Frequently Asked Questions on Recent Changes to AHRI Unitary Small Equipment Section’s Mix-Match Coil Certification
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has taken the following action with regard to AHRI’s Unitary Small Equipment (USE) Certification Program for Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps:
Effective July 15, 2009, coil-only ratings in the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance will be limited to coil-only ratings developed from system manufacturers’ highest sales volume tested combinations (HSVTC) and cannot be more than 6 percent greater than the HSVTC. Mix-match coil-blower combinations will be delisted unless the manufacturer listing the system either manufactures the coil-blower unit or the system is rated no more than 6 percent greater than the clearly specified system manufacturers’ certified combination. These changes will remain in effect until the Unitary Small Equipment Section’s certification program Operations Manual is revised to address the issues in the mix-match coil certification program.
This action was taken in response to a dramatic increase in recent months in product listings entered in the AHRI directory by participants in this certification program. This increase over a short period of time has challenged the ability of AHRI to keep pace with adequate verification testing under current program rules. AHRI is reassessing program rules in an effort to remedy this situation.
Q: Why is AHRI taking the step of de-listing some mix-match coil combinations from its directory?
A: The dramatic increase in the number of mix-match coil combinations entered into our directory by manufacturers has overwhelmed our ability to conduct our normal testing procedures to assure the manufacturer’s stated performance. The Department of Energy requires special scrutiny of combinations having coil-only ratings that are more than six percent above the system manufacturers’ ratings. AHRI has decided to de-list products that exceed that threshold until a process has been established that provides the additional testing required to verify the performance levels.
Q: Why did AHRI choose to take this action now?
A: This action was taken in response to a dramatic increase in recent months in product listings entered in the AHRI directory by participants in this certification program. This has created a concern that these listing could not be adequately verified under the current program procedures. AHRI and the program participants are modifying the program procedures and the AHRI Executive Committee has set an Oct. 1, 2009 deadline to complete this work.
Q: What criteria do coil combinations have to meet to be listed in the directory?
A: Mix-match coil listings in the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance will be limited to coil-only ratings developed from system manufacturers’ highest sales volume tested combinations (HSVTC) and cannot be more than 6 percent greater than the HSVTC. Mix-match coil-blower combinations will be delisted unless the manufacturer listing the system either manufactures the coil-blower combination or the system is rated no more than 6 percent greater than the clearly specified system manufacturers’ certified combination.
Q: Where does the not-greater-than 6 percent threshold come from?
A: It was established by the U.S. Department of Energy, which extended its authority in 2007 to examine ratings 6 percent higher than the rated efficiency of the HSVTC unit. (Source: 72 FR 59906, October 22, 2007)
Q: What can I do about inventory in my warehouse that has been de-listed from the AHRI Directory?A: De-listing from the AHRI Directory does not mean that affected products cannot continue to be sold into the marketplace. The only difference is that they are not listed at this time as being AHRI certified, i.e., verifying the performance stated by the manufacturer.
Q: I am in the process of installing a tax credit-eligible system, but the listing for the system was just removed from the AHRI Directory. Can my customer still get a tax credit?
A: The product manufacturer continues to be responsible for claims related to performance. As before, the final determination of tax credit eligibility is made by the IRS, and the taxpayer remains responsible for having the appropriate documentation to support a claim for a tax credit.