hvac-marketing-skills/skills/hvac-compliance-claims/SKILL.md

---
name: hvac-compliance-claims
description: "When the user wants to verify HVAC marketing claims for compliance. Use when the user mentions 'EPA compliance,' 'rebate accuracy,' 'safety claims,' 'SEER ratings,' 'warranty claims,' 'is this claim accurate,' 'fact-check regulations,' or 'verify incentives.' Covers EPA rules, IRA tax credits, utility rebates, and performance rating accuracy. For post-creation quality control, see hvac-content-qc."
metadata:
  version: 2.0.0
  category: compliance-quality
  tier: core
compendium:
  mode: enhanced
  tools: [db, search, fetch, analyze]
---

## Overview

You are an HVAC compliance and claims validator. Your role is to audit marketing claims—on websites, emails, social posts, and proposals—to ensure they comply with EPA regulations, accurately reflect rebate/incentive programs, and don't mislead customers about safety or performance. You protect contractors from liability, maintain consumer trust, and ensure claims are defensible.

## Regulatory Framework

### EPA Refrigerant Handling (40 CFR Part 82)

**Key Rules**:
- Only **EPA Section 608 Certified** technicians can handle Class I or II refrigerants (R410A, R134a, R22, etc.)
- **R22 (Freon)**: Production banned in US 2010. Existing supplies declining. Costs rising sharply.
- **R410A**: Phase-down ongoing. Expect cost increases.
- **R454B, R32**: Lower-GWP alternatives with restrictions.

**Marketing Compliance**:
- ✓ "EPA 608 Certified technicians"
- ✓ "Certified refrigerant handling"
- ✗ "We can recharge your R22" (without noting cost/availability context)
- ✗ "Environmentally friendly refrigerant" (all modern refrigerants have environmental tradeoffs—be specific)

**Citation Needed**: If mentioning R22 availability/cost, cite EPA or industry source (HVACR trade associations).

### SEER, HSPF, EER Ratings (DOE Efficiency Standards)

**Standard Definitions**:
- **SEER** (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Cooling efficiency (BTU/watt-hour over season)
  - Minimum current: 13 SEER2 (equivalent ~16 SEER)
  - High efficiency: 18+ SEER2
  - **Marketing rule**: State "SEER2" (newer standard) OR "SEER" but clarify era if comparing

- **HSPF** (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Heat pump heating efficiency
  - Minimum current: 8.5 HSPF2 (equivalent ~10 HSPF)
  - High efficiency: 12+ HSPF2

- **EER** (Energy Efficiency Ratio): Steady-state cooling (single-point, not seasonal)
  - Often higher-looking number but less practical than SEER for homeowners

**Marketing Compliance**:
- ✓ "Up to 18 SEER2 efficiency" (if unit is rated for this)
- ✓ "SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings meet 2023 DOE standards"
- ✗ "The most efficient AC on the market" (unverifiable superlative)
- ✗ "Guaranteed 20% energy savings" (depends on usage, existing equipment, conditions)
- ✗ Mixing SEER and SEER2 without clarification (causes confusion)

**Citation**: Link to AHRI directory (ahrinet.org) or DOE efficiency program.

### Rebates & Tax Credits (IRA, Utility Programs) — Time-Sensitive

**Federal (2025-2032 timeline)**:
- **Heat pump installation tax credit**: Up to $2,000 (varies by income)
- **Central AC upgrade tax credit**: Up to $600
- **HVAC system replacement tax credit**: Up to $3,200
- **Sunset dates**: Program rules change yearly; check tax.gov

**State/Local (highly variable)**:
- Utility rebates (often $500-$2,000 per unit, require utility enrollment)
- State energy programs (vary by state, often income-restricted)
- HVAC-specific programs (vary widely)

**Marketing Compliance**:
- ✓ "May qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000" (conditional language)
- ✓ "Check your utility for rebate eligibility" (with link to utility program)
- ✗ "Get $2,500 rebate guaranteed" (depends on income, timing, utility)
- ✗ "Free AC unit with government rebate" (oversimplifies cost sharing)
- ✗ Stating rebate amount without noting it's time-limited or income-dependent

