When evaluating the purchase of most types of capital equipment, the obvious factor to consider is price/performance. Yet, an important factor that most people would agree should not be overlooked is value added, an amenity or service — such as warranty or engineering assistance — that substantially increases the worth of the product, or potential return on investment (ROI).
When it comes to purchasing a cooling tower, an integral component of many HVAC systems, value added often takes on more significance than usual. This is because factors such as warranty or engineering and installation assistance can be crucial to performance and extend the service life of the equipment. Hence, value added may significantly enhance the price/performance ratio.