Predictika · Engineered rooftop, air handler and make-up air units

An AI sales agent's Sterling HVAC unit order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for an engineered rooftop unit, air handler or indoor make-up air unit from the public Sterling HVAC model number key and parts catalog. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of those documents and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Sterling HVAC (a Mestek company) RT and PV rooftop units, AH air handlers and MU, ME and MS indoor make-up air units: capacity, arrangement, furnace, gas control, airflow, motor and accessories. See everything this validator covers

This validator models orders for the engineered units in two public Sterling HVAC documents (the replacement parts catalog RRPC-7 and the HVAC equipment brochure GACP-26), not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Unit type and arrangement — which arrangements (A to W) are listed for rooftop RT and PV units, AH air handlers and the MU, ME and MS indoor units, and the indoor duct arrangement at 500 and 1,200 thousand BTU/h only.
  • Capacity and burners — the 100 to 1,200 thousand BTU/h capacities in the model number key, the furnace sections and the catalog main burner count, compared with the burner count the order states.
  • Furnace and gas control — the high temperature rise furnace (MS units only, not on double or triple furnace rooftop units) and gas controls the catalog marks as discontinued.
  • Airflow and motor — the brochure airflow range for each unit and blower, and the 5 HP maximum on the standard blower module.
  • Accessories — rooftop-only, indoor-only, draftor, concentric vent, fan delay, coil cabinet and evaporative cooling rules, the double wall and hinged door overlap, and the standard 0 to 2,000 foot elevation.

Any order for these units that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (Sterling HVAC publishes none for these units, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), other Sterling or Mestek products, options not listed in these two documents, and any change Sterling has made since the documents were published (the parts catalog is dated 11/08).

The AI sales agentBuilds the unit order from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

8 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
An arrangement or furnace type that is not offered for the unit typeOnly with care
Every unit type has its own arrangement list and its own furnace restrictions, so each combination needs its own rule rows, and a new catalog means editing them by hand.		The unit type, arrangement and furnace are in one request and compared with the catalog on every call.
Airflow outside the range for the unit and blowerOnly with care
The range depends on the unit type and on whether the arrangement uses the standard or the high CFM blower, so the limit has to be looked up per combination.		The range is computed from the unit type and arrangement and compared with the order on every call; the finding shows both numbers.
A burner count stated by the agent that does not match the capacityOnly with workarounds
The stated figure is usually free text or a separate field, so it takes an extra rule that looks up the catalog count and compares.		The stated figure is part of the request and is compared with the computed figure on every call.
Accessories listed for another unit type, and options that overlapOnly with care
Each accessory has its own list of unit types, and double wall construction already including hinged doors is easy to miss.		All accessory rules are checked together on every call, in whatever order the choices arrived.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1450 thousand BTU/h is not a capacity in the model number key; the key lists single furnace 100 to 400, double furnace 500 to 800 and triple furnace 1,200 thousand BTU/h.
2This arrangement is not listed for this unit type; RT and PV rooftop units use arrangements A to L, AH air handlers use M to W, and indoor make-up air units use A, B, D, G or K.
3The indoor duct arrangement is listed for the 500 and 1,200 thousand BTU/h capacities only, and the order is for 300 thousand BTU/h.
4The high temperature rise furnace (60 to 90 F) is listed for separated combustion MS units only, not for MU or ME indoor make-up air units.
5The catalog marks the high temperature rise heat exchanger as not available for double and triple furnace rooftop units, and the order has 2 furnace sections.
6The model number key lists the high temperature rise furnace for MS units, but the MS parts pages list only furnace types A and B; Sterling should confirm the furnace type.
7The catalog marks this mechanical modulation gas control as discontinued in 2,005.
8The indoor make-up air key lists only outside air, bottom return air and outside plus return air inlets; the air hood inlets are listed for rooftop units.
9Moisture eliminators (A1), through the base utility penetrations (N2) and the rooftop service convenience package (N3) are listed for rooftop and air handler units, not for indoor make-up air units.
10The indoor service convenience package (N5) is listed for indoor make-up air units, not for rooftop and air handler units.
11The draftor (M1) is listed for the natural vent MU indoor unit only.
12The vertical and horizontal concentric vent kits (M4, M5) are listed for the separated combustion MS unit only.
13The fan time delay (K4) is listed for arrangement A, the duct furnace, only.
14The standard blower module is listed with a 5 HP (184T frame) motor maximum, and the order has a larger motor; motors up to 15 HP are listed with the high CFM blower.
15The order calls for 15,000 CFM, but the brochure range for this unit and blower is 800 to 14,000 CFM.
16The order calls for 700 CFM, but the brochure range for this unit and blower is 800 to 14,000 CFM.
17The order calls for 8,001 CFM, but the brochure range for this unit and blower is 1,500 to 8,000 CFM.
18The order calls for 2,000 CFM, but the brochure range for this unit and blower is 3,000 to 15,000 CFM.
19The order calls for 9,801 CFM, but the brochure lists airflows up to 9,800 CFM for this unit.
20The brochure lists factory assembled coil cabinets on high CFM air handlers up to 20 tons, and the order has 21 tons of coil.
21The catalog shows a coil cabinet only in arrangements K and L (rooftop), U and W (air handler) and K (indoor); a coil on another arrangement should be confirmed with Sterling.
22The catalog shows evaporative cooling in arrangements D and E (rooftop), P and R (air handler) and D (indoor); evaporative cooler accessories on another arrangement should be confirmed with Sterling.
23The catalog lists a standard elevation of 0 to 2,000 feet; the site is at 5,200 feet and the order has neither the high altitude unit (A6) nor the unit de-rate (A8).
24Double wall construction (N6) already includes hinged access doors (N1), so the order lists the doors twice; a person should confirm.
25The order states 10 main burners in all, but the catalog burner counts for this capacity give 12.
26The order states 16 main burners in all, but the catalog burner counts for this capacity give 48.
27The catalog lists a standard elevation of 0 to 2,000 feet; the site is at 3,000 feet and the order has neither the high altitude unit (A6) nor the unit de-rate (A8).

