For HVAC contractors, one of the biggest challenges is that there is never enough time in the day. Time is a valuable commodity. Homeowners and businesses need equipment repairs and replacements to happen as soon as reasonably possible. This means having the right part on-hand so the fix can happen quickly.
The longer the repair takes, the likelihood grows for negative impact on contractor reputation and customer satisfaction. And if the contractor needs to wait for the part and make a second site visit, this means taking valuable time away from another potential job.
This is why the idea of universal replacement parts can be so attractive. Stocking thousands of OEM replacement parts can be difficult and costly. Special orders and overnight shipping charges can add costs, reduce profit and delay job completion. Universal parts can help contractors more efficiently meet customer needs and increase reputation and profitability.
There are two often widely held misconceptions: that universal parts might be inferior to original spare parts, and that their complexity could make them difficult to install.
Unfortunately, there are two often widely held misconceptions: that universal parts might be inferior to original spare parts, and that their complexity could make them difficult to install. Understandably, contractors’ reputations in their local markets are critical to maintain and grow their businesses, so they need to be confident in the quality and ease of installation of the parts that they use to avoid problems and call-backs. It is important for contractors to research the
technology and quality of the parts that they use so that they can be confident that they will work for the applications they intend.
Advances in design and technology have helped usher in high-quality universal parts that can seamlessly replace several models and brands of cooling and heating parts, matching the fit, form and function of the original parts. They can be easily adaptable and installed and some even feature drop-in replacement capabilities with minimal setup required. Most importantly, they are designed to maintain overall system performance, efficiency and durability.
This level of replacement coverage, quality and simplicity helps contractors condense inventory requirements, cover applications with fewer SKUs, reduce time and travel searching for exact parts and ensure they have the right part in-stock and on the truck.
Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocols, which enable communication between electronic devices, let contractors easily set up the part via a mobile app in only a few minutes.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and the greater connectivity it brings have helped to improve the viability and efficiency of using universal replacement parts. Certain universal parts available on the market are supported by mobile apps that can help to simplify installation, setup and troubleshooting.
Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocols, which enable communication between electronic devices, let contractors easily set up the part via a mobile app in only a few minutes. This means it can be done in the comfort of their truck, with maintenance oversight from any location, to save time and limit how long they might have to be in tight or unpleasant quarters. Some universal parts are even set up in the factory with default settings that only require slight configuration on the app, shaving a couple additional minutes off setup time.
Many of the newer universal parts being introduced are also designed for easier, more accurate troubleshooting.
Many of the newer universal parts being introduced are also designed for easier, more accurate troubleshooting. They feature built-in diagnostics that can help contractors to troubleshoot issues, with causes and solutions appearing on the mobile app, which also provides easy, on-the-go access to product specifications and information.
So for those contractors who may have dismissed universal parts in the past, it may be time for a second look. A growing number of universal parts offer high quality and durability, ensuring contractors have the right part when they need it, maintain customer satisfaction, and can move from one job to the next as quickly as possible.
David Vie is Director Electronic Controls, White-Rodgers for Emerson.