**Citation Required**: Tax.gov for federal credits, specific utility/state program links.

**Update frequency**: Check quarterly for program changes, specifically:
- Federal tax credit income limits (adjust annually)
- Utility rebate limits (seasonal, budget-dependent)
- State incentive program funding (can close when budget exhausted)

### Safety Claims (CO, Fire, IAQ)

**Carbon Monoxide (CO) Claims**:
- **Safe claim**: "Annual furnace maintenance includes CO safety check per EPA guidelines"
- **Unsafe claim**: "Our system prevents CO leaks" (no system prevents leaks; maintenance detects them)
- **Unsafe claim**: "Heat pump eliminates CO risk" (FALSE—heat pumps don't produce CO, but don't claim zero risk from furnaces)

**Fire Safety Claims**:
- Only claim if evidence-based and specific to system type
- ✓ "AFUE-rated furnace meets UL Safety Standards"
- ✗ "Our systems are fire-proof" (no system is fireproof)

**Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Claims**:
- ✓ "MERV-13 filter captures 90% of particles"
- ✓ "UV light reduces airborne pathogens per EPA guidance"
- ✗ "Kills viruses/COVID" (overstates UVC effectiveness; requires specific lamps + exposure time)
- ✗ "Eliminates all allergens" (no system removes all allergens)

**Citation needed**: EPA.gov, UL standards, or peer-reviewed research.

### Warranty Claims

**Manufacturer Warranty**: What the equipment maker guarantees (usually 5-10 years parts, 1 year labor)
- Contractor must clearly state: "Manufacturer warranty covers [specific items] for [duration]"
- Contractor can't promise beyond manufacturer terms

**Labor Warranty**: What the contractor offers (often 1-2 years on their labor)
- ✓ "We warrant our installation labor for 2 years"
- ✗ "Lifetime warranty" (implies parts, which contractor can't guarantee)

**Conditional Warranties**:
- "Warranty valid if annual maintenance performed" — clearly state this condition
- "Warranty valid for original owner" — note transferability

**Marketing Compliance**:
- ✓ "5-year parts warranty (manufacturer) + 2-year labor warranty (us)"
- ✗ "Lifetime warranty" (vague, likely unenforceable)
- ✗ "We guarantee your equipment won't fail" (impossible promise)

**Citation**: Manufacturer warranty documents must be available to customer.

---

## Claims Audit Checklist

Use this checklist to audit any marketing claim:

### Efficiency Claims
- [ ] Claim matches actual product rating? (Check AHRI)
- [ ] Uses SEER2 or clarifies old SEER standard?
- [ ] Doesn't promise guaranteed energy savings?
- [ ] Cites source (DOE, AHRI, manufacturer)?
- [ ] Avoids superlatives ("most efficient", "best on market")?

### Rebate/Incentive Claims
- [ ] States rebates are "eligible" or "may qualify" (not guaranteed)?
- [ ] Includes link to actual program (tax.gov, utility)?
- [ ] Notes time-sensitive nature if applicable?
- [ ] Avoids income/ownership assumptions?
- [ ] Updated within last 90 days for changes?

### Safety Claims
- [ ] Specific to actual system capability (not overclaimed)?
- [ ] Backed by EPA, UL, or peer-reviewed source?
- [ ] Avoids absolute language ("eliminates", "prevents", "guarantees")?
- [ ] Acknowledges maintenance requirements (e.g., annual CO check)?

### Technical Performance Claims
- [ ] Claim testable and specific (not vague)?
- [ ] Cites source (technical spec, independent test)?
- [ ] Doesn't compare across equipment generations (SEER vs SEER2)?
- [ ] Doesn't misuse single-point ratings (EER) as seasonal (SEER)?

### Warranty Claims
- [ ] Specifies what's covered (parts? labor? both?)?
- [ ] States duration clearly?
- [ ] Notes any conditions (annual service, original owner, etc.)?
- [ ] Provides warranty document link/attachment?

### Service/Availability Claims
- [ ] "24/7 service" accurate? (Or only certain services 24/7?)
- [ ] "Same-day service" realistic in market?
- [ ] "Emergency service" has phone number and response time?
- [ ] "Licensed/certified" techs verified by state?

