The future is a tap away with the updated RC Mobile Technician App featuring Near Field Communication (NFC). Simply tap your mobile device to the NFC antenna on the control board to modify installation settings or pull diagnostic information, all without power to the furnace!
NFC functionality has been incorporated into the existing RC Mobile Technician App!
Near Field Communication (NFC) is supported on Apple® iPhone® 8 or later running iOS® 13 and most Android® smartphones running Android® 11 and above. Most tablets currently on the market, including the Apple® iPad®, do not have NFC capability.
Compatible gas furnaces will have an NFC antenna on the top right corner of the control board when installed in upflow orientation.
Airflow tables and troubleshooting guides
Apple® devices - on the top middle edge of the device
Android® devices – generally on the back middle of the device, but check with manufacturer to confirm
Follow the on-screen prompts within the app. Once the app screen confirms the NFC connection is successful and completely advances to the next screen, you can pull away your phone.
The NFC access point is on the upper right corner of the furnace control board when oriented in an upflow configuration. Look for the rectangular icon on the board.
You must be within 1” of the equipment with the phone/app to avoid any interference. You will need to remove the furnace door to ensure this closeness.
Your device must be NFC capable and have the current version of the app downloaded. Most smart phones have NFC capability, and if your device has “tap to pay”, it has this functionality. NFC is supported on Apple® iPhone® 8 or newer and minimum iOS® 13 and Android® 11 and above.
For Apple® devices iOS® 13 or above. For Android® devices Android® 11 and above (older versions may function but Android® 11 and above are fully supported)
If your tablet has NFC functionality, you can download the app and utilize your tablet. At this time, the Apple® iPad® is not NFC capable.
No. NFC draws power from your device to create a connection to the control board. In fact, the board must be powered off when using NFC.
NFC uses a different connection method than Bluetooth technology. NFC does not “pair” two devices, but rather makes a communication in a small range of up to 1 inch. Each time a communication is exchanged the NFC chips of the devices must be close to each other. Just because your phone has Bluetooth capability, it does not mean it has NFC.
No you do not need to create an account or log in to connect to the furnace using NFC. If you do not have an existing HVAC Partners account, or do not wish to log in, all NFC features are still available with guest access.
If you already have the app downloaded on your phone, most functions available on the app do NOT require cell service. Specifically, to change “installer setup” parameters and to pull diagnostic information off the control board, internet access via cellular service or WiFi® is NOT needed.
NFC connectivity is intended for use only by qualified, licensed HVAC contractors for equipment installation and service.
NFC capability is definitely NOT a gimmick. This feature will save you time by allowing you to perform initial set up of a unit and provide diagnostic information at your fingertips through an app.
The RC Mobile Technician app will also benefit the RNC business by allowing contractors to save unit setup parameters by floorplan as a favorite. A saved favorite can then be applied to multiple units designated to the same floorplans at your warehouse. This saves installation time at the job site and provides confidence that the unit will operate as required upon startup.
With the Service app, you can easily modify all setup parameters on your smartphone, then push those parameters to the control board, saving on installation time.
Within the app, choose “Connect to Equipment” and then select “Diagnostics” and connect with NFC. Your device will show diagnostic information about the furnaces including fault history, cycle counts and run times.
The app includes a feature to replace a control board. If the original board can still connect with NFC, the service tech can simply scan the original board with NFC and copy settings to the replacement board.
