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.

Heating Efficiency Savings Calculator

Company: Bacharach Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: September 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: Bacharach’s mobile app can quickly calculate cost saving comparisons from tuning up an existing furnace or by replacing the furnace with a newer, more efficient model. The app enables an HVAC contractor to promote a furnace tuneup or replacement by inputting the combustion analyzer’s efficiency reading of the current system. The app then compares the fuel and dollar savings of the tuneup and/or upgrade to a more efficient furnace. Even without knowing the exact efficiency measurements, consumers can see the difference in fuel costs by entering current and new AFUE ratings to show estimated savings gained from investing in more efficient heating systems.

Quote: “Nice way to present savings.” — Peter Saika, Google Play review

SMART Service Tool

Company: Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin Corp. - Spolan division

Platform(s): Apple mobile devices

Released: October 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: The innovative Smart Service Tools display, record, and export HVACR system temperatures, pressures, superheat, and subcooling using this free mobile app. The app allows a technician to read a system’s real-time pressures and temperatures without using cumbersome hoses or manifold gauges. Leveraging an existing smartphone or tablet, this wireless system allows the user to monitor system performance anywhere within Bluetooth range, minimizing charge loss and cleanup by eliminating hoses and minimizing unnecessary steps between system components and equipment. The app automatically displays superheat and subcooling, eliminating manual calculations. All of this data can be easily recorded, saved, and emailed, providing proof of work.

Quote: “The sensors can be easily attached to the refrigeration unit. Once the app is activated, the pressures and temperatures will be displayed right on a smartphone or tablet. It’s that quick.” — Matt Wehmeyer, product manager, Sporlan Electronics

FieldMaster Technician

Company: Trimble Navigation

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: September 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: FieldMaster Technician empowers mobile workers in the field with advanced collaboration tools and the ability to access and update information in real time for improved effectiveness. The app allows service organizations to optimize workflows and improve service deliveries by getting technicians to the right place at the right time with the information they need to do the job correctly the first time. FieldMaster Technician is integrated into Trimble FSM’s cloud-based solutions and offers key features, including allowing mobile workers to instantly locate and contact nearby coworkers for assistance, enabling mobile workers to find the fastest route and navigate to key locations, allowing mobile workers to manage their time and log activities throughout the day, allowing mobile workers to view historical job information, and permitting photos and signatures to be captured on-site to document work.

Quote: “Field service organizations are constantly looking to be more efficient. Mobility solutions that provide field teams information at their fingertips are vital to that pursuit. Real-time knowledge allows workers to make better, more intelligent business decisions while in the field. The result can enable increased productivity, reduced operating costs, and improved customer satisfaction — three ongoing goals in field service.” — John Cameron, general manager, Trimble Field Service Management Division

Yellow Jacket ManTooth

Company: Ritchie Engineering Co. Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Updated: October 2014

Cost: Free to download; $250-$350 for wireless gauge

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

Description: The Yellow Jacket® ManTooth™ Wireless Digital P/T Gauge provides a wireless connection to a smart device so the user can test the system without losing refrigerant (no hoses or manifolds necessary). The free downloadable ManTooth RSA app wirelessly calculates and displays the system’s actual pressures, temperatures, superheat, and subcooling on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Quote: “I have used the app on startups as a record-keeping tool and on smaller units so we don’t lose proper charge weights as quickly.” — Ken Lawson, engineer, Building Mechanical Systems, Palm City, Florida

Effinity93 Payback Calculator

Company: Modine HVAC

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: November 2014

Cost: Free to download

Where to download: iTunes, Google Play, and http://bit.ly/Effinity93App

Description: Modine’s Effinity93 App is an interactive tool that calculates the payback and energy savings associated with installing the Effinity93 condensing unit heater. The app is ideal for contractors and engineers responsible for specifying HVAC equipment for projects of any size. By entering simple job site data in the intuitive calculator, users can compare products with differing efficiencies to determine annual cost savings, return on investment (ROI), and environmental advantages. Results can be saved, emailed, and printed with a simple click. The product’s 10 model sizes range from 55,000 to 310,000 Btuh. Average payback through substantial energy savings is only three years. Effinity93 also reduces cost in operations and improves the environment with a minimum 15 percent decrease in CO2 when compared to other gas-fired heaters. Federal and state rebates are also available.

Quote: “I like the app because it’s easy to navigate and has all the pertinent information to compare the impact of the use of high-efficiency equipment versus the standard-level equipment. I can save it and reference it easily. What I really like is that, with a push of a button, I can email data to whomever needs it — even to myself, so I can review it on my laptop at a later date, if need be. Businesswise, the app is quick, easy to use, and has accurate data for review and decision making. These factors are what make it ideal.” — Sean Conner, commercial sales manager, BJ Terroni Co. Inc., Bensalem, Pennsylvania

HouseCall Pro

Company: Codefied Inc.

Platform(s): Apple and Android mobile devices

Released: December 2014

Cost: Free to download

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

Description: HouseCall Pro is a full-suite tool that enables service professionals to run their entire businesses from their smartphones and complementary Web portals. The app is free to use and supports professionals with all aspects of their daily workflow, including job scheduling, customer database, invoicing and payment processing, technician dispatch, and more. Using this all-encompassing tool, service professionals have significantly grown their businesses. Additionally, they’ve been able to retain existing clients and acquire new clients through the award-winning HouseCall consumer marketplace.

Quote: “We wanted to give mobile service professionals a modern way to run their businesses at zero cost. Plumbers, electricians, housekeepers, and others can now reach new goals by streamlining and mobilizing their businesses with this all-in-one tool. Instead of using pen and paper or antiquated software, HouseCall Pro makes scheduling, dispatching, billing, and invoicing a breeze.” — Ian Heidt, CEO and cofounder, HouseCall

Publication date: 2/9/2015

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