Our industry has come a long way in terms of our ability to measure, diagnose, and improve the delivered performance of HVAC systems. There is no doubt in my mind that right now is the best time for contractors to get started in this pursuit.
As an industry we are now very blessed to have the best tools, software, and training to take our technicians, installers, and salespeople to the top of their game in terms of not just measuring performance but proving their results!
Another reason the timing is right: customers are spending more time to get educated before embarking on getting a new HVAC system, or even choosing a service contractor to repair and maintain their systems. There is more online information available than ever to help homeowners navigate what can be an often be a daunting journey to choose both a contractor and technologies wisely.
In terms of the impact on you, as an HVAC professional, let’s break down the three key areas where we’ve made a sea change of progress over the past 10 years.
High-Performance Tools
Over the past decade, technology built into the tools and instruments used to test HVAC systems has evolved in quantum leaps. Not long ago our test instruments were clunky, sometimes unreliable, hard to use, and very expensive. Today, we have an amazing array of fantastic testing products available to us at a very reasonable cost.
“There will never be a better time to jump into true performance testing in our industry.”
Many instruments now using communications technology to talk to our phones, and other wireless device so they can more accurately and repeatedly capture important airflow information. We can use this information to both diagnose and balance air distribution systems.
Other important tools including airflow capture hoods, digital manometers, anemometers, thermometers/hygrometers, combustion analyzers, and watt meters have become more accurate, and many have fantastic communication capabilities.
These new products are not just better at capturing data, but many interface with software platforms to help analyze and interpret the information to help you better diagnose performance issues and lead you to the right solutions. Most are significantly less expensive as well.
For example, an instrument from The Energy Conservatory called a TruFlow Grid has been completely redesigned and now accurately measures total airflow at a return filter grille or filter rack on a ducted split system, under almost any conditions. NCI has done extensive testing on the tool, and we are very pleased with the results.
High-Performance Software
Diagnostic and data capture software has been introduced over just the past few years to our industry. These cloud-based applications include NCI’s own ComfortMaxx™and AirMaxx™, as well as MeasureQuick™, a data capture and diagnostic software that interfaces directly with many of the latest HVAC test instruments to hit the market.
I believe we are just getting started in this arena, as these applications will evolve and get better and easier to use over the months and years ahead. Because of this type of software, system testing is becoming more mainstream, and a key foundational block for High-Performance Contracting.
High- Performance Training
Training to help field personnel learn to test and verify system performance in a logical step-by-step approach is more available than ever. The best training has been streamlined to help people in specific roles in their part of the process.
For example, NCI’s Airflow Testing and Diagnostics training is a great foundational step for virtually every technical role in an HVAC business. Your field people can then springboard up to other specialties that fit their role in a company.
There will never be a better time to jump into true performance testing in our industry. While we have all the pieces in place, it’s estimated that currently less than 10% of HVAC companies are properly using measurement and diagnostics to evaluate systems and offer provable solutions.
This is a phenomenal opportunity for your High-Performance business, whether you are just exploring this approach or are well down the road in differentiating your company with proven performance.
Dominick Guarino is CEO of National Comfort Institute (NCI), (www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com), the nation’s premier High-Performance training, certification, and membership organization, focused on helping contractors grow and become more profitable. His e-mail is [email protected]. For more info on NCI’s 2023 High-Performance Summit visit www.GotoSummit.com or call NCI at 800/633-7058.