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.

Fluke Connect

Company: Fluke Corp.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: June 2014

Cost: Free

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/FlukeConnectApp

Description: Fluke Connect™ works with more than 20 different Fluke test tools and allows users to identify and diagnose problems quickly and confidently while securely sharing data when requested, with whomever a user desires. Users can securely connect and collaborate with others and get approvals without leaving the field, make better decisions faster than before, organize measurements by asset in one location with EquipmentLog™ history, trend data over time with TrendIt™ graphs, and securely store data in Fluke Cloud™.

Quote: “We are not trying to solve new problems. We are addressing issues like, ‘I wish I had written that down,’ or, ‘All I need is for a colleague to look at this to see what I might have missed.’” — Paul Heydron, vice president of engineering, Fluke Industrial Group

HVAC/R Savings Calculator

Company: Schneider Electric USA

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: May 2014

Cost: Free

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/HVACRSavingsApp

Description: This savings calculator allows users to calculate potential energy and cost savings when applying the Condenser Fan Pak solution to their multi-fan, air-cooled chiller or condenser application. In most applications, this Schneider Electric™ solution can reduce the energy consumption of air-cooled chillers and condensers on average by 20-40 percent while extending useful life and reducing life cycle cost. In order to calculate potential savings results, users select a location (manually or via GPS), input energy cost for selected location, input application parameters, and select their monthly and daily load profiles. The potential savings results may be shared via email.

Quote: “Schneider Electric’s HVACR Calculator App was designed to meet customer requirements for simplicity of use, accuracy in calculations, and a deliverable report that is easy to understand. We are pleased to be able to offer this unique application to our customers.” — Ian Hitchins, vice president, HVAC/R solutions, industry business, Schneider Electric

BuildingBlok Mobile

Company: BuildingBlok LLC

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: May 2014

Cost: Free to download; $50 per month for service

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/BuildingBlokApp

Description: The app is designed to manage a project efficiently. Stakeholders work in real time, sharing documents, photos, financials, and other critical daily documents. It is all secure in the cloud storage, which avoids loss of any data or directives that can cause confusion, delays, and conflicts. With the BuildingBlok Pro package, an unlimited number of projects and authorized users can be added at no additional cost. A network directory even enables registered users to promote their own business and to connect partners with other service providers. Each user is presented with a secure, personalized, single-page dashboard, which highlights their entire set of responsibilities on each project. Equally important, an exceptional customer support team is available online or by phone to help all users, at every level, master and use the platform.

Quote: “BuildingBlok is an extremely cost-effective solution to organizing multiple or large-scale projects. We integrated BuildingBlok into our company approximately one year ago. We spend less time on the phone with subcontractors and have more time to focus on selling more projects. If I sell one more project per year, BuildingBlok more than pays for itself. It’s a brilliant system.” — Brandon Nadeau, Enterprise Sales Co.

Project Plan Room

Company: Dexter + Chaney

Platform(s): Apple, Android, and Windows mobile devices

Released: May 2014

Cost: Free

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, Windows Store, and http://bit.ly/ProjectPlan
RoomApp

Description: Project Plan Room provides a powerful vehicle to distribute construction documents, communicate critical data, and relay vital project information in real time to employees’ and subcontractors’ mobile devices on the job site. The app was designed to increase efficiency and collaboration between field staff and the office. It also provides subcontractors a powerful tool to get the latest construction data on site. The app allows contractors and subcontractors to remotely access the latest versions of plans, specifications, drawings, and other documents. It synchronizes with Spectrum’s Plan Room application, ensuring that users have the most up-to-date project information at their fingertips. Users are able to quickly zoom in on documents for more details or to attain a closer look at drawings and sketches. The app works online or offline with no dependency on an Internet connection in order to operate or view documents. Once an Internet connection is established, synchronizing with Spectrum for updates or new document versions is a simple, one-tap function.

Quote: “Contractors are far too familiar with the burden of carrying reams of paperwork into the field with them on projects. These traditional forms of documentation can get torn, lost, or drawn on to the point where they are unreadable. With the Project Plan Room app, contractors and subcontractors get the latest revision to any project document quickly and easily. Having this power at your fingertips will lead to faster, more efficient projects and significantly reduce costly mistakes.” — John Chaney, cofounder and CEO, Dexter + Chaney

HVAC Flashcards

Company: BH Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: April 2014

Cost: $4.99

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/HVACFlashcardsApp

Description: The HVAC Flashcards app includes 1,000 pre-made flashcards in five categories, which cover all aspects of the HVAC exam: initial assessment, post-test, theories, electrical power, and general review. The app can import card sets from Course Hero, Quizlet, and Flashcard Exchange, and allows the user to track study progress using the Leitner system; display statistics for cards and games; search card sets from a database with millions of flashcards on various subjects; review your schedule to help you review flashcards before they are expired; customize flashcards by selecting font, background, and languages; and access flashcards created on www.superflashcard.com.

Quote: “Great app! Diverse knowledge covered; thorough descriptions and answers.” — Ric Camacho, Google Play review

Lennox Mobile

Company: Lennox Industries

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: March 2014

Cost: Free

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/LennoxApps

Description: Lennox Mobile app users can calculate how much a Lennox system can save customers in energy costs. App users enjoy quick and easy access to Lennox Residential HVAC products and dealers. App features include instant access to the Lennox® dealer nearest you, energy-savings calculator, product guide, promotions and financing information, current Lennox commercials, and the ability to save preferred products and dealers.

Quote: “This app is designed for information on Lennox products so that you can show it to your customers if you don’t have a laptop in the field. It’s a very good app.” — Google Play review 

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