Ralph Hudnall is AHAM's Director, Product Certification and Verification. In this role, Ralph is responsible for the development, operation and continuous improvement of AHAM's Certification and Verification Programs for room air cleaners, dehumidifiers, room air conditioners, refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers. These voluntary programs open to members and non-members, provide third party verification of product performance ratings, based on AHAM test standards and for some products federal energy test procedures. Through independent verification tests, the programs are designed to boost consumer confidence in product ratings and to ensure products evaluated meet the Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR requirements for energy consumption, water consumption and efficiency, as well as the manufacturers own rating claims of the same parameters. Prior to joining AHAM, Ralph worked for several portable appliance and floor care companies. He has over 20 years experience in consumer product design and 15 years in product safety compliance.