AHRI stands for the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. It is a North American trade association that represents manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment and components.
What Does AHRI Do?
AHRI develops performance standards and manages certification programs for a wide range of HVACR products, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, commercial refrigeration units, and water heaters.
The certification program also verifies the manufacturers’ performance claims by independently testing, measuring, and validating them. This ensures that the published performance data, such as cooling capacity, heating output, and efficiency ratings, are accurate and reliable.
Once verified, products receive the AHRI Certified® mark, confirming compliance with industry standards.
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Why Is AHRI Certification Important?
AHRI certification provides confirmation that manufacturers’ performance claims are accurate, giving buyers confidence in real-world efficiency and capacity. Backed by over 100 years of research and development, the AHRI certification program is widely trusted by regulators, engineers, contractors, and consumers for its unbiased evaluation of equipment performance.
Furthermore, the AHRI certification is required for commercial projects, government tenders, federal HVAC tax credits, and heat pump rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Overall, AHRI certification reduces performance risk, simplifies regulatory compliance, and ensures dependable operation throughout the equipment’s lifespan.
How to Get AHRI Certification
AHRI certifications are voluntary and available to both domestic and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Private Brand Marketers (PBMs) whose products fall within the scope of one or more certification programs.
Here’s how brands can get AHRI certification:
- Submit the AHRI certification application with company and product details.
- Sign the participation/license agreements and pay the required fees.
- Provide product samples for independent testing at an AHRI-approved lab.
- After passing testing, the product is certified and listed in the AHRI Directory.
How Can You Check If Your HVAC Unit Is AHRI Certified?
You can ask your dealer or installer whether your system is AHRI-verified and request the certification. Alternatively, you can use the AHRI Directory online. Select ‘Residential’, choose the product category (such as air conditioners, coils, or furnaces), and search for your specific unit. Once you find it, you can view and print the certificate.