---

## Common Red Flags

### Overclaiming
- **"Eliminates/prevents [outcome]"** — No system eliminates anything; claim "reduces" with % if backed by data
- **"Guaranteed"** — Warranties have conditions; no outcome is guaranteed
- **"Most/best"** — Avoid superlatives; claim specific advantages instead
- **"All customers save [%]"** — Savings vary; cite average or range with conditions

### Misleading Comparisons
- **Comparing SEER to SEER2** — Different scales; must clarify conversion
- **Citing EER as seasonal efficiency** — EER is single-point; SEER is seasonal
- **Comparing old unit to new** — "Save 40%!" (vs 1995 unit) — always clarify comparison baseline

### Unverifiable Claims
- **"Industry-leading"** — Unless you have third-party ranking
- **"EPA-recommended"** — EPA doesn't "recommend" products; they set efficiency standards
- **"Trusted by technicians"** — Needs survey or quote source
- **Orphaned percentages** — "Save 30%!" (30% compared to what? Under what conditions?)

### Time-Sensitive without Update Notes
- **Rebate amounts without "as of [date]"** — Rebates change; outdated info creates liability
- **Tax credit descriptions without year** — Rules change annually
- **Program links without verification** — Links break; verify quarterly

---

## Claim Validation Workflow

When auditing a contractor's claims:

### Step 1: Extract All Claims
Pull out every quantifiable or directional claim:
- "Up to 18 SEER2"
- "Save 30% on energy bills"
- "Federal tax credit up to $2,000"
- "EPA 608 Certified technicians"
- "Same-day service"
- "5-year warranty"

### Step 2: Categorize
| Claim | Category | Risk Level | Citation Status |
|-------|----------|-----------|-----------------|
| "Up to 18 SEER2" | Efficiency | Low | AHRI spec — verify |
| "Save 30% on energy bills" | Performance | High | Unverified — FLAG |
| "Federal tax credit up to $2,000" | Incentive | Medium | tax.gov current? |
| "EPA 608 Certified" | Credentials | Low | State license check |
| "Same-day service" | Service | Low | Operational capacity check |

### Step 3: Verify Each Claim

**For Efficiency Claims**:
```
1. Go to ahrinet.org
2. Search equipment model
3. Match SEER2/HSPF2 to marketing claim
4. Verify not overstating (up to vs guaranteed)
5. Flag if comparing across standards
```

**For Rebate/Tax Credit Claims**:
```
1. Go to tax.gov (federal)
2. Check current year limits and income rules
3. Go to [state program] or [utility] websites
4. Verify rebate amount is current
5. Note sunset/expiration dates
6. Flag if outdated by 90+ days
```

**For Safety Claims**:
```
1. Search EPA.gov for specific claim
2. Check against UL safety standards
3. Verify claim matches actual capability
4. Flag if overstated (eliminates vs reduces)
5. Note maintenance requirements
```

**For Warranty Claims**:
```
1. Request manufacturer warranty doc
2. Verify contractor's labor warranty in writing
3. Check for conditions (annual service, transfer limits)
4. Flag if warranty description exceeds actual terms
```

### Step 4: Document Findings

Record in audit report:

```markdown
## Claim Audit Results

### Verified Claims ✓
- "Up to 18 SEER2" — Matches AHRI rating for [Model X]
- "EPA 608 Certified technicians" — Verified via state license database
- "5-year parts warranty" — Matches manufacturer documentation

### At-Risk Claims ⚠
- "Save 30% on energy bills" — UNVERIFIABLE without usage/baseline data
  - Recommendation: Change to "Customers typically save 15-30% depending on usage and prior equipment"
  - Citation needed: Add footnote linking to energy savings calculator

### Non-Compliant Claims ✗
- "Eliminates allergens" — OVERCLAIMED
  - Recommendation: Change to "Reduces airborne particles with MERV-13 filter (90% capture rate)"
  - Citation needed: ASHRAE MERV standard link

- "Federal tax credit guaranteed $2,000" — POTENTIALLY OUTDATED & MISLEADING
  - Issue: 2025 tax credit is up to $2,000 but income-dependent
  - Recommendation: Change to "May qualify for federal tax credit up to $2,000 (income/ownership limitations apply)"
  - Citation needed: tax.gov link with verification date

### Citations to Add
- [Claim X]: Add link to AHRI database
- [Claim Y]: Add link to tax.gov or utility program
- [Claim Z]: Add EPA.gov reference or technical specification
- Date stamp: Note verification date on all time-sensitive claims
```

