With an Apple iPad and the Conduit Tech app, I can scan an entire home in minutes. It creates a 3D floor plan, automatically measures windows, and even accounts for details like insulation levels and window types.
Of course, you still need to know your building science: what R-values mean, how to identify single-pane versus triple-pane windows. But once you input those parameters, the tool does the heavy lifting.
The result? Load calculations that meet ACCA standards and are incredibly precise. In fact, the first time I compared LiDAR results to Wrightsoft, I was shocked. The loads were smaller, which made sense because the tool eliminated the fluff factor that often creeps into traditional methods. That level of accuracy improves system performance, reduces over-sizing, and saves homeowners money.
Speed: From Hours to Minutes
Accuracy is great, but speed is where LiDAR really shines. A Manual J that used to take me an hour and a half — including measuring windows by hand — now takes 12 to 15 minutes. That’s not an exaggeration. I can scan, generate a floor plan, calculate loads, and move straight to the proposal — all while I’m still in the customer’s home.
This efficiency has transformed our workflow. No more backlogs of six Manual J reports waiting for me at the end of the day. No more delaying proposals because I need to crunch numbers. I can handle more calls, spend more time with homeowners, and close deals faster. For a business, that’s huge. Time is money, and LiDAR gives us both.
Challenges? Hardly Any
You might be wondering if the transition was tough. Honestly, it was smooth. The only real challenge is making sure your iPad is fully charged, since scanning drains battery life. A portable charger solves that. The software itself is intuitive: if you understand the basics of building science, you’ll have no trouble.
One tip: pay attention when scanning rooms with closets or odd layouts. If you don’t close certain walls in the app, it can misinterpret them as exterior walls, which throws off the load. But that’s a minor learning curve. Overall, the tool is easy to use and incredibly powerful.
Impact on Our Business
The benefits go beyond speed and accuracy. LiDAR has improved our customer experience and strengthened our brand.
Homeowners love it. When I pull out the iPad and start scanning, they’re fascinated by this activity. Some people call their spouse over to watch. It feels cutting-edge, and it shows that we take extra steps to get things right.
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