FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCONTRACTOR, DESIGNSTAR TRANSITION 2015

Q: Why is Rheem changing its DesignStar program administrator?

A: The new Wrightsoft-powered DesignStar will provide our contractor customers with a robust solution—and we’re confident that it is the right, long-term partner for Rheem and our customers. Wrightsoft has been a software leader in the HVAC industry for more than 30 years; it was the first company to introduce an ACCA-approved online load calculation tool, and it has approximately 28,000 current users. While we understand that it may take some time for our customers to adjust to this new solution, we are committed to educating you every step of the way, and we will have several training opportunities available so that you can increase your comfort level with the new program.

Q: How will the Wrightsoft-powered DesignStar differ from the existing solution? A: This change gives Rheem the opportunity to carry out several enhancements to the DesignStar solution,

breathing new life into the program. We will move to a new load calculation process, which is ACCA-approved Manual J8. This tool features a block load calculator, which provides accurate information about the house.

Additional features of the new DesignStar include:

• Load calculator can include up to three floors

• Load calculator can also be applied to new construction

• Includes extended Performance Ratings

• Inclusion of dual fuel systems and construction variances and defaults

• Manual S equipment selection

• Contractor-branded Proposal Builder

• Pricing integration so that contractors can tie prices to the proposal

• Contractor-customized and branded presentation companion app

• Ability to save load calc reports and proposals for future reference

• Backing from Wrightsoft’s customer support team

Q: What features will launch as part of the new DesignStar?A: We have decided to launch the new DesignStar in phases. The first phase of the launch will include the

following features:

• ACCA-approved, Manual J8 load calculator with three ways to initiate a load calc:

1. Draw building footprint with a few taps on the screen

2. Google Maps automatic auto-trace (satellite)

3. Enter address to use real estate data for a quick preliminary calculation

• Manual S equipment selection

• Proposal builder

• Operating costs (e.g., ROI for the homeowner)

• Pricing, which enables the contractor to quote their company’s prices in the proposal

• Professional, customized presentation capabilities allowing the contractor to brand the proposal and presentation with the company’s logo and identity

Q: Are all of these modules included in the new DesignStar or will a contractor have to purchase each of them individually?A: Every module noted above is included in the new DesignStar.

Q: When does the first phase launch?A: We are planning to launch the first phase of the new DesignStar in July 2015.

Q: Will the new DesignStar be easy to use?A: Our DesignStar solution has historically been very easy to use, and the Wrightsoft-powered solution will be no exception.

Q: How can contractors access these load calculations?A: The block load calculator works great for tablets including Apple and Androids. The block load calculation also

works well when accessed on a laptop or desktop computer via a web browser. In addition, contractors can store and retrieve their projects on a secure cloud server—giving them access to previous jobs, which could come in handy if future modifications are needed for that job, or if an inspector requires any details.

Q: Can a load calculation be performed for a residential new construction site? A: Yes. With the new DesignStar, contractors can now complete a block load calculation for new construction opportunities.

Q: What is included with the Proposal Builder feature?A: Here is a quick summary about the Proposal Builder feature:

• Four proposal format options

• A contractor can add its company’s logo and legalese (if required) to the template

• Detailed equipment features

• Homeowner Comfort Questionnaire: Demonstrate your professionalism, exceed expectations, and address homeowner’s needs and concerns. Use the questionnaire to identify and establish needs, then meet those needs with the proper accessories from our simple, customizable drop down menus. Those accessories, and install items, now become part of your finished proposal!

• Advanced technical data and filter details

• E-mail capabilities so the contractor can send the report on the spot

• Pricing can be included, if the contractor chooses to upload the company’s pricing into the DesignStar solution

Q: Do contractors have to perform a load calculation in order to access the Proposal Builder?A: No. Contractors can use the Proposal Builder independently of the load calculation tool, giving them a quick,

easy-to-use solution for generating professional-looking proposals. Load calculations can be incorporated into the Proposal Builder, but they’re not mandatory.

