What is a QR Code?

You’ve probably seen those little pixilated squares on products, billboards and mailers. But what are they? They’re QR Codes! A QR code (or Quick Response code) is a 2-dimensional bar code that, when scanned with any smart phone, gives the user extra information (i.e. a website url, text message, phone number, etc). It’s a great way to condense information into a small area where space is limited. It is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. since its introduction in Japan several years ago and is another simple but effective way to market your business and your products.


Where can you use them? Everywhere! Put a QR code on your business card for customers to scan and get your contact info onto their phone. Put them on your promotional mailers or flyers. You can even use them for your business by putting a QR code sticker on your customers’ equipment to tell you when you last serviced the unit or when the next replacement should be. 


A QR code is a source of very simple technology that is easy to create and use. And it’s free. It takes less than 60 seconds to create one for yourself. Go ahead and give it a try. 


How to create your own QR Codes
There are several websites that can generate a QR code for you, but this one is easy to use and has several options: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ 
You have four options for a QR code: 
URL: Creates a link that, when scanned, takes the user to a website. 
Put this on your business card, your flyers, mailers, even on your vehicle.
Text: Allows you to type in any message up to 250 characters long. 
Give your customer a promo code for a discount. Give them more info on your business. Offer a % off the next service call. 
Phone Number: Type in a phone number for quick dialing when scanned. 
Put one on your business card with your website or phone number!
SMS: Put in your cell number and a pre-written message that gets sent to your when scanned. 
Great for a potential customer who wants a service call, tune-up or quote - they just scan the code and click “Send” on 
their phone. You could have the message pre-written to say “I need a spring tune-up on my air conditioner. Please call me to schedule a service call.” You’ll have their phone number to return the call and gain a customer! 


How to put a QR code scanner app on your smart phone
There are several apps available for scanning barcodes. Two very good scanners are Barcode Scanner and Shop Savvy. Both are free for download.
Depending on what kind of smart phone you have, you will need to go to the internet and access your Apps.
On an Android, go to the “Market” by clicking on the little arrow at the bottom of the home screen. Scroll through the apps and find “Market”. You can then browse the apps that are available or do a search for barcode scanner by clicking on “search” at the top of the screen.
On an iPhone, you will need to create an account with the Apple Store website first. Once this is created, you can click on the App Store icon and browse through the available apps or search by name.
On a Blackberry, apps are downloaded via the App World application. To get this application, connect to the internet on your phone and go to www.blackberry.com/appworld/download. For a Blackberry, it may be easier to download this application to your phone using the Desktop Manager from your computer.


How to market with QR Codes
Now that you’ve been introduced to these little codes and know what they’re for, you’ll start noticing them everywhere! People are eager to scan them to find out what information is hidden in the code, like a free item or a promotion. It’s an interactive form of advertising that’s fun and appealing to the user. So take advantage of it! 

• Put stickers on your equipment and products
• Use a QR code as a coupon
• Put a link to a promotional page on your website
• Add a link to a YouTube video promoting your business
• Put your phone number on a code that makes it easy for a potential customer to scan and just dial your business 
• Send the user to your Facebook page.
• Create a Google Map link for users to find you easily
• Put a sticker QR code on the back of your vehicle with your contact information!

It’s a great way to promote your services, your products and your business! 


If you have any questions on how to generate a QR code for your business or you want to implement some of these marketing ideas, feel free to contact Heidi at 920-491-5205 or email at hjohnson@tsihvac.com. 

Geo Design class April 6 in Stevens Point and April 7 Green Bay - sign up at www.tsihvac.com/training.html

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The 2011 spring training calendar is out!! Go to the training page at www.tsihvac.com or stop by TSI for a printed copy!

Sign up for the upcoming Rooftop Units class at TSI! Madison on Feb. 15-16 and Green Bay on Feb. 22-23! Call or visit www.tsihvac.com to sign up!

How to use Rx11-Flush when cleaning out a lineset

This is a very detailed video from Nu-Calgon on how to use Rx11 Flush when cleaning out a line set:

REGULATORY ALERT: CO Detectors Required Feb. 1, 2011

All one- and two-family dwellings will be required to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to comply with changes in Chs. Comm 21 and 28, Wis. Adm. Code. The rule changes are in response to 2009 Act 158, enacted March 10, 2010, and follow a similar requirement for multi-family dwellings. Spearhead by Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), this initiative was part of the 2009-2010 WBA GA Agenda.

"WBA's support of the requirement of carbon monoxide detectors in homes is another example of WBA members' efforts to construct safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes" said WBA President Jim (Kuba) Kubasta.

One- and two-family dwellings for which a building permit is issued on or after Febrauary 1, 2011 require carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected and directly wired to the dwelling's electrical service, with a backup battery supply. Existing dwellings may use battery-powered, stand-alone alarms. The alarms must be installed in the basement and on each floor level except the attic or garage. On floors with sleeping areas, an alarm must be installed outside the sleeping area, within 21 feet of the centerline of the door to any sleeping area and in an exit path from any sleeping area. On floors that do not contain a sleeping area, an alarm must be installed in a common area on each floor level. The detectors are to be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's directions, and must have an Underwriters Laboratories listing mark. The alarm may also be combined with a smoke detector.
Click here for a printable PDF Flyer.

The law applies only to dwellings that contain CO sources. CO sources may include, but are not limited to: garages, heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels emitting Co as a by-product of combustion.

The rules are available here. For more information regarding carbon monoxide alarms in both one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings, as well as information regarding smoke alarms, click here.