How to Use the Directory


  1. Go to this site’s homepage at www.ceehvacdirectory.org
  2. Select either:

    Find ENERGY STAR Qualified Air Conditioners
    Find ENERGY STAR Qualified Heat Pumps
  3. On the equipment search screen, you will see a number of fields to be completed. A definition of the search terms is available by clicking on the ? next to the Search Term. The easiest method for finding a matched system in the database is by entering its Certified Reference Number (formerly ARI Reference Number). The reference number is a unique number identifying a condenser and evaporator combination that has been certified by AHRI as properly matched system.

The best person to obtain a Certified Reference Number for you is your installing contractor. Manufacturers and wholesalers provide the Certified Reference Number for their certified matched systems in their product catalogs. Many efficiency program administrators will require the Certified Reference Number (formerly ARI Reference Number) to be submitted with the rebate application.

Entering Model Numbers

  • If you don’t have an Certified Reference Number, then you will need the outdoor and indoor unit model numbers. You do not need the equipment’s serial number. It is important to know that this directory search engine does not require data to be entered into all of the fields. In fact, entering data in multiple fields may unnecessarily limit the results.
  • To begin, enter the first few characters of the outdoor condensing unit or single package model number into this field. We suggest only typing in a few characters of the outdoor model numbers because manufacturers often change a letter or two in their model numbers from year to year and the database might not reflect those changes.
  • Once you have a list of possible matches, you should scroll through the results to find the system that has the exact condenser you installed and the exact evaporator you installed. If necessary, you can narrow the number of results by entering the first few characters of the evaporator coil you installed. If the model number string you are entering into the field does not match EXACTLY with the string the manufacturer entered in the database, you will get zero results.
  • Limiting the characters you enter into the model number fields to the first three to five characters should help you find the system you are seeking.
  • Sometimes, the first few characters of the model number are variables and may not find a match. This is rare, but if this does happen, start over with a string of 3 to 4 contiguous characters in the middle of the model number.

    • If you still don’t get the result you are looking for, you have three choices.

    Option 1: Using Excel

      • You can select Download Query Resultsto Excel File.
      • Within Excel, you can easily sort the data and search to find specific information. The file will open in the Excel program.
      • When the spreadsheet containing the data opens in Excel, highlight all the data by clicking in the box in the upper left corner to the Left of “A” and above 1. This will select all of the text.
      • Next, click on Data, then under Data click on Filter and select AutoFilter. This will create a drop-down box at the top of each column. This box contains all the data in the column and allows you to filter the data that doesn’t match your criteria to quickly narrow your search. For example, if you know the Model Number, the manufacturer, and the SEER rating select them from the drop down box. This will remove all model numbers, manufacturers, and SEER ratings that do not match your criteria -- narrowing your search further.

    Option 2: Modify Search

    You can also narrow your search within the directory by clicking on Modify Search to add a little more search criteria to come up with fewer results.

    Option 3: Next 20 Records

    Or you can scroll through all the records by clicking on Next 20 Records until you find your match.

    Printing a Certificate

    Once you find the match you are looking for, start your search over and enter the Certified Reference Number and click search. Once the match is found, select that unit and then click on Print Preview. This will open the certificate in Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be printed for you to provide to your customer.

    Troubleshooting Issues

    If you still have difficulties, please contact Technical support at 315-737-5180 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or via email at mlshonk@ahrinet.org. Due to the high volume of calls, you may get faster response via email. In either case, please provide your name, contact information, and the exact model numbers of the units you are looking for and you will receive a response as quickly as possible.