BITZER is crowing again, claiming the top spot in the condensing units category at the 2020 HVACR trust award – but is it genuine customer satisfaction or marketing smoke and mirrors?
The survey, conducted by cci Dialog GmbH, apparently showed that BITZER's condensing units "enjoy complete customer confidence".
Andreas Riesch, Director of Sales Germany and Switzerland at BITZER, highlighted that the award is especially valuable because "industry representatives such as contractors, expert planners and operators of refrigeration systems are the ones to evaluate and vote". The company also secured first place in the 2017 HVACR trust award.
Repeat Offender
The HVACR trust award assesses consulting, technology, and "recommendability" across 14 categories, encompassing refrigeration, air-conditioning, ventilation, air ducting, building automation and fire protection.
BITZER seems particularly chuffed that their ECOLITE series, launched since the last award, is also a hit. BITZER's website has further details.
Condensing Claims
BITZER touts its ECOSTAR, ECOLITE and LHE series as solutions for every application. ECOSTAR condensing units are claimed to offer "efficient performance through intelligent technology".
ECOLITE models supposedly cover most standard applications, ranging from 1.5 kW to 16 kW. The LHE condensing unit series, available with ECOLINE compressors, also promises efficient operation.
Compressors with "quasi-stepless VARISTEP capacity control" are deployed in the ECOLITE range, and BITZER claims the compressors will be approved for operation with R1234ze or R1234yf sometime in 2020.
Greenwash?
One can't help but wonder if this "trust award" is more a reflection of BITZER's marketing prowess than a rigorous, independent assessment of product performance. After all, a shiny award never hurt sales, did it?
While these awards are often touted as indicators of quality, it's worth noting that the methodology can vary significantly, and the influence of sponsorship or industry relationships cannot always be discounted.
Ultimately, the true test of any condensing unit lies in its performance in the field, its reliability over time, and the overall cost of ownership. Awards are nice, but long-term customer satisfaction and real-world results are what truly matter. Read more.
