heat pumps, add two separate entries: name: "Cooling Capacity" and name: "Heating Capacity" — heat pumps deliver different BTU/hr in heating and cooling mode and the distinction matters for sizing. For portable ACs, always use the SACC value (DOE 2019 standard), not the legacy gross BTU figure. The description field should include the nominal coverage area and the sizing methodology used: "12,000 BTU/hr at standard conditions covers approximately 450-550 sq ft with average insulation, 8-ft ceiling, temperate US climate zone."

What is the difference between SEER and SEER2 in schema.org?

SEER2 is the mandatory efficiency metric for all new residential HVAC equipment manufactured after January 1, 2023. It uses M1 testing conditions with 0.5 in H2O external static pressure (more realistic than the 0.1 in H2O used for the legacy SEER test), producing values approximately 5% lower for the same physical unit. Never label a SEER value as "SEER2" — they are not interchangeable. In additionalProperty, use name: "SEER2 Rating" for post-2023 equipment and name: "SEER Rating (pre-2023 standard)" for older inventory. For heat pumps, also add name: "HSPF2 Rating" for heating mode efficiency. For window ACs, use name: "EER2 Rating" — EER2 is the instantaneous efficiency metric for room air conditioners under the same 2023 M1 standard update.

How do I implement AHRI certification in schema.org for air conditioners?

Use hasCertification with name: "AHRI Certified", issuedBy.name: "AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)", issuedBy.url: "https://www.ahridirectory.org", and the actual AHRI certificate number in certificationIdentification. AHRI certification is the most important HVAC certification for AI agents because it independently verifies the BTU and SEER2/HSPF2 figures — without it, those numbers are unverified manufacturer claims that AI agents cannot reliably use for comparison filtering. Add ENERGY STAR as a separate hasCertification entry. Add UL Listed (UL 484 for room ACs, UL 1995 for heating and cooling equipment, UL 60335-2-40 for heat pumps) as additional entries.

How do I encode refrigerant type and GWP for environmental compliance?

Add two separate additionalProperty entries: name: "Refrigerant Type" with the refrigerant identifier (e.g., "R-32") and description including the flammability class (A1 non-flammable, A2L mildly flammable, A3 highly flammable), and name: "Refrigerant GWP" with the integer 100-year Global Warming Potential value. For A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B) and A3 refrigerants (R-290), add a legalDisclaimer to the Product noting that refrigerant service requires an EPA Section 608 certified HVAC technician. Key values: R-410A GWP 2,088 (being phased out); R-32 GWP 675 (common replacement in mini-splits and window ACs); R-454B GWP 466 (DOE-preferred R-410A replacement for central AC); R-290 GWP 3 (ultra-low GWP propane).

How do I specify voltage requirements for HVAC products to prevent installation errors?

Add additionalProperty with name: "Voltage Type" and a value that includes voltage, frequency, and NEMA plug type in one string: "115V / 60Hz NEMA 5-15" for standard outlet units, "230V / 60Hz NEMA 6-20" for dedicated circuit units. Add a second additionalProperty with name: "Amperage Draw", the numeric current value, and unitCode: "AMP" — electricians need this to size the circuit breaker. The description field should note whether a dedicated circuit is required, the minimum circuit breaker rating, and any installation restrictions. For mini-splits, note single-phase vs three-phase and whether a disconnect box is required by local code (typically mandatory within line of sight of the outdoor unit).

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