The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s (AHRI) globally recognized and industry respected certification program is making an important transition. As of January 1, 2012, all certification programs formerly under AHRI’s certification umbrella – ARI Performance Certified, GAMA Energy Efficiency Rating Certified, and the I=B=R program (for hydronic heating equipment) – will be brought under one certification program and logo – AHRI Certified®.

Until January 1, 2014, the I=B=R mark can be displayed simultaneously with the AHRI Certfied mark. Most contractors and technicians are very familiar with AHRI’s predecessor certification programs and regularly install equipment and components bearing those marks. Those marks will gradually disappear from the marketplace, replaced by the AHRI Certified logo, which provides the same level of performance assurance contractors have come to expect from AHRI’s programs.

The logo is all that has changed; equipment performance claims are still independently measured and verified, providing consumer confidence and enabling fair product comparisons. AHRI’s certification program is voluntary and is open to manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment and components and to private brand marketers that produce or market products within the scope of one or more of the certification programs.

AHRI’s 37 certifications programs provide accurate, unbiased evaluation to ensure that manufacturers’ performance claims are accurate. AHRI’s certification program is recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Protection Agency (EPA), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and California Energy Commission (CEC). For more information on the 2012 logo transition, please visit http://www.ahrinet.org/certification.aspx or email certification@ahrinet.org.