Product Certification
AHAM administers product certification programs for Room Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, and Room Air Cleaners. On a voluntary basis, manufacturers certify the following performance characteristics of each product and AHAM verifies these attributes through testing at a third party independent laboratory:
| Product Type | Certified Performance Characteristics |
| Room Air Conditioners | Cooling/Heating Capacity, Amperes and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) |
| Dehumidifiers | Water Removal Capacity and Energy Factor |
| Room Air Cleaners | Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) |
If a unit does not meet the stated performance rating, the manufacturer must re-rate the product or withdraw the product from the market. All manufacturers who distribute goods in the U.S. may participate in the Programs, whether or not they are AHAM members. The programs are financially supported by participant fees and are separate from AHAM dues funded programs.
Who Benefits?
The AHAM certification programs increase Consumer, Retailer and Manufacturer confidence by ensuring that products perform in accordance with published claims.
Consumers are assured that the certified characteristics are accurate and determined on the basis of a standardized, industry-approved test procedure. The certification program directories can be used to directly compare certified models to determine which size appliance will best suit specific needs.
Retailers are assured that the products they market do in fact meet their stated performance claims. It also provides them with a talking point for selling to consumers.
Manufacturers have an objective, independent measure of the performance of their products, one that allows for easy comparison with competitors.
What are the key elements of each certification program?
The key elements of each certification program include (1) an ANSI/AHAM performance standard, (2) a Certification Seal, (3) an on-line searchable Certified Product Directory.
ANSI/AHAM Performance Standards - Each product’s certified ratings are verified using AHAM standards that have been approved by the American National Standards Institute(ANSI). As an ANSI-accredited standards development organization, AHAM develops performance standards and then submit them to ANSI for approval. ANSI approval of a standard signifies that the appropriate peer review of the standard has been conducted and that the principles of consensus, due process and openness have been followed.
Certification Seal - Certified appliances carry an AHAM Certification seal on the unit or its packaging. This seal assures all persons that the certified product characteristic ratings are accurate, and measured against standard test methods.
Certified Product Directories and Dedicated Web Sites - Online Searchable Directories of Certified Dehumidifiers, Room Air Conditioners, and Room Air Cleaners are available from dedicated web sites and can be used to search for models that meet specific needs. The Directories and the web site lists all of the manufacturers that have has their products tested and bear the AHAM Certification Seal.
| Dedicated Product Web Site Link | On-Line Searchable Directories - Link |
| Room Air Conditioners | Certified Room Air Conditioners Directory |
| Dehumidifiers | Certified Dehumidifier Directory |
| Room Air Cleaners | Certified Room Air Cleaner Directory |
How Do Manufacturers Join the Certification Programs?
To obtain information on the requirements for joining one or more of the AHAM Certification Programs, visit the specific program links:
Room Air Conditioners
Dehumidifiers
Room Air Cleaners