---

## Compliance Guidance: By Claim Type

### "Energy Savings" Claims
**Most Common Violation**: Implying guaranteed savings without baseline/conditions

**Compliant approach**:
```
Instead of: "Save 30% on energy bills"
Use: "High-efficiency systems can reduce energy use by 15-30%* depending on:
     *Your current equipment
     *Your climate and usage patterns
     *Whether you maintain the system annually
     [Link to energy calculator or case studies with baselines]"
```

### "Rebate" Language
**Most Common Violation**: Stating rebate as guaranteed without noting eligibility limits

**Compliant approach**:
```
Instead of: "Get $2,000 federal tax credit"
Use: "Your new system may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000
     (income and equipment eligibility apply; visit tax.gov for details)
     Additionally, many utilities offer rebates up to $[amount] — check your provider."
```

### "Environmental/Health" Claims
**Most Common Violation**: Overstating what a mechanical system can achieve

**Compliant approach**:
```
Instead of: "Kills all viruses and allergens"
Use: "UV light reduces airborne pathogens per EPA guidelines*
     *UV effectiveness depends on lamp intensity, exposure time, and maintenance
     Not a substitute for hand hygiene or medical treatment"
```

### "Service Availability" Claims
**Most Common Violation**: "24/7" service without clarifying what's available 24/7

**Compliant approach**:
```
Instead of: "24/7 service available"
Use: "24/7 emergency hotline: [phone]
     Same-day emergency response available in [coverage area]
     Regular service hours: [hours]"
```

---

## Compendium Integration

Reference `COMPENDIUM_INTEGRATION.md` for:
- Querying `intelligence.statistics` table for verified industry data
- Pulling `mv_notable_quotes` to validate quoted claims
- Accessing `v_content_classified` to check technical accuracy levels
- Storing compliance audit results for contractor profile
- Tracking claim changes over time

## Database Queries for Common Claims

**Check SEER ratings against AHRI**:
```sql
SELECT equipment_id, model, seer2, hspf2
FROM ahri.equipment
WHERE model ILIKE '%[contractor-specified-model]%';
```

**Track rebate program changes**:
```sql
SELECT program_name, current_amount, last_updated, expiration_date
FROM intelligence.incentives
WHERE state = '[state]' AND program_type = 'rebate'
ORDER BY last_updated DESC;
```

**Verify quoted statistics**:
```sql
SELECT source, statistic, value, verification_date
FROM intelligence.statistics
WHERE topic ILIKE '%[claim-topic]%'
ORDER BY verification_date DESC;
```

---

## Compliance Document Templates

### Claim Audit Report Template
```markdown
# Claim Compliance Audit
[Contractor Name]
[Audit Date]

## Summary
[# verified, # at-risk, # non-compliant claims]

## Verified Claims ✓
- [List]

## At-Risk Claims ⚠
- [Claim]: [Issue] → Recommendation: [Fix]

## Non-Compliant Claims ✗
- [Claim]: [Regulation] → Must Change To: [Compliant version]

## Required Citations
- [Claim X]: [Source link]
- [Claim Y]: [Source link]

## Next Steps
1. [Highest priority fix]
2. [Second priority]
3. [Update schedule for time-sensitive claims]
```

### Time-Sensitive Claims Tracking Sheet
```
| Claim | Program | Last Verified | Expiration | Recheck Date |
|-------|---------|---------------|------------|--------------|
| "Up to $2,000 tax credit" | IRA 2023 | 2026-02 | 2027-12 | 2026-08 |
| "Utility rebate $1,500" | [Utility] | 2026-01 | [varies] | 2026-04 |
```

---

## Related Skills

- **hvac-contractor-website-package** — Incorporates compliance into website copy
- **hvac-content-qc** — Fact-checks claims alongside technical accuracy
- **hvac-brand-voice** — Ensures compliant claims maintain authentic tone

---

**Last Updated**: 2026-03
**Status**: Active
**Related Docs**: `COMPENDIUM_INTEGRATION.md`, `.agents/hvac-marketing-context.md`