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.

Sources

Learn more here

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Related terms

SEER / SEER2 An air conditioner's or heat pump's cooling efficiency averaged over a whole cooling season; higher is better.
HSPF / HSPF2 A heat pump's heating efficiency averaged over a whole heating season; higher is better, and HSPF2 numbers can't be compared directly with older HSPF.
EER / EER2 Cooling efficiency measured at one hot test condition rather than averaged over a season; useful for judging performance on the hottest days.
Ducted heat pump A heat pump that heats and cools through ductwork, like central air conditioning, either on its own or paired with a furnace.
Utility rebate Money back from your electric or gas utility for buying efficient equipment or making upgrades, often stackable with government programs.

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