ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) responded today to President Obama’s plan to reduce emissions from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

“AHRI and its member companies have led the global effort to reduce emissions from hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, through research and development, always with an eye on maintaining comfort, safety, system efficiency, and reliability of the products that use them,” said Stephen Yurek, AHRI president and CEO.

“AHRI supports the continued efforts by the United States and its North American partners to engage in discussions at the Montreal Protocol, especially the North American amendment regarding the future of HFCs,” he said. “AHRI encourages industry driven refrigerant choice, rather than federally crafted mandates.”

To assist in the identification of lower global warming potential alternatives for the many different HVACR applications, AHRI noted that it has funded and administered a Low Global Warming Potential Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program (Low-GWP AREP). The initial phase of this program is near completion with 38 refrigerants being tested in 12 types of HVACR equipment.

“AHRI looks forward to continuing to work with the U.S. Department of Energy in pursuing greater energy efficiency in homes and buildings that is technically feasible and economically justified,” Yurek said.

“AHRI has demonstrated a commitment to the reliable performance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating equipment through its globally recognized, industry respected certification program,” he stated. “We are prepared to support efforts to improve efficiency without adding to the regulatory burden on our member companies.”