Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Testing

Testing to AHAM Standards

What is AHAM?

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is a North American trade association representing manufacturers of major and portable home appliances, floor care equipment, and suppliers to these industries. AHAM provides industry standards for performance, safety, and environmental sustainability. These standards are developed through a consensus-based process that involves stakeholders from industry, government, and consumer groups. AHAM plays a significant role in the home appliance industry, promoting innovation, safety, and sustainability while advocating for the interests of its member companies.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) utilizes independent labs to test and verify home appliances such as room air cleaners/purifiers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Models certified through AHAM's performance verification programs carry the AHAM seal, assuring consumers that the product will perform according to the manufacturer's product claims. Room Air Cleaners/Purifiers use a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating system to determine how well an air cleaner reduces pollutants in a room. The Room Air Conditioner Program verifies for BTU's per hour, amps and energy efficiency. Water removal capacity and energy factor are verified in the Dehumidifier Program. AHAM certification is voluntary.

AHAM Standards

AHAM standards are guidelines and specifications to establish performance, safety, and efficiency benchmarks for home appliances and related equipment. These standards ensure that appliances meet specific criteria for quality and reliability, benefiting manufacturers, consumers, and regulators.

Key Aspects of AHAM Standards:

1. Performance Measurement: AHAM standards provide methods to measure the performance of appliances, such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators. For example:

   • Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for air purifiers.
   • Energy Efficiency Metrics for refrigerators and freezers.

2. Testing Procedures: They define standardized testing methods to ensure consistent and comparable results across products, making it easier for consumers to evaluate and select appliances.

3. Safety and Compliance: Some AHAM standards incorporate safety considerations, ensuring that appliances operate within safe parameters and comply with regulatory requirements.

4. Voluntary Certifications: While adherence to AHAM standards is voluntary, many manufacturers choose to comply to demonstrate product quality and performance. Products tested and certified according to AHAM standards often display an AHAM Verified Seal.

5. Industry Standardization: AHAM standards help standardize performance expectations and terminology across the home appliance industry, fostering innovation and competition.

AHAM AC-4 Testing: Measuring Removal Efficiency of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for Portable Air Cleaners

AHAM AC-4 is a performance standard that measures a household air cleaner’s ability to reduce common volatile organic compounds. Download our Fact Sheet to learn more.

AHAM AC-5 Testing: Assessing the Reduction Rate of Key Bioaerosols by Portable Air Cleaners

AHAM AC-5 is one of the first air purification standards created to address the removal and inactivation of airborne pathogens. Download our complimentary fact sheet to learn Intertek's solutions for AHAM AC-5.

Benefits of AHAM Testing

AHAM Testing provides several benefits to both manufacturers and consumers. Some of these benefits include:

1. Reliable and objective performance testing: AHAM Testing is conducted according to strict standards that are developed through a consensus-based process involving stakeholders from industry, government, and consumer groups. This ensures that the testing is reliable, accurate, and objective.
2. Consistent performance comparisons: AHAM Testing provides a standardized method for comparing the performance of different home appliances. This allows consumers to make informed decisions when selecting appliances and ensures that manufacturers can compete on a level playing field.
3. Verification of claims: AHAM Testing verifies the claims made by manufacturers regarding the performance of their appliances. This helps to build consumer trust in the industry and ensures that manufacturers are held accountable for their claims.
4. Safety and environmental standards: AHAM Testing includes safety and environmental standards that help to ensure that home appliances are safe to use and have a minimal impact on the environment.

Overall, AHAM Testing provides several benefits to both manufacturers and consumers. This helps to promote innovation, safety, and sustainability in the home appliance industry while also providing consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.

Intertek's AHAM Testing Solutions

Intertek has been selected by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to conduct product verification testing, and directory data management for the following products.

• Room Air Cleaners/Purifiers
• Room Air Conditioners
• Dehumidifiers

To learn more about AHAM or AHAM standards.

Request more information to see how Intertek can help your organization with Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Testing.