How and Why of Certified

Across the globe, regulators increasingly depend on Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) for accurate and unbiased evaluation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and commercial refrigeration (HVACR) equipment. AHRI’s certification programs demonstrate to government, building owners and homeowners that equipment performance claims have been independently measured and verified, instilling consumer confidence and enabling fair product comparisons. Only upon performance verification are certification marks applied to HVACR products to serve as visual statements of conformance.

The CEE HVAC Directory provides easy access to energy-efficient residential and small commercial central air conditioners and heat pump equipment certified through AHRI. The directory lists thousands of certified systems that qualify for CEE's residential and commercial HVAC initiatives.

Certified Matched Systems

It is important to know that split central air conditioning and heat pump systems typically consist of two parts: an indoor (coil) unit and an outdoor (condensing) unit. These two parts are specifically designed to work together as a coordinated “team” to provide top performance and maximum efficiency and comfort. For split systems, AHRI certifies the performance of the system and not the individual units.

A certified matched system will list the indoor and outdoor unit combination together in the directory and each system is assigned a unique Certified Reference Number (formerly ARI Reference Number). This certified matched system can be selected and the directory will generate an AHRI Certificate of Product Ratings that includes the system’s certified ratings. These certificates not only provide the equipment owner with verification that their system is a certified match, but they are also required when applying for energy efficiency rebates, incentives and tax credits.

How are products certified?

To earn the right to bear the ARI Performance Certified mark, manufacturers’ products undergo testing by independent laboratories under contract to AHRI. Equipment and components are evaluated using the appropriate industry standard to certify that manufacturers’ published performance ratings are accurate. AHRI’s certification programs are recognized and specified all over the world. HVACR equipment and components bearing the ARI Performance Certified mark are tested through program procedures that comply with ISO Guide 65, which sets the general requirements for bodies operating product certification systems.

Who can participate in AHRI’s certification programs?

AHRI’s certification programs are voluntary and open to all foreign and domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private brand marketers (PBMs) that produce products that fall within the scope of one or more of AHRI’s certification programs listed online at www.ahrinet.org.To earn the right to bear the AHRI Certified™ mark, manufacturers’ products undergo testing by independent laboratories under contract to AHRI. Equipment and components are evaluated using the appropriate industry standard to certify that manufacturers’ published performance ratings are accurate.

AHRI’s certification programs are recognized and specified all over the world. HVACR equipment and components bearing the AHRI Certified™ mark are tested through program procedures that comply with ISO Guide 65, which sets the general requirements for bodies operating product certification systems.

AHRI’s certification programs are voluntary and open to all foreign and domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private brand marketers (PBMs) that produce products that fall within the scope of one or more of AHRI’s certification programs listed online at www.ahrinet.org.

How do manufacturers participate?

Applicants must provide established performance ratings for all products they want to certify. Applicants then undergo a qualification process during which products are tested to determine if they qualify for acceptance into the program. Once a product is tested, it can earn the right to bear the AHRI Certified™ mark.

How is certification maintained?

In the majority of its certification programs, AHRI tests a representative, random sample of products annually. This is done to maintain certification status and the integrity of the program. If a product fails certification testing, it may be retested and annual testing may be increased during the following year. Information on each certification program’s testing requirements and penalties can be found in the program’s operations manual.

AHRI’s certification programs are voluntary and open to all foreign and domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private brand marketers (PBMs) that produce products that fall within the scope of one or more of AHRI’s certification programs listed online.