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 complete our online submission form. If you have any questions, please email jenanesi@achrnews.com.

Koch Filter

Company: Koch Filter Corp.

Platform(s): Apple mobile devices

Released/Updated: August 2013

Cost: Free

Available for download: http://bit.ly/KochFilterApp

Description: The Koch Filter app for iPhone puts the company’s air filter products at the user’s fingertips. The app gives the user access to all of Koch’s product literature from anywhere, and users can attach the product literature to emails or bid proposals. The app’s contact us feature gives the user a direct line to the company’s office for additional quotes and information.

Developer quote: “Our free iPhone application will allow you access to all our product literature while on-site and increase your productivity.” — Mark J. Mattingly, vice president, Koch Filter Corp.

ebm-papst

Company: ebm-papst Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: May 2013

Cost: Free

Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/ebmpapstmobileapp

Description: The new app from ebm-papst features a CO2 calculator that allows individuals and companies to calculate (and reduce) their C02 consumption. Notepad will save the users’ results from the CO2 calculator, and users can generate and email a wish list with the app. Users can also share information easily from the app via Facebook or email. The app also offers important information on ebm-papst trade shows, events, and news.

User quote: “Does exactly what it should and also looks very good! Great app!” — iTunes customer review

ACCA DuctWheel

Company: Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)

Platform(s): Apple mobile devices

Updated: October 2013

Cost: $9.99 (for a limited time; current DuctWheel app users may update the app at no charge)

Available for download: iTunes, http://bit.ly/ACCADuctWheel

Description: The updated DuctWheel app displays more clearly on newer iPads that have higher-resolution retina displays. The app is a mobile version of ACCA’s popular Duct Sizing Slide Rule, which is used by contractors nationwide to determine proper sizing of residential duct systems in accordance with Manual D, the nationally accredited standard for residential duct design. Using the DuctWheel app, instead of the standard duct slide rule, contractors and designers can lock the wheel in place, zoom in for easier reading, flip between two wheels for different calculations, or take a screenshot of the wheel in position. Contractors can use the app to: size lined and unlined metal ducts, duct board airways, and wire helix flexible ducts; convert round shapes to equivalent rectangles; correlate available pressure with total effective length and friction rate (Manual D sizing calculations); convert velocity into velocity pressure and vice versa; and correct for altitude and temperature. An instruction guide is included with the app purchase.

Developer quote: “DuctWheel features the same, easy-to-use wheel interface that technicians and contractors have been using for years. They already know how to use it to get accurate results. But DuctWheel never wears out, and it’s even easier to use than a standard slide rule, since you can lock it in place, zoom in, and even take a screenshot. It’s the only mobile duct measurement app that is powered by Manual D, and it’s the only duct sizing app created exclusively for the iPad — taking full advantage of native iPad graphic and screen capabilities.” — Kevin Holland, senior vice president of business operations and membership, ACCA

Trane Tracer™ BAS Operator Suite

Company: Trane

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: November 2013

Cost: Free

Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/TraneTracer

Description: The Trane Tracer BAS Operator Suite mobile app allows Tracer SC building operators to control their buildings from anywhere. The mobile app puts monitoring equipment in the palm of your hand, making set point changes, controlling spaces, and managing alarms accessible. It gives you peace of mind when you are away and flexibility to check in when you are not at your desk. The Tracer BAS Operator Suite works with the Trane building automation system controller Tracer SC version 3.6 and higher. The BAS suite is fully integrated with Tracer SC – just log in to view your building.

User quote: “Works Gr8!!!!! Has nice features and easy to monitor the HVAC. Cheers.” —Prashant Hegde, Google Play customer review

SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction

Company: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA)

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: October 2013

Cost: $12.99

Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/SMACNAapp

Description: SMACNA has a new app for its flagship manual, “HVAC Duct Construction Standard — Metal and Flexible,” third edition. The app simplifies the process of finding construction options for rectangular duct with dimensions up to 120 inches for applications from negative to positive 10-inch water gage as contained within the manual “HVAC Duct Construction Standard—Metal and Flexible.” The app provides the most commonly used options, but does not provide every possible solution and is no substitute for the book. While a terrific tool to enhance field productivity, it is intended to be used in conjunction with SMACNA’s “HVAC Duct Construction Standard — Metal and Flexible,” which may be purchased at www.smacna.org/bookstore.

User quote: “The duct construction program is awesome!” Dan De Maso, Lapin Sheet Metal Co., Orlando, Fla.

Dwyer Instruments Catalogs

Company: Dwyer Instruments Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: September 2013

Cost: Free

Available for download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/DwyerApp

Description: Dwyer Instruments’ 2014 Catalog app allows users to search, peruse, and gather all of the information they may need about a product instantaneously. App users can explore Dwyer’s product catalog and learn about the pressure, flow, level, temperature, gas sensing, air velocity instrumentations, and controls they offer. Users can also download the catalog to their device and view it anytime, even if they are offline.

User quote: “[The app] makes finding my parts easier. Application works great on Samsung Galaxy II.” — Google Play customer review

Publication date: 11/25/2013

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