MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported that several product sectors had increased shipments in the last quarter of 2008. During the fourth quarter, ductless splits shipments showed the largest gain, increasing by 36 percent from 2,711 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 4,216 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Year-to-date shipments increased 12 percent, from 44,545 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 50,927 for the fourth quarter 2008.

Chiller bookings showed the second largest gain, increasing by 22 percent, from 202 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 247 in the fourth quarter 2008. Year-to-date shipments increased 13 percent, from 788 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 889 for the fourth quarter 2008.

Residential air conditioning shipments increased 3 percent from 22,298 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 22,976 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Year-to-date shipments increased by less than 1 percent from 227,349 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 228,110 for the fourth quarter 2008.

Other sectors showed decreases including unit heater shipments, which decreased by 23 percent, from 19,432 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 14,963 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Year-to-date shipments decreased 9 percent, from 47,151 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 43,011 for the fourth quarter 2008.

Also, commercial air conditioning shipments decreased by 17 percent, from 13,183 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 10,952 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Year-to-date shipments decreased 6 percent, from 45,458 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 42,853 for the fourth quarter 2008.

The residential furnace sector also saw a decline in shipments. It decreased by 6 percent over the fourth quarter of 2007, from 101,293 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 95,499 in the fourth quarter of 2008. Year-to-date shipments decreased 6 percent, from 318,964 for the fourth quarter 2007 to 301,375 for the fourth quarter 2008.

Publication date: 04/27/2009