The Dealer Design Awards is paving the path to its second decade of prominence as the contest celebrates its 11th year. This year, there were nearly 100 product entries spread across 14 categories competing for gold, silver, and bronze designations. Those receiving honors spanned the HVACR industry from residential equipment to contractor services and software. Each category contained both large and small manufacturers, setting a diverse set of products on a level playing field to compete.
The Dealer Design Awards are judged by 20 contractors active in the industry. Those participating this year found that HVAC manufacturers continue to search for new ways to make contractors’ jobs easier. Whether a plug-and-play component or a completely redesigned tool, those honored in the competition were praised for their commitment to making products that improved the installation, service, and maintenance of HVACR equipment.
Winners not only received the prestige and bragging rights to go along with placing in the 2014 Dealer Design Awards, but each also received the coveted Dealer Design trophy (pictured at right). Displayed proudly at manufacturing headquarters across the nation, this trophy signifies product excellence to all who see it.
The NEWS would like to congratulate each winner as well as thank each contractor judge for his or her participation in the competition. “The Dealer Design contest is unique because it’s the only HVACR competition judged by contractors. Their decisions are based upon their use and interaction with the products,” said Kyle Gargaro, editor-in-chief, The NEWS. “Each entry brought something different and unique to the table and our judges faced a real challenge in deciding which product qualified as the best of the best. I’d like to thank them for their effort, and the manufacturers for submitting their equipment.”
The following articles highlight and honor the winning entries from each of the 14 product categories. Inside each article, you'll find photos and details about each product in an easy-to-read spread sure to inform and entertain. Also, for the first time, we’re asking readers to pick a DDA grand champion by selecting their favorite DDA gold winner in our inaugural 2014 DDA Reader’s Choice Poll.
To view a chart containing all of the winners in each category, click here. To read about the winners in detail, click on a category below:
HVAC High-Efficiency Residential Equipment
HVAC Light Commercial Equipment
Residential Controls, Including Zoning
Commercial Controls, Including BAS
Testing + Monitoring Equipment
Contractor Services + Software
Publication date: 7/21/2014
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