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Research

AHRI’s research programs are guided by the AHRI Research and Technology Committee.

The HVACR industry is at the center of complex and challenging public policy debates on energy and the environment. Since energy efficiency and climate change dominate political conversations around the world, AHRI must help shape the resolutions to these issues to define our industry’s future.

Our Initiatives

AHRI’s research programs are guided by the AHRI Research and Technology Committee, which acts as the industry’s think tank to provide research and analysis to support industry policy development and decision making.

Public Sector Research

Basic scientific, collaborative research jointly funded by AHRI, other industry trade associations, and federal or state public funds to assist the industry in long-term research needs is undertaken through research programs of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Institute, Inc.

AHRI Flammable Refrigerants Research Initiative

The HVAC&R industry is transitioning to low GWP refrigerants due to environmental concerns and regulatory requirements . Many of these low GWP refrigerants are classified as lower flammability which has required the update of relevant safety standards and codes to implement these environmentally friendly refrigerants in the field in a timely and cost-effective manner.

AHRI Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program

This industry-wide cooperative research program identifies and evaluates promising alternative refrigerants for major product categories. These include air conditioners, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, chillers, water heaters, ice makers, and refrigeration equipment.

About AHRTI

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Institute, Inc. (AHRTI) is a not-for-profit organization to conduct scientific research in the public interest. Established in 1989, AHRTI is collocated with AHRI in Arlington, Virginia. Its operations are supported by AHRI staff under the general oversight of the AHRTI Board of Directors and the technical guidance of the AHRTI Steering Committee comprised of the AHRI Research and Technology Committee and representatives from other funding entities.

AHRTI research is pre-competitive, basic research to provide HVACR manufacturers with the scientific knowledge and design tools needed to develop the next generation of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly HVACR equipment.