HVAC Decoder vs RTUBlue
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HVAC Decoder
Decode HVAC model and serial numbers from major brands. This utility app provides thousands of model numbers and can email search results. It supports a wide range of HVAC equipment and offers close matches for unknown numbers.
- Decode HVAC model numbers
- Decode HVAC serial numbers
- Supports major HVAC brands
- Thousands of model numbers
- Email search results
- Close match functionality
- Report missing data
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This app will decode the model number nomenclature of most HVAC companies. It has all the major brand names with many thousands of model numbers. It will also decode the serial number for many HVAC companies. It has the ability to email the search results in HTML format via an installed mail client. App is effective at decoding model and serial numbers for packaged units, air conditioners / condensing units, air handlers, evaporator coils, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, chillers, split systems / mini splits, geothermal systems, and more. If the model number is not found exactly it will try a close match. If there is no close match it will give you the option to report missing data. The data is constantly updated and purchase of the app gets you free updates forever.
RTUBlue
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RTUBlue provides real time local readings from Enetics' devices on your iPhone or iPad. RTUBlue will identify nearby RTU's and present real time readings from the RTU you select. RTUBlue can also initiate a cellular data telemetry session from your Apple device and provide unique names for your RTU's. RTUBlue's features include: - Real time readings delivered to your iPhone or iPad - The ability to name an RTU (tagging) - Initiation of a cellular RTU data telemetry session, including call progress information - Successful installation verifications - Communication range 50 feet, line of sight Make your new Enetics RTU installations and check-ins easier with RTUBlue!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: RTUBlue at Free against HVAC Decoder's $9.99. HVAC Decoder's advantage is chart position (#170 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
RTUBlue is free to download; HVAC Decoder costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
HVAC Decoder ships an update every 3 months, RTUBlue every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.
| Parameter | HVAC Decoder | RTUBlue |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.0 (28 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 28 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #170 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 6 MB | 57 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Charles Cope | Enetics, Inc. |
In-app purchases
HVAC Decoder
No in-app purchases
RTUBlue
No in-app purchases









