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.

Nexia Home Intelligence

Company: Ingersoll Rand

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

Updated: June 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: Nexia™ Home Intelligence is a cloud-based platform that helps the smart products in a home work together through a single, convenient app. The latest offerings from Trane and American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning allow for remote monitoring and management of a home’s climate through Nexia. This added level of control offers convenience and helps homeowners reduce their heating and cooling system’s energy consumption.

Quote: “It allows you to control your home remotely the way you want. [Home automation] is kind of the Wild West right now — everybody’s trying to figure it out and what works for them — but we have products backed by a 100-year-old brand and a platform that has been on the market for five years. We’re continuing to drive adoption of this very cool thing called the connected home.” — Mark Schmidt, Ingersoll Rand

workCITE

Company: Crossfleet

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: July 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: The workCITE app allows contractors — electricians, plumbers, HVAC, grounds maintenance workers, etc. — to electronically manage their service businesses from first call to final invoice, including scheduling jobs, tracking work orders, and managing invoices. Using the app, dispatchers can set up new jobs with field technicians, communicate with technicians, and update job statuses in real time. In addition, after the job is completed, technicians can communicate this to their dispatchers. The app also allows field technicians to easily access customer information, confirm appointments, schedule follow-ups, and track before-and-after photos. The workCITE app speeds up billing and payment cycles and automatically updates customer records.

Quote: “It’s almost too easy to use.” — Field Service Tech

ClimateMaster GeoSense

Company: ClimateMaster Inc.

Platform(s): Apple iPad

Released: August 2013

Cost: Free to download

Where to download: Apple iTunes and http://bit.ly/GeoSenseApp

Description: ClimateMaster’s Geosense app is a selling tool designed for use by ClimateMaster dealers. Users can walk homeowners through an easy-to-use, interactive geothermal heating and cooling sales presentation that includes the following: learning how geothermal heating and cooling works, watching animations of various geothermal loop installation types, viewing heat pump components, and using ClimateMaster’s Energy Savings Calculator to demonstrate savings over conventional HVAC systems.

Quote: “Geosense is an interactive, step-by-step iPad app designed to help ClimateMaster dealers walk consumers through the concept of geothermal and provide them with a one-page estimate/payback analysis. Our dealers love the convenience of this tool to help educate consumers on geo and close the deal.” — Raj Hiremath, director of marketing, ClimateMaster

Arctic Heating & Cooling LLC

Company: Ryno Strategic Solutions, LLC

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: May 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: Dealer apps created by Brickyard Marketing, represented as Ryno Strategic Solutions LLC, help put the power in customers’ hands by giving them the ability to schedule an appointment that works around their schedule, add filter/maintenance reminders to their personal calendars to make it easy for them to maintain their home’s comfort systems, and utilize iDiagnose to record audio for their system and email it to you for an interactive diagnosis. In addition to tap-to-contact features, app users get access to in-app specials and product info centers, where they can browse products descriptions, key features, images, ratings, and brochures. With all these features and more, the apps offer the ability to be in the pockets and purses — a tap away — from existing and potential clients 24/7/365.

Quote: “Nice, easy way to stay in contact with your heating and cooling professional. Easy to use and practical functional features.” — iTunes review

Munters PsychroApp

Company: Munters Europe AB

Platform(s): Apple mobile devices

Updated: June 2012

Cost: Free

Where to download: iTunes and http://bit.ly/PsychroApp

Description: PsychroApp™ is a psychrometric calculation tool designed for the iPhone and iPod touch. Calculate the total, sensible, latent, and moisture loads of any process more accurately than using psychrometric charts. This app provides quick and easy access to calculations such as dew point, grams per kilogram, and grains per pound. Simply enter the temperature and relative humidity, and Munters PsychroApp will output the corresponding dew point or grams per kilogram/grains per pound, giving you the insight you need for your job. Munters PsychroApp uses ASHRAE equations and is a simple, effective tool from a leader in energy-efficient air treatment.

Quote: “Love it. Use it all the time.” — iTunes review

myDC Control

Company: Distech Controls

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: July 2014

Cost: Free

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

Description: With this app, one can test and commission HVAC systems single-handedly. A system integrator or control technician can walk over to the equipment being commissioned and test its operation firsthand while using the app to view, set, and override related input and output values. The user can also test connected sensors and actuators. For system integrators and building managers, the myDC Control app also allows for remote servicing and maintenance and improved response time to service calls. Building managers can view alarms, perform diagnostics, and take corrective actions, such as overriding conditions or changing a set point. This app reduces the need for onsite visits and associated time and travel costs.

Quote: “At Distech Controls, we strive for innovative ways to help make life that much easier for those looking to achieve energy and operational efficiencies. This new app does just that by directly putting control into the hands of a variety of users, allowing them to access and optimize HVAC system settings and influence their environments for improved comfort from anywhere at any time. We are proud to offer these solutions to our network of partners and end users and are confident that they will serve as a cornerstone for future mobile innovations.” — Etienne Veilleux, president and CEO, Distech Controls

Publication date: 7/28/2014

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