How the Maris family became digital trailblazers in the HVAC sector

In an industry where technology, regulations and customer expectations are constantly evolving, one name continues to stand out: Climapulse. What began as a practical solution to a family crisis has grown into a digital essential for the Belgian HVAC sector. At the heart of the company are three brothers – the driving force of the Maris family – blending hands-on expertise with technological vision. Their journey is one of innovation, sustainability, and a deep-rooted passion for the trade.

From Refrigeration in the 1990s to a Digital Revolution

The seeds of Climapulse were sown in 1992, when father Freddy Maris made a career switch to become a refrigeration technician. Back then, freedom and efficiency were paramount, and regulations were minimal. Refrigerants like R12 and R22 got the job done – though they were later found to be disastrous for the environment. Freddy recalls: “We used to repair systems without considering the impact on the climate. That awareness only came once the European regulations were introduced.”

The real turning point arrived in 2009 with the introduction of F-gas legislation. Suddenly, technicians needed to be fully compliant – both in administration and legal terms. This was a major hurdle for many, including Freddy. But while others hesitated, he turned to his son Timmy – a computer science graduate who understood the sector’s challenges.

Digital Innovation, Born from Experience

“My father asked if I could write a program to help him track refrigerant usage,” Timmy says. “What started as a simple tool for one technician has since grown into a platform relied upon by over a thousand companies.”

In 2015, Climapulse was officially launched – the result of family necessity, technical know-how, and digital ambition. Working from a loft in Genk, Timmy developed the software with