WASHINGTON, D.C.—The appliance industry through the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recently launched an independent verification program to confirm refrigerator and freezer internal volume and energy usage claims made by manufacturers and brand owners. This voluntary program is aimed at boosting the confidence of consumers, retailers and regulators in the validity of energy claims made by manufacturers of refrigerators and freezers sold in the United States and Canada.
AHAM’s Refrigerator, Refrigerator-Freezer and Freezer Verification Program will also assist the Energy Star program, managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in approval and monitoring of qualified appliances and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in surveillance testing of refrigerators and freezers for compliance with national minimum energy efficiency standards. In addition, the program is coordinated with Canada’s national appliance efficiency requirements.
DOE’s general counsel, Scott Blake Harris, believes that such programs are in the public interest. “Independent testing programs, such as AHAM’s, demonstrate that appliance manufacturers are concerned about consumers trust and are willing to prove their energy claims. We hope other industries will consider such programs.” EPA also believes the AHAM program is a good step. Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA, stated, “Third party verification programs are an important part of why consumers have confidence in the Energy Star label. Testing is vital to ensure the integrity of the label for both manufacturers and their customers.”
Positive Step for Consumers
As appliance retailers focus more on energy efficiency and environmental protection, they view AHAM’s refrigerator verification program as a positive step for their customers.
“We’re pleased that AHAM is providing this new verification program that will give our customers an additional level of confidence when shopping for energy-efficient appliances,” said Doug Moore, president of Home Appliances for Sears Holdings. “With this extra step, our customers can be assured that the Energy Star qualified products they buy at Sears stores nationwide will truly help conserve energy and reduce their utility bills.”
AHAM, which also administers appliance rating verification programs for room air conditioners, dehumidifiers and portable room air cleaners, is launching a verification program for refrigerators and freezers in light of the increased emphasis by consumers, retailers and regulators on the validity of energy claims. “AHAM has significant expertise in the development of performance testing and rating standards for appliances and in administering independent verification programs which directly benefit consumers,” stated AHAM president Joseph M. McGuire. “This program is open to all refrigerator and freezer manufacturers regardless of whether they are members of AHAM.”
AHAM has been verifying product ratings since 1967 and currently administers certification and verification programs for room air conditioners, dehumidifiers and room air cleaners. A list of current verification program licensees can be found on the AHAM website.
