By Anne Fonda
AHRI develops standards and certifies the performance of many products, including many of the HVAC products sold by Trane. For HVAC products, AHRI has separate certification programs for:
AHRI certification is voluntary. Members agree to have their products undergo third-party laboratory testing to confirm performance ratings such as the SEER2, HSPF2, and AFUE ratings you see on air conditioner, heat pump, and furnace product listings.
In the case of an AHRI-certified® air conditioner, testing confirms the performance ratings of specific combinations of the outdoor AC unit, indoor unit, and/or furnace listed in the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance.
For air conditioners and heat pumps, AHRI certifies a matched system. Without being part of a matched system, the performance ratings are not certified.
To achieve AHRI certification, HVAC systems undergo performance testing to ensure that a system provides the energy efficiency and cost savings it lists in the product description. It’s your way of knowing an HVAC manufacturer isn’t just making the numbers up or inflating the numbers.
In addition, you will need an AHRI-certified system or furnace to qualify for federal HVAC tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act as well as qualify for local utility rebates. You may be required to enter the model number or certificate number in tax forms or rebate forms.
Choosing the right AHRI-certified system doesn’t have to be hard. Work with your local Trane dealer to find the system that has the right system capacity to meet your specific heating and cooling needs.
Correct system sizing is crucial to getting the optimal performance from a new HVAC system. An HVAC professional can perform various calculations to ensure the proposed system is neither too large nor too small, but just right.
They will also go over your various options for a split system – AC + furnace or heat pump + air handler. Depending on the space you want to heat and cool, they may also discuss a ductless HVAC system with you.
The easiest way is to get the AHRI certificate for your HVAC system from your dealer/installer. You can also visit the AHRI directory, and use the search tool. You’ll want to click on residential, and then search within the product category, such as air conditioners, coils, and furnaces. Once you find the appropriate units, you’ll have the opportunity to print the certificate.
All Trane air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, and furnaces meet the efficiency ratings listed according to the AHRI rating system when installed as part of a matched system.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) measures the efficiency of the cooling process in air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the system.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to energy. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.
HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, measures a heat pump’s overall energy efficiency throughout the entire heating season (fall and winter). The higher the HSPF2 rating, the more efficient the heat pump.
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