Refrigeration is the backbone of modern life. Systems are essential in a wide variety of industries, from the food cold chain to manufacturing, data centres to pharmaceuticals. Refrigeration systems play a role in many of the things we take for granted each day. Therefore, when equipment is selected based on incorrect performance data, the consequences can be serious.
A new white paper, “Broken Trust: Energy efficiency and the refrigeration industry,” is exploring the issue of product underperformance in the European refrigeration sector. Citing research from Eurovent Certification, it has found a potential 31% gap between a product’s claimed and expected performance. With implications on operational efficiency, profitability, safety, and environmental sustainability, the big question is, are you risking your reputation on products that underperform?
The impact of product underperformance
It is vital that product decision makers trust performance data. The best designed and installed systems will underperform if expected product performance does not match manufacturer claims. However, when things go wrong, the manufacturer is rarely the first port of call for blame. Often the customer will look to the HVAC installation company, the system designer or product specifier to put things right.
While this may seem unfair, especially if manufacturer data is at fault, it emphasises the old adage ‘buyer beware.’ It is down to decision makers to ensure they choose the right equipment for the project, by selecting products with independently verified performance data. If they choose wrongly, the implications can go far beyond broken budgets and ruined reputations, in the worst cases lives could be at stake.
Safety considerations
In sectors dealing with food or pharmaceuticals, maintaining precise temperature control is essential. One of the most critical risks of using underperforming refrigeration systems is the potential for compromising the safety and integrity of temperature-sensitive goods. If the actual cooling capacity of a refrigeration system does not meet manufacturer claims, stored goods can spoil, degrade, or become unsafe for consumption or use.
Increased energy consumption
Energy efficiency plays a significant role in determining operating costs, carbon footprint and reaching sustainability goals. When performance data is inaccurate, the system may end up consuming more energy than expected over its life cycle. This leads to higher electricity bills and can negate the financial benefits of choosing a system with a cheaper purchase and installation cost. In energy-intensive areas like data centres, food retail and cold storage, even small inefficiencies can lead to substantial cost increases over time.
Shortened equipment lifespan and increased maintenance
Inaccurate performance data can lead to issues such as improperly sized equipment. This can cause the system to work harder than intended to maintain the desired temperature, leading to overheating and increased wear and tear. An underperforming product rarely works in isolation and will impact on other parts of the system, making premature failure of key components such as compressors and fans more likely.
Refrigeration equipment that runs above its ideal parameters will be more prone to breakdown, require more frequent repairs and incur increased maintenance costs. This not only drives up operational expenses but also disrupts business operations, leading to downtime and potential losses, especially in industries like supermarkets, food processing, and pharmaceuticals where temperature control is critical.
Regulatory non-compliance and legal liabilities
Many industries that rely on refrigeration systems are subject to strict regulations regarding temperature control, food safety, and environmental impact. When refrigeration systems fail to perform as advertised, businesses may unknowingly violate these regulations, leading to fines, penalties, and potential legal liabilities.
For end users, regulatory non-compliance can also result in product recalls, damage to brand reputation, and loss of consumer trust. In extreme cases, improperly stored goods may lead to illness or death, exposing companies to lawsuits and significant financial liabilities. Those specifying, installing and maintaining equipment can quickly get caught up in lawsuits as customers seek to apportion blame or recoup costs.
Sustainability
Many modern refrigeration systems incorporate energy-efficient technology and eco-friendly refrigerants to reduce their environmental impact. Marketed as sustainable solutions, it is vital the performance data is correct, and the environmental benefits are not overstated. Failure to accurately assess environmental impact can lead to missed sustainability goals and obligations, higher greenhouse gas emissions and a larger carbon footprint. This can be disastrous in projects aiming to achieve green building certifications, such as BREEAM, NABERS and LEED.
Operational disruptions and financial losses
In industries that depend on refrigeration, even brief disruptions in temperature control can have far-reaching consequences. Underperforming systems may struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, especially in high-demand situations or extreme environmental conditions. This can result in unplanned shutdowns, equipment failures, and spoilage of perishable goods, leading to substantial financial losses for the customer.
Moreover, unexpected repairs and the need for replacement parts (which can lead to significant downtime) can strain budgets, especially for small businesses operating with limited financial margins, impacting not only immediate profits but also long-term business viability.
Loss of consumer trust and brand reputation
For businesses that sell temperature-sensitive products, ensuring product quality is essential for maintaining consumer trust. Product recalls, food-related illness outbreaks, or ineffective medical products can cause long-lasting harm to a brand's reputation. Rebuilding that trust may take years and require significant investment in marketing, quality assurance, and customer service initiatives.
Reducing risk with guaranteed product performance
Once decision makers are aware of the impact of product underperformance, they can take positive actions to reduce the risk. Quality manufacturers use neutral third parties to validate their data, ensuring products perform as advertised. Manufacturers can use independent laboratories, or take things a step further with product certification, which acts as a valuable tool to guarantee product performance.
Products certified under Eurovent Certification must pass independent laboratory tests, factory audits and software checks, as well as have all submitted data (including marketing materials) validated for accuracy. Products are also put under a surveillance process to ensure they continue to comply with declared data. Certification offers a comprehensive and stringent evaluation process and removes direct contact between manufacturer and laboratory, offering true impartiality. Certification is often used as an identifier of high performing products, something critical in refrigeration projects.
Conclusion
The risks of using refrigeration products with incorrect performance data extend far beyond simple inefficiencies. From jeopardising product safety and violating regulatory standards, to increasing operational costs and contributing to environmental impact, the consequences can be profound.
For HVAC businesses and their consumers alike, it is crucial to demand transparency, accuracy, and reliability from manufacturers and suppliers. Accurate performance data allows for informed decision-making, ensuring that refrigeration systems meet the specific needs of the client, deliver promised efficiency, and maintain the safety and quality of the temperature-sensitive products they are intended to protect.
Investing in certified refrigeration products not only helps to avoid financial losses and legal liabilities but also plays a vital role in ensuring public health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Explore all the issues in our white paper, Broken Trust: Energy efficiency and the refrigeration industry. Delving into new research revealing a potential 31% gap between a product’s claimed and expected performance, the white paper explains the importance of reliable data and the impact of discrepancies on industry players.
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