As technology continues to advance, more and more industry mobile applications are becoming available for smartphones and tablets. These mobile apps can be valuable tools for HVACR customers, contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
Here at The NEWS, we will be spotlighting several of these mobile apps each month. If you have an app you would like included in the App Zone, please email jenanesi@achrnews.com.
HVAC Flat Rate
Company: ExactCharge Industries Inc.
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: September 2013
Cost: Free demo; $39.99 for full version
Available for download: iTunes (http://bit.ly/1c1zDBw) and Google Play
Description: HVAC Flat Rate by ExactCharge helps HVAC contractors interested in moving from a time-and-material system to a flat-rate pricing system, or those who simply find their current flat-rate setup hard to use and expensive. HVAC Flat Rate has user-friendly screens and puts convenient flat-rate pricing at contractors’ fingertips on their phones or tablets. It is fully customizable for each business (add categories, repair tasks, modify parts, and labor costs), but comes pre-configured and loaded with over 100 common day-to-day residential repair tasks and costs. The signature capture feature allows users to complete a transaction without a paper invoice.
User Quote: “The flat-rate books are so expensive, (but) this is easy to use. The maker is a veteran HVAC technician, so the repairs are very relevant. Support was also first rate.” — Art Cuneo, HVAC Flat Rate app user
Danfoss IR
Company: Danfoss
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: August 2013
Cost: Free
Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/15HgVNQ
Description: The IR (Industrial Refrigeration) Spare Parts App is designed to give users information on Danfoss’s industrial refrigeration valves in order to determine a kit number to purchase a spare part or spare parts kit. The spare parts kits include an inspection kit, repair kit, or overhaul kit. Once users locate the desired component or kit, simply click on the blue highlighted number and a populated email draft will appear. The app also keeps users up-to-date on the latest apps developed by Danfoss IR.
Developer quote: “Our new Danfoss IR Spare Parts App will make it really easy to find relevant spare parts for a given industrial refrigeration valve. It is designed to give users information to determine a kit number to purchase a spare part or spare parts kit. Once you locate the desired component or kit, simply click on the blue highlighted number and a populated email draft will appear.” — Jason Paquette, marketing manager, North
America, Danfoss
Healthy Home iAQ
Company: Field Controls LLC
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: January 2013
Cost: Free
Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/1fGH9nQ
Description: The Healthy Home iAQ app is a powerful, versatile tool for contractors. In easy-to-understand language, it explains to homeowners why they need to take charge of their indoor air and how best to do it. A short animated video explains the need for better IAQ and how the Healthy Home System works to keep the air Fresh, Clean, and Pure™. The app also guides homeowners through a simple scorecard analysis of the air in their home so they can identify the solutions that are right for them. It even helps contractors configure the right system for each homeowner, based on each individual’s needs and budgets. The app displays customized pricing for easy quotes and allows customers to select and approve the custom Healthy Home System.
Developer quote: “Understanding and selling IAQ has never been easier. This app provides the contractor an entirely new arsenal to better present, diagnose, and sell the most versatile IAQ system on the market, the Healthy Home System.” — Bobby Nelson, vice president of marketing and sales, Field Controls
Mobile Technician
Company: SWRemote LLC
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: July 2013
Cost: Free to download; paid subscription required per device
Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/19kxEl0
Description: SWRemote’s Mobile Technician integrates directly with SuccessWare21®, helping technicians manage their jobs from start to finish. The app allows technicians to spend more time interacting and generating revenue with customers, and less time on the phone or doing paperwork. Information is automatically synced from the field to the office and most companies find the app reduces the cost of doing business as it often pays for itself in just a few months.
User quote: “Our customers pay for good service, and, thanks to SWRemote, our service is better than ever. We have real-time information from our service teams, who can access exactly the information they need to answer customers’ questions, and they can execute service and warranty tickets really fast in the field. On top of this, it’s helping us to reduce costs.” — Tim Paetz, general manager, Bud Anderson Heating and Cooling
Pros Like You
Company: WinWholesale Inc. and Feature Group
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: July 2013
Cost: Free to download
Available for download: iTunes (http://bit.ly/GzMnle) and Google Play
Description: The WinWholesale mobile app allows users access to five distinct options, including finding the 10 closest Win Group locations; calculating conversions for pipe size, pressure, water, electrical, and HVAC applications; finding and selecting up to 10 Win Group locations to save as favorite locations; requesting a quote from preferred locations; and linking to information about WinWholesale and the Win Group of companies.
Developer quote: “We know mobile accessibility is critically important for our customers as smartphones and tablets become more commonplace. The WinWholesale app helps customers with daily tasks and also puts customers in contact with Win Group locations.” — Steve Edwards, vice president of marketing, WinWholesale Inc.
Tecumseh
Company: Tecumseh Products Co.
Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices
Released/Updated: January 2013
Cost: Free to download
Available for download: Apple iTunes, Google Play Store, and http://bit.ly/16k4Sn7
Description: Tecumseh Products Co. has released its 2013 edition mobile app, which includes a comprehensive compressor and condensing unit cross-reference function. The new app makes it easy for refrigeration and air conditioning contractors to quickly and correctly indentify service replacement compressors, condensing units, and applicable electrical components, reducing the time required to get the job done. The new cross-reference tool uses a smartphone or tablet camera to scan a compressor and/or condensing unit serial label bar code or QR code, as an alternative to typing the information. It then provides users with the model number of an equivalent Tecumseh replacement compressor and/or condensing unit. The electrical service parts guidebook function is also included, allowing users to determine the electrical service parts needed for any Tecumseh compressor, thanks to its searchable database.
User quote: “Useful data. Compressor run amps, LRA, start, and run caps. Once you figure out the search, it’s worth it.” – Google Play review
Publication date: 9/30/2013
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