“Use AI to augment people, not replace them.”

“Windshield time is 30% of a tech’s day—let’s turn it into sales prep.”

“Proposals should translate specs into homeowner value—comfort, savings, and choices.”

In this episode, recorded live from the NCI Summit 2025 in Round Rock, TX, Bill and Eric sit down with Winston Chi, co-founder of NOSO Labs, to explore how AI can augment (not replace) HVAC technicians. Winston shares his path from a Google-backed, AI-driven startup in food wholesale to building tools for the trades, inspired by ride-alongs and family ties to hands-on work. His core thesis: most techs aren’t well trained in sales or structured communication, yet that’s precisely what turns field data into homeowner decisions. The goal is to streamline processes and eliminate friction, allowing techs to communicate clearly, follow up reliably, and close deals ethically.

NOSO’s mobile-first app tackles three pain points: 

(1) windshield time becomes prep time via short audio job briefs (history, likely issues, “don’t forget the maintenance plan” cues); 

(2) on-site conversations (or quick self-notes) are recorded and auto-structured into clear summaries and proposals—with visuals instead of math walls—plus rebate and tax credit logic that stays current as programs change; and 

(3) follow-ups are auto-scheduled and teed up as texts or calls so opportunities don’t leak. 

A service manager dashboard displays follow-up activity, and there are native integrations (e.g., ServiceTitan and Housecall Pro). 

Winston also previews their massive manuals brain—~15 million HVAC/water-heater manuals searchable by photo/nameplate—so techs can look up specs fast. Early users span from San Diego to New Jersey; NOSO offers a short trial, then annual contracts.

LINKS: Winston Chi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwchi

NoSo Labs:https://noso.so/

 

This episode was recorded in September 2025.