Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
Founded in 1968, HRAI is a non-profit national trade association representing more than 1,150 HVACR member companies (manufacturers, wholesalers, contractors) across Canada. It delivers federally-designated refrigerant certification, technical training, environmental stewardship programs, and industry advocacy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1968
- HeadquartersMississauga, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada does
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is a non-profit national trade association founded in 1968 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. It represents more than 1,150 member companies across the Canadian HVACR supply chain, spanning three segmented divisions: contractors, wholesalers, and manufacturers, whose combined workforce exceeds 50,000 people and contributes over $12B annually to the Canadian economy. HRAI operates through a national structure with five regional offices (Atlantic, Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, plus Ontario HQ) and a network of 50+ college Delivery Partners.
Its core service portfolio comprises federally-authorized certification (Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness Program, Low GWP/A2L Refrigerants Course), professional designations (RASDT/RHDT/RVDT), technical training, and a Consumer Contractor Locator. HRAI also administers two environmental stewardship programs: Refrigerant Management Canada (launched 2000, the first industry-developed ODS destruction program in North America) and the Thermostat Recovery Program. Revenue is generated through tiered membership dues paid by manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors; course fees for certification (e.g., $275 for ODP/ODS, $189 for flammable refrigerant training); a biennial national trade show; government-funded workforce development projects (Residential Heat Pump Workforce Readiness Initiative with NRCan); and industry levy remittances through the RMC stewardship program. The association is led by President & CEO Sandy MacLeod and a Board of Directors drawn from major industry players including Reliance Home Comfort, Wolseley Canada, EMCO, and TACO Comfort Solutions.
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
- Legal name
- The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
- Website
- https://hrai.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1968
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Founded in 1968, HRAI is a non-profit national trade association representing more than 1,150 HVACR member companies (manufacturers, wholesalers, contractors) across Canada. It delivers federally-designated refrigerant certification, technical training, environmental stewardship programs, and industry advocacy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mississauga
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors in the Canadian HVACR industry
- Training and Certification Programs: Revenue from ODP/ODS certification courses, Low GWP/A2L refrigerant training, and professional development programs
- Events and Trade Shows: Revenue from biennial national trade show and industry meetings
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ODP/ODS Online Course - Canada’s Ozone Layer Protection Awareness Program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Low GWP/A2L Refrigerants Course |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ODP Certification Renewal |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ODP/ODS Replacement Wallet Card |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Orvil L. Davie Memorial Fund Bursary |
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HRAI is a non-profit national trade association delivering industry training, refrigerant handling certification (ODP/ODS and Low GWP/A2L courses), professional designations (RASDT/RHDT/RVDT), and environmental stewardship programs (Refrigerant Management Canada, Thermostat Recovery Program) to the Canadian HVACR industry. It also provides government advocacy, technical manuals, quarterly industry statistics, a contractor locator directory, and member benefit programs (insurance, fleet leasing, fuel discounts) to its 1,150+ member companies.
Product overview
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is a non-profit national trade association founded in 1968, offering a broad portfolio of training, certification, and advocacy services for the Canadian HVACR industry. Core offerings include Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness (ODP/ODS) Program and Low GWP/A2L Refrigerants Course for refrigerant handling certification, alongside HRAI Technical Training Courses and RASDT/RHDT/RVDT professional designations. HRAI operates environmental stewardship programs including Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) and the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP), a contractor locator, and the Peer Exchange Program (PEP) for business mentoring. The association provides members with advantage programs (fleet leasing, insurance, payment processing, fuel discounts) and publishes the quarterly HVACR Statistics, Insight Magazine, and the 'In The Air' industry newsletter. HRAI also runs the Residential Heat Pump Workforce Readiness Initiative to support workforce development in partnership with Natural Resources Canada.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Refrigerant Management Canada: A stewardship program developed by HRAI to safely collect and dispose of ozone-depleting refrigerants used in stationary refrigeration and air conditioning in Canada. Launched in 2000.
- Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP)
Products and services
- Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness (ODP/ODS) Program
- Low GWP/A2L Refrigerants Course
- HRAI Technical Training Courses
- Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC)
- Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP)
- RASDT/RHDT/RVDT Designations
- HRAI Membership
- Orvil L. Davie Memorial Fund Bursary
- HRAI Residential Heat Pump Workforce Readiness Initiative
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivers $12B annually to Canadian economy through member companies employing 50,000+ people
Companies that use Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- StellantisminorStellantis offers commercial vehicle leasing and fleet solutions for HRAI members through their network of 440 dealers across Canada.
- Somerville National LeasingminorProvides commercial vehicle leasing and rentals with fleet telematics tools designed specifically for the HVACR industry.
