The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the trade association representing manufacturers of heating, water heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration products and equipment, has expressed its appreciation to Washington D.C. and the 23 states that thus far have heeded the industry's call for "essential business" status during this health crisis.

"These governors deserve the thanks of the manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and technicians that are committed to continuing to keep the American people productive, healthy, and comfortable in these trying times," said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. "Our industry is working overtime to ensure that lifesaving equipment remains available to all who need it."

Earlier in March, AHRI joined with nine other organizations, representing the HVACR and water heating equipment manufacturers, contractors, technicians, engineers, plumbers, and sheet metal contractors in issuing a statement to governmental organizations grappling with travel and personal interaction restrictions designed to prevent the spread of infection. Those trade associations and membership societies representing North America's heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating industry had requested that federal, state, and local authorities grant "essential business" status to the HVACR and water heating industry.

Organizations signing the statement included AHRI; the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); the Heating, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI); the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA); North American Technician Excellence (NATE); the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC); the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA); the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).

*Alaska, California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.