ARLINGTON, Va. — After strong January numbers, United States combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps have shown another upsurge, totaling 357,637 units in February 2013, up 20.8 percent from 296,011 units shipped in February 2012, according to the latest statistics from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

U.S. shipments of central air conditioners increased 22.7 percent, to 231,488 units, up from 188,603 units shipped in February 2012. U.S. shipments of air-source heat pumps increased 17.4 percent, to 126,149 units, up from 107,408 units shipped in February 2012.

Year-to-date combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps increased 19.2 percent, to 658,813 units, up from 552,697 units shipped in February 2012. Year-to-date shipments of central air conditioners increased 19.8 percent, to 410,980 units, up from 342,970 units shipped during the same period in 2012. The year-to-date total for heat pump shipments increased 18.2 percent, to 247,833 units, up from 209,727 units shipped during the same period in 2012.