DesignStar allows contractors to interactively “drag and drop” individual system components into a customization area, thus creating personalized systems for homeowners. In this “virtual design studio,” individual components available include dozens of Rheem and Ruud air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and package units. Even the full range of accessories like humidifiers, thermostats, and media centers can be added to create a premium home comfort environment.
Once the homeowner has their system in place, the “Economics” tab displays such financial data as:
• System cost
• Comparative price to repair the existing system
• Cumulative cost savings
• Loan payment amounts
• Interest rates
Other tabs allow the contractor to include the homeowner’s contact information; local weather; natural gas and other baseline utility rates; and other important data. From there, the contractor and homeowner can substitute system components if desired to evaluate how the system would be affected.
“I have found the Rheem DesignStar system to be very valuable,” said Mike Pryor, owner of Ruud dealer Compass Air in Fort Worth, Texas. “Our customers appreciate seeing the potential energy usage figures and overall system costs before making the all-important purchasing decision.”
For more information about Design Star, visit rheem.virtualhvac.com.
Publication date:07/21/2008