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Indoor make-up air: ME unit on the duct arrangement with a high temperature rise furnace

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling ME indoor make-up air unit, arrangement A, at 300 thousand BTU/h with a high temperature rise furnace, 6,500 CFM and a 3 HP motor, an outside air hood inlet, with double wall construction (N6), hinged access doors (N1). The order states 11 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Indoor duct arrangement only at 500 and 1200. The indoor duct arrangement is listed for the 500 and 1,200 thousand BTU/h capacities only, and the order is for 300 thousand BTU/h.
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  • High temperature rise on a MU or ME unit. The high temperature rise furnace (60 to 90 F) is listed for separated combustion MS units only, not for MU or ME indoor make-up air units.
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  • Air hood inlet on an indoor unit. The indoor make-up air key lists only outside air, bottom return air and outside plus return air inlets; the air hood inlets are listed for rooftop units.
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  • Stated burner count does not match. The order states 11 main burners in all, but the catalog burner counts for this capacity give 12.
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  • Double wall construction already includes hinged doors. Double wall construction (N6) already includes hinged access doors (N1), so the order lists the doors twice; a person should confirm.
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2. Indoor make-up air: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling ME indoor make-up air unit, arrangement B, at 300 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 6,500 CFM and a 3 HP motor, with double wall construction (N6). The order states 12 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 1 furnace section(s), 300 thousand BTU/h input and 12 main burners in all; airflow up to 9,800 CFM.
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3. Warehouse air handler: AH unit on a rooftop arrangement at 350 thousand BTU/h

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling AH air handler unit, arrangement B, at 350 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 9,000 CFM and a 10 HP motor, an outside plus return air inlet. The order states 12 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Arrangement not offered for this unit type. This arrangement is not listed for this unit type; RT and PV rooftop units use arrangements A to L, AH air handlers use M to W, and indoor make-up air units use A, B, D, G or K.
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  • Stated burner count does not match. The order states 12 main burners in all, but the catalog burner counts for this capacity give 14.
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4. Warehouse air handler: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling AH air handler unit, arrangement M, at 350 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 9,000 CFM and a 10 HP motor, an outside plus return air inlet. The order states 14 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Motor above 5 HP on a standard blower. The standard blower module is listed with a 5 HP (184T frame) motor maximum, and the order has a larger motor; motors up to 15 HP are listed with the high CFM blower.
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  • Airflow outside the unit range. The order calls for 9,000 CFM, but the brochure range for this unit and blower is 1,500 to 8,000 CFM.
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5. Warehouse air handler: The agent switches to the high CFM arrangement

