Glossary · Energy, bills & ratings
AHRI certificate / reference number
Also called: AHRI · AHRI reference number · AHRI number · AHRI ref · AHRI Directory · AHRI matched system
Proof that a specific indoor and outdoor heat pump or air conditioner combination was tested and certified, with its official ratings.
What it means
Heat pumps and air conditioners are rated as matched systems: a particular outdoor unit with a particular indoor coil or air handler. The free AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, lists each certified combination with a reference number and its efficiency ratings, such as SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2, and capacity. Ask your contractor for the AHRI certificate for the exact models quoted.
Why it matters in an audit
Many utility rebates require the AHRI reference number, and a mismatched indoor unit can mean lower efficiency, discomfort and early failure.
In Canada
Canadian rebate programs may also ask for the AHRI reference number of the installed system; check your program's terms.