now carry significant regulatory and

financial risk due to evolving environmental

legislation and refrigerant phase-downs. In

installation, but differences typically become

evident under real operating conditions.

These can include reduced efficiency, higher

However, refrigeration and air-conditioning

this context, refrigerant choice is no longer

wear and tear, increased maintenance

systems are long-term operational assets,

only a technical decision – it is a long-term

frequency and unplanned failures.

typically running for 10 to 20 years or more.

business and investment decision.

For end users, this translates directly into

As a result, the more relevant consideration

In contrast, low-GWP and natural

production interruptions, product spoilage,

is the total cost of ownership over the full

refrigerant solutions offer greater long-term

increased operational costs and reduced

lifecycle of the system. This includes energy

stability, lower compliance risk and more

profitability. In the African context, these

consumption, system reliability and uptime,

predictable operating costs. In today’ s

risks are often amplified by factors such as

maintenance requirements, and access to

market, a purely price-based approach is no

power instability, varying load conditions,

spare parts and technical support.

Typically, the lifecycle cost distribution of a refrigeration system is approximately 20 % capital expenditure, 15 % maintenance, and 65 % energy consumption. This clearly demonstrates that the initial purchase price represents only a small portion of the overall cost. A comprehensive lifecycle approach must also consider refrigerant strategy. Systems based on high-GWP refrigerants

longer sufficient. A lifecycle-based approach

is essential to ensure efficiency, compliance

and long-term asset security.

THE IMPACT OF COST-DRIVEN DECISIONS

One of the greatest risks associated with

decisions driven primarily by upfront cost

is reduced predictability over time. Lowercost

solutions may appear comparable at

inconsistent maintenance practices and

limited access to qualified technical support.

This makes system reliability, correct

component selection and long-term

service capability even more critical.

ENABLING LIFECYCLE-BASED DECISIONS

At BITZER, the focus is on acting as a longterm

partner rather than simply a component

Torsten Steinborn, managing director: BITZER South Africa.

supplier. The company’ s approach covers

the full lifecycle of the system – from

application and component selection,

through commissioning, to ongoing service,

Supplied by BITZER