Why Should I Care About A/C Certifications?

The ENERGY STAR ® A/C certification denotes a product that passes efficiency, cost/savings guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Consumers should pay attention to ENERGY STAR ® products that may be eligible for special warranties, rebates, or tax credits.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is a private organization that tests products to ensure public safety.  The standards of products are ever evolving.  UL keeps up with new or changing standards so consumers don’t have to.  UL certification means customers can confidently buy a product.

GreenSpec is only on environmentally responsible products.  Products with this certification are among the top 10% of products in their category.  When choosing a product for GreenSpec listing, products are evaluated by the design material, conservation of natural resources, avoidance of toxic emissions, products that save energy and/or water, and products that create a safe and healthy environment.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the primary association for establishment of evaluation standards.  To qualify for AHRI certification, a manufacturer’s product must deliver on all promises.

The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval is one of the most prestigious symbols of quality.  After intense testing and evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Institute, if awarded the seal of approval, Good Housekeeping with replace a product or refund the purchase price if the product is found to be defective within two years of purchase.  How’s that for insurance?

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) creates national and international standards to foster public safety.  Many states and insurance companies require a product’s compliance to CSA standards.  Be sure to review your insurance policies on major appliances in your home to check for penalties or additional savings.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) awards products the CSA Blue Star if it is in compliance with US standards.

The CSA Blue Flame is awarded to products in compliance with Canadian standards.  These certifications are specifically for appliances using gas or petroleum fuels.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark denotes products that are in compliance with energy efficiency and electrical safety standards.

Intertek is a leading company of HVAC and Refrigerator testing to US and Canadian standards set by many different standard setting bodies.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) is a Canadian national association that offers training for business and technical knowledge.  The HRAI provides a code of ethics to protect consumers.

The NAHB Research Center Green Approved mark distinguishes products that are eligible for points toward certification at the National Green Building Standard™.