Q: What other selling tools are included with the new DesignStar? A: The new DesignStar gives contractors several additional selling tools, like:

• Ability to present payback data to homeowners

• Side-by-side comparisons for up to four systems, which helps contractors present good-better-best options

• Comments can be entered into the proposal automatically for added customization

• For any contractors that utilize the pricing module, the solution can factor in the company’s costs and local/ national rebates available

Q: Is the side-by-side comparison option available for Rheem products?A: The comparison will compare Rheem products currently for sale by the contractor, and/or it can include a generic

system that notes system specs, but omits branding.

Q: Can contractors incorporate the DesignStar proposal into a professional presentation?A: Yes, contractors can incorporate the proposal and load calculation modules with the presentation or they can

use it as a stand-alone module. The DesignStar presentation provides them with a PowerPoint-like template and some standard slides, but contractors can customize the rest of the presentation with their own information.

Q: How do contractors build in their pricing into the DesignStar tool?A: The Pricing Module allows contractors to upload their pricing into DesignStar. The Pricing Module requires an

administrator to define its company information and then upload equipment and accessory pricing via an Excel worksheet. All pricing changes made by the contractor administrator can be pushed out to their DesignStar users immediately, which means that everyone in the field has accurate information right away.

Q: Is the Pricing Module a requirement of the new DesignStar? A: No, it is an added feature available at no cost to the contractor, but not a requirement. This feature is really ideal for large contracting firms with multiple sales professionals out in the field.

Q: What is included during the second phase of the DesignStar launch?A: Rheem is planning to include the following in the second phase of the DesignStar launch:

• Incorporate KwikComfort Financing capacities to Pricing and Proposal Modules—meaning the contractor can sell on a monthly payment, which has proven very effective

• Incorporate Protection Plus extended service agreements

• Incorporate Rheem consumer rebates (when applicable)

• Ability to obtain a consumer’s signature on a tablet

• Stronger distributor and contractor reporting

Q: When will the second phase of DesignStar go live?A: We anticipate launching the phase two features in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Q: When will Rheem offer training for contractors on the new DesignStar?A: Contractor training via videos and webinar will be available closer to the App launch—mid to end July.

Q: Do I need to enroll for the new DesignStar? A: Yes. Even if a contractor had access to the original DesignStar (version 1), the Distributor must enroll

contractors and distributor personnel for the new DesignStar.

Q: Can licenses/access be shared? A: No. Each user within a contractor’s business must have their own licenses and MyRheem credentials.

Q: How do contractors enroll or gain access to the new DesignStar? A: Contractors will be required to re-enroll in the new DesignStar. Contractors can request access through MyRheem and the Distributor will be notified via email. To enroll contractors, go to MyRheem > Applications > CIMS > DesignStar Requests. Follow the instructions. Once contractors are permitted access, they will use their MyRheem login/password to access the tool. If I have multiple users within my business, can I link the accounts? Yes. You can link users within your business so you have visibility to all their activity. This is also important when you use the Pricing Module. You can set up and then update pricing in the main Pricing portal that will update in real time to all the linked users, ensuring the most up-to-date pricing is being used in the field by the sales team.

Q: Where can customers find out information about the new DesignStar? A: We will update the DesignStar information pages on MyRheem.com throughout the coming months

with videos, FAQs and more. Customers can also send specific questions via email to Help@MyRheem.com and we’ll answer them promptly.

Q: Will commercial equipment be included in the new DesignStar?A: At this time, the new DesignStar will be inclusive of residential equipment only. The current DesignStar Professional

will remain the same for now. Unlike the residential, EDS-managed DesignStar, DesignStar Professional was built with in-house resources and a different vendor, which means we can keep it as-is. However, we see benefits of incorporating it into a Wrightsoft solution. We’ll evaluate the feasibility of this in the future.

Q: Will the current DesignStar remain active until the changeover?A: Yes, the current EDS-powered DesignStar will remain available until August 20, 2015, as contractors

become familiar with the new tool.