The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the China Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association have agreed to encourage Chinese HVACR equipment makers to take part in the institute’s certification programs.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the China Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (CRAA) have agreed to encourage Chinese HVACR equipment makers to take part in the institute’s certification programs.

The agreement was signed April 10 in Shanghai, China, during the China Refrigeration Expo. The Chinese group will be the only AHRI-approved certification body in the country.

“The confluence of skyrocketing market demand for air conditioning in China and the current emphasis of the Chinese government to reduce energy use has created an acute need for performance certification there,” said AHRI President Stephen Yurek. “This agreement is indicative of the global HVACR market and the need for standard and certification program harmonization. We hope participation by Chinese manufacturers in our certification programs will be accelerated by empowering CRAA to facilitate the application process for manufacturers.”