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling AH air handler unit, arrangement S, at 350 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 9,000 CFM and a 10 HP motor, an outside plus return air inlet. The order states 14 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 1 furnace section(s), 350 thousand BTU/h input and 14 main burners in all; airflow range for this unit 3,000 to 15,000 CFM.
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6. High elevation rooftop: Double furnace PV unit at 6,000 feet

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling PV rooftop unit, arrangement E, at 600 thousand BTU/h with a high temperature rise furnace, 10,000 CFM and a 5 HP motor, mechanical modulation 75 to 200 F gas control, with concentric vent kit (M4, M5), evaporative cooler kit (C), at a site elevation of 6,000 feet. The order states 24 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • High temperature rise on a multiple furnace rooftop unit. The catalog marks the high temperature rise heat exchanger as not available for double and triple furnace rooftop units, and the order has 2 furnace sections.
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  • Discontinued gas control. The catalog marks this mechanical modulation gas control as discontinued in 2,005.
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  • Concentric vent kit on a unit other than MS. The vertical and horizontal concentric vent kits (M4, M5) are listed for the separated combustion MS unit only.
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  • High elevation without high altitude option. The catalog lists a standard elevation of 0 to 2,000 feet; the site is at 6,000 feet and the order has neither the high altitude unit (A6) nor the unit de-rate (A8).
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7. High elevation rooftop: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling PV rooftop unit, arrangement E, at 600 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 10,000 CFM and a 5 HP motor, electronic modulation, duct sensing gas control, with evaporative cooler kit (C), at a site elevation of 6,000 feet. The order states 24 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • High elevation without high altitude option. The catalog lists a standard elevation of 0 to 2,000 feet; the site is at 6,000 feet and the order has neither the high altitude unit (A6) nor the unit de-rate (A8).
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  • Order summary. 2 furnace section(s), 600 thousand BTU/h input and 24 main burners in all; airflow range for this unit 800 to 14,000 CFM.
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8. High elevation rooftop: The agent adds the high altitude unit

    
The agent's request. Please quote a Sterling PV rooftop unit, arrangement E, at 600 thousand BTU/h with a standard furnace, 10,000 CFM and a 5 HP motor, electronic modulation, duct sensing gas control, with evaporative cooler kit (C), high altitude unit (A6), at a site elevation of 6,000 feet. The order states 24 main burners in all. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 2 furnace section(s), 600 thousand BTU/h input and 24 main burners in all; airflow range for this unit 800 to 14,000 CFM.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for an engineered rooftop unit, air handler or indoor make-up air unit from the public Sterling HVAC model number key and parts catalog. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of those documents and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote a Sterling ME indoor make-up air unit, arrangement A, at 300 thousand BTU/h with a high temperature rise furnace. The order states 11 main burners in all. The rest of the request is on screen.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with four findings and one approval, all in one answer. The indoor duct arrangement is listed for the 500 and 1,200 thousand BTU/h capacities only, and the order is for 300 thousand BTU/h. The high temperature rise furnace (60 to 90 F) is listed for separated combustion MS units only, not for MU or ME indoor make-up air units. The indoor make-up air key lists only outside air, bottom return air and outside plus return air inlets; the air hood inlets are listed for rooftop units. The other one is on screen.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned four blocking findings and one approval in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for a burner count stated by the agent that does not match the capacity, a rules-based CPQ can do this only with workarounds.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the arrangement to B, the furnace to standard furnace, the accessories to double wall construction (N6) and the stated main burners, as to 12. It removes the air inlet.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. This time the validator clears it.
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  12. All five earlier findings are cleared, and the validator's figure matches the quote.
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  13. Five problems caught in one call, fixed in one pass, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    14.