Four Programs to Boost Efficiency

Cloud-based GoFormz for HVAC Advanced (www.goformz.com, 877/244-4886, priced per user per month) enables users to create identical digital versions of their existing HVAC paper forms. The mobile forms are available for viewing in either “Form View,” which looks like a company’s existing forms, or “List View,” a viewing mode optimized for smaller screens.

Several forms come with the software, including Quotes, which includes automated calculations; Work Orders; Service Reports; and Invoices. You can also upload your own.

Users create the form templates online and then fill the forms out on a phone, tablet, or computer. The mobile forms feature both dynamic fields to guide data input and quick look-up fields which automatically populate corresponding fields with previously captured data – e.g. a selection from a drop-down customer list would fill fields with corresponding data value, such as a customer’s contact information. Form layouts are customizable by dragging and dropping fields onto uploaded forms utilizing the template editor.

The software can generate store, and share ad hoc and recurring reports, such as HVAC inspection, compliance, and progress reports, as well as custom reports.

It is possible to add visual context such as images, sketches, and annotations to any form and can insert a signature box to capture sign-offs or approvals in the field. Utilizing Maps and GPS coordinates, users can also include the exact location of projects, deliveries, and other relevant data. The software can capture data online or offline when there is no Internet access (data is downloaded when an Internet signal resumes).

GoFormz is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices, and desktop computers, and supports unlimited form templates. Forms generated and stored in the software can also be easily stored in other cloud storage solutions like Box and Dropbox.

Developed to provide contractors with the ability for doing load calculations in the home, Wrightsoft’s Right-J Mobile (wrightsoft.com, 800/225-8697) web-based technology allows users to quickly and easily generate an ACCA approved Manual J8 block (whole house) load calculations.  

How it works: fill out customer contact information and then, with a few taps of the screen, draw the building footprint dimensions to generate an instant block load. Then select the wall, ceiling and floor R-values, materials, infiltration, and glass area percentage from a list of dropdown options.

The solution utilizes Wrightsoft’s Hotlink Technology to instantly update the load calculation whenever you make changes to the building details, or footprint. Once complete, the software instantly computes the load. Results are viewable on your device screen as heating and cooling loads with a pie-chart breakdown generated by the source of each load.  

Several types of reports can be generated, including project summary, design conditions, heating and cooling loads, design information, the Manual J Worksheet, component instructions (including design conditions and construction descriptions), an AED Assessment including the Hourly Glazing Load, and a drawing of the building footprint.

Right-J Mobile features touchscreen capability and is designed specifically with an interface optimized for mobile devices, tablets, and computers with Internet connection. Because the app is stored on a secure cloud server, projects can be stored and shared, or accessed from other devices.

Files can be opened, edited, and used to create more complex room-by room designs in Wrightsoft’s Right-Suite Universal, a modular desktop residential and commercial HVAC software solution for new construction and replacement HVAC projects that, among capabilities, can calculate loads, design and size the system for the project, product parts take-off lists, and prepare custom proposals.

Punchlistwiz.com (punchlistwiz.com) is a picture-based reporting tool for small and medium sized businesses that enables compiling a punchlist at a job and distributing it to team participants. The overview screen has the client name, date, reference number, and other identifying information. The user compiling the list can edit item, add photos from an existing library or from photos taken from within the software at any time, and add a signature in the field, inputted by finger-writing it directly on the screen. Any punchlist can be duplicated for re-use and modification. Priced per user.

The EPA Indoor airPLUS (free for iPhone and iPad at the iTunes store) could be a handy app for iPhone or iPad toting contractors working with builders of energy-efficient new homes, including homes aiming to carry the ENERGY STAR label and certification under the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS program. 

Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program that helps builders improve the quality of indoor air through construction practices and product specifications by minimizing exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants. The specifications include “careful selection and installation of” heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, combustion-venting systems, and moisture control systems, as well as radon resistant construction and low-emitting building materials.

For a new home to become Indoor airPLUS Qualified, the builder must first design a home to the ENERGY STAR label, then add additional home design and construction features to protect it against moisture and mold, pets, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants. To earn the Indoor airPLUS Label, the home must past an independent third-party inspection that ensures compliance with the EPA’s guidelines and specifications. The EPA Indoor airPLUS Mobile App enables builders and verifier partners to review current Indoor airPLUS construction Specifications and complete and email a Verification Checklist via their mobile device.  

Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. She can be reached at [email protected].