MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — According to the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), during the fourth quarter of 2002, chiller bookings showed a 35 percent increase over the same period last year. All other sectors showed equipment increases. Residential air conditioning was up 16 percent, residential furnaces were up 14 percent, unit heaters were up 4 percent, and commercial air conditioning was up 3 percent.

For year-to-date 2002, residential air conditioning shipments were highest at 47 percent. HRAI said that this is due to a very large increase in the third quarter of 2002. Other shipment increases include chiller bookings, which were up 15 percent, and residential furnaces, which were up 12 percent.

Unit heaters decreased by 11 percent and commercial air conditioning by 1 percent for year-end 2002.

Publication date: 02/24/2003