- AnswerPlusminorCanada's only 24/7 answering service tailored for HVACR professionals, with six offices across Canada and over 60 years of experience.
- DeluxeminorBusiness supplies and marketing products provider offering 15% discount to HRAI members.
- Petro-Canada SuperPassminorFuel discount program offering 3 cents per litre savings on gasoline and diesel, plus 20% off vehicle washes for HRAI members.
- Days Inn by WyndhamminorHotel accommodation discount for HRAI members on Best Available Rate including complimentary continental breakfast.
- Aaxel Insurance BrokersminorPreferred partner providing commercial insurance brokerage services for contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
- SummitminorFull-service commercial insurance brokerage operating across Canada with specialized expertise in HVACR industry group insurance programs.
- SiteDocsminorSafety management solution provider offering exclusive 10% lifetime discount on subscriptions for HRAI members.
- Toronto Health and Safety Consultants (THSC)minorOccupational health and safety consulting services to help HRAI members meet safety requirements.
- P&HVACR Career ConnectionsminorJob board service specifically designed for HVACR industry employers to fill staffing needs, offering discounted rates for HRAI members.
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)coreFederal government partner funding the HRAI Residential Heat Pump Workforce Readiness Initiative, including skills gap assessments and training programs.
- Environment and Climate Change CanadacoreFederal government partner working with HRAI on the Bridging the Skills Gap for Heat Pump Proficiency project.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI): AHRI is the U.S. national trade association representing HVACR manufacturers, the closest international counterpart to HRAI in scope (manufacturer advocacy, statistics, standards, certification). Highly comparable business model and member value proposition, but operating in the U.S. market rather than Canada.
- SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association): SMACNA is a U.S. trade association for sheet metal and air conditioning contractors, sharing HRAI's interest in ductwork standards (note HRAI's RVDT duct sealing designation) and contractor training/certification.
- BOMA Canada (Building Owners and Managers Association): BOMA Canada is the Canadian national association for building owners and managers, an adjacent trade association operating in Canada. Both organizations engage on HVACR systems, indoor air quality, and building operations, making BOMA Canada a comparable Canadian peer association.
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): PHCC is a U.S. trade association for plumbing and HVAC contractors, with overlapping contractor certification, apprenticeship, and advocacy functions. Closely comparable to HRAI's Contractors Division but operating in the U.S. market.
- ASHRAE: ASHRAE is the global HVACR technical society that drives standards (including the A2L refrigerant classifications referenced in HRAI's training). Comparable in its standards-setting, certification, and continuing-education role for HVACR professionals, though U.S.-headquartered.
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): ACCA is a U.S. trade association for HVACR contractors that shares HRAI's focus on training, certification, and advocacy for the contractor segment. Functionally analogous peer operating in the U.S., offering parallel membership services, technical manuals, and contractor designations.
- Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA): MCAA represents U.S. mechanical contractors, including significant HVACR installation and service work. Comparable peer for the contractor-focused membership, training, and advocacy services that HRAI delivers to its Canadian contractor members.
- Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI): HARDI is the U.S. trade association for HVACR wholesale distributors, directly mirroring HRAI's Wholesalers Division. Offers parallel advocacy, training, and benchmarking services to a comparable wholesaler membership base.
Direct peers
- Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA): CABA is a Canadian not-for-profit industry association focused on intelligent buildings and integrated HVAC/building technologies. Directly comparable as a Canada-based, member-driven association advancing a closely adjacent industry vertical.
- Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH): CIPH is the Canadian national trade association for the plumbing and heating industry, including many overlapping HVACR wholesalers and contractors. Operates with a similar non-profit association model, advocating and providing member services in Canada, making it HRAI's closest domestic peer.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights1 record
Customer concentration
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada social profiles
Digital presenceHeating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
What does Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada do?
HRAI is a non-profit national trade association delivering industry training, refrigerant handling certification (ODP/ODS and Low GWP/A2L courses), professional designations (RASDT/RHDT/RVDT), and environmental stewardship programs (Refrigerant Management Canada, Thermostat Recovery Program) to the Canadian HVACR industry. It also provides government advocacy, technical manuals, quarterly industry statistics, a contractor locator directory, and member benefit programs (insurance, fleet leasing, fuel discounts) to its 1,150+ member companies.
Is Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada a public or private company?
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada founded?
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada was founded in 1968. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada based?
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are training and Certification Programs and events and Trade Shows.
Who are Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association), BOMA Canada (Building Owners and Managers Association), Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), ASHRAE, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). Direct peers are Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) and Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH).
Does Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada have an API?
No public API is recorded for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada.