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AHRI certificate

An AHRI certificate shows the certified efficiency ratings for one exact combination of outdoor and indoor heat pump equipment.

Editorial staffEdited by heatpumpwiki

History 1

An AHRI certificate documents the certified ratings (SEER2, EER2, HSPF2 and capacities) for one matched system. AHRI explains that "for split systems, AHRI certifies the performance of the system and not the individual units," and that each matched system has "a unique Certified Reference Number."Source 1

To verify yours, AHRI says: "ask your installer for an AHRI Reference Number," which "can be entered into the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance to obtain a Certificate."Source 2 Check that every model number on the certificate matches what is installed.

Some incentive programs require an AHRI-matched system; see Heat pump rebates and incentives and Heat pump ratings explained: SEER2, EER2, HSPF2 and AHRI certificates.

Sources

  1. 1.How and Why of Certified. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Accessed Oct 25, 2026
  2. 2.Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (homeowner resources). Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Accessed Oct 25, 2026

More in Glossary

  • Aux heat (auxiliary heat)Aux heat is a backup heat source that a heat pump thermostat turns on automatically when the heat pump needs help.
  • Btu (British thermal unit)A Btu is the heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, and heat pump capacity is given in Btu per hour.
  • COP (coefficient of performance)COP is the heat a heat pump delivers divided by the electricity it uses, at one set of conditions.
  • DefrostDefrost is the cycle in which a heat pump briefly reverses to melt frost off its outdoor coil.
  • EER2EER2 is a cooling efficiency rating at a single hot test condition, in Btu per hour of cooling per watt.
  • Emergency heatEmergency heat is a thermostat mode that turns the heat pump off and heats with the backup source only.