Heatcraft’s Gavin Tory talks to CCN about plans for 2014 and the company’s efficiency philosophy, which is aimed at helping customers save money and improving the delivery of Heatcraft’s product and services portfolio, from business tools and software to condensers and chillers.
When it comes to value it isn’t just about the delivery of giant chillers but also the support and services that distinguish Heatcraft from its competitors, the company says.
For example, the Smart@ccess customer portal provides value to customers by helping them manage their day to day business with Heatcraft.
The portal means customers can view pricing and statements online, and make secure payments while managing Cool Card transactions. It operates 24x7 with Smart@ccess optimised for use on iPhone, Android and iPad.
A new feature is a state-of-the-art heat load calculator, which was launched late last year.
The Smart@ccess heat load calculator replaces the Kirby Tool Kit and allows users to enter project specifications and view or print off a detailed heat load report.
Customers have welcomed Smart@ccess, according to Heatcraft’s director of marketing, Gavin Tory.
“We are excited about the prospect of adding further enhancements throughout 2014 to give our customers the tools they need to make their business run smoothly and efficiently,” Tory says.
Heatcraft customers who are not already registered should contact their local Heatcraft branch or account manager for access.
Tory says the Heatcraft product portfolio continues to evolve, with efficiency gains resulting from EC fan technology and variable speed drive inclusions.
The Kirby Titan outdoor condensing unit with variable speed compressor drive was a popular inclusion on the 2013 Driving Efficiency Roadshow. It can deliver energy savings of up to 27 per cent when compared to traditional systems.
The VSD component with EC motor reduces energy consumption and stabilises both suction pressure and room temperature, through less system cycling. This in turn benefits product shelf life and system longevity.
Microchannel coil technology continues to be a feature across the Kirby equipment range. Heatcraft now offers microchannel coil technology across a range of air cooled condensers, condensing units and chillers.
This technology delivers up to a 70 per cent reduction in refrigerant charge, as well as improving coil corrosion resistance and reducing the weight of the unit.
The Kirby MXW air cooled condenser also toured the country as part of the Heatcraft 2013 Driving Efficiency Roadshow and will make an appearance at ARBS in May.
“The dynamic nature of our industry creates many opportunities and challenges for our customers but due to the breadth of our expertise Heatcraft is well placed to keep our customers informed, whether it be refrigerant or equipment trends or better ways of doing business,” Tory says.
“As a continuation of the successful roadshow in 2013, Heatcraft customers will be able to attend information events at select Heatcraft branch outlets. The information events will continue to inform and educate customers.”
R32 and R22
With the introduction of R32 charged residential air conditioning systems into the
Australian market, Heatcraft will provide information on refrigerant availability, handling and storage considerations through events listed on its website and work closely with suppliers to provide guidance on compatible service equipment, Tory says.
Heatcraft will also continue to keep customers informed on the phase out of R22 and provide information on how to plan replacement or retrofit of existing HCFC plants.
As the transition from R22 continues, Tory says Heatcraft will introduce refrigerant management initiatives that can save money.
Through the Gas2Go program, Heatcraft recently launched a R22 buy-back program that promotes safe handling, recovery and fair value for recovered refrigerant.
Heatcraft Gas2Go customers can now return recovered R22 refrigerant for a generous premium over current Refrigerant Reclaim Australia rates, subject to certain quality and quantity requirements.
“Customers are always looking for smarter ways to manage their business to deliver cost savings and the Heatcraft Gas2Go Club continues to gain momentum as customers realise efficiencies in managing their fleet requirements,” Tory says.
By joining the Heatcraft Gas2Go Club, customers can manage their fleet more economically and with greater flexibility, he says.
For a one-off membership fee, club members have unlimited access to a nominated fleet of Heatcraft supplied refrigerant cylinders up to a maximum quantity within their membership period.
They can return empty cylinders and exchange them for full cylinders of any size and pay only for the refrigerant or the cleaning charge on pump down cylinders.
They can even link more than one Heatcraft account with the one Gas2Go Club membership, providing even greater flexibility. Importantly, Gas2Go Club members can also receive credits for un-used refrigerant gas returned to Heatcraft, subject to quantity requirements.
For more information on the Gas2Go Club program, smart@ccess or the Kirby equipment range, contact your Heatcraft account manager on 13 23 50 or visit Heatcraft during ARBS on Stand 416. Event details can be found on the website www.heatcraft.com.au.