HARDI LATAM and AHRI Form Partnership to Expand Value of Certified HVACR Products in Latin American Markets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Greene, Marketing Director
Email: agreene@hardinet.org
Direct: 614.345.4328

Columbus, OH — February 11, 2026 — HARDI LATAM, a regional initiative of Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), announced a new partnership with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to promote the differentiating value of AHRI certification across Latin American HVACR markets.

The partnership will help HARDI LATAM members better understand and communicate the competitive advantage of AHRI certification in Latin American markets, where product differentiation is critical in highly price-competitive environments.

“This partnership supports HARDI LATAM distributors, especially those who own their own brands, by helping them stand out with verified product performance and trusted certification,” said Guitze Messina, Executive Director of HARDI LATAM. “At the same time, it helps AHRI expand the reach and recognition of its certification program throughout the region.”

The partnership is designed to benefit both organizations by strengthening the value proposition of certified HVACR products while supporting broader awareness and adoption of the certification in the LATAM marketplace. “AHRI Certified products also enjoy a growing recognition by regional government regulators, such as in Central America, for compliance with energy efficiency regulations. This is another important benefit for AHRI Certified manufacturers”, said Michael LaGiglia, AHRI Senior Director of Global Services.

Looking ahead, HARDI LATAM and AHRI will collaborate on educational initiatives and market outreach to support distributors and manufacturers as demand for energy-efficient, high-performance HVACR products continues to grow across the region. By aligning certification, education, and industry advocacy, the partnership reinforces a shared commitment to elevating product standards and strengthening confidence in HVACR solutions throughout Latin America.

About HARDI & HARDI LATAM

HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets. A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world-class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 550 distributor members and their 5,000+ branch locations, along with nearly 500 suppliers, manufacturer representatives, and service vendors. Learn more at hardinet.org.

HARDI LATAM is HARDI’s regional division dedicated to advancing the HVACR distribution industry across Mexico and Latin America. Through networking, benchmarking, education and talent development, and government relations, HARDI LATAM connects distributors, manufacturers, and industry partners with the insights and relationships needed to strengthen performance, elevate industry standards, and support long-term growth throughout the region. Learn more at hardilatam.org.

About AHRI

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s 300+ member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world. Learn more at https://www.ahrinet.org/.

Media Contacts

Allison Greene
HARDI
Email: agreene@hardinet.org
Phone: 614.345.4328

Francis Dietz
AHRI
Email: fdietz@ahrinet.org
Phone: 703.969.6444

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