When a system failure or compressor lockout occurs, building owners and facility managers often find that troubleshooting the problem can involve dealing with the headache of multiple service contractors and long periods of downtime while the problem is fixed. Contractors are in need of a system that can take the complexity out of network controls and streamline communications and services. On the other hand, contractors want a system that will allow them to sell service contracts and eliminate the services/diagnostic middleman, saving time and money for them, as well as their customers.
At the 2002 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, the Unitary Products Group of York International (Norman, OK) announced it is joining forces with Texas Instruments Sensors & Controls Group (Attleboro, MA) and Notifact Corp. (Fairfield, NJ) to give contractors what it believes to be a cost-effective and easy-to-use equipment monitoring and communications system. Its Simplicity Control System™ for light commercial use was introduced as a standard on all York rooftop units and will be available as an upgrade for many installed systems.