MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - According to statistics from the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), in Canada during the fourth quarter of 2003, unit heater shipments continued to increase by 32 percent over the fourth quarter of 2002. Chiller bookings increased by 14 percent, commercial air conditioning shipments increased by 7 percent, and residential air conditioning shipments increased by 5 percent.

Consistent with the rest of the year, residential furnace shipments moved very little, decreasing by 2 percent over the fourth quarter of 2002.

For year-to-date, unit heater shipments led by 30 percent, followed by residential air conditioning shipments at 4 percent, and commercial air conditioning at 2 percent. Residential furnace shipments were almost stationary, increasing by as little as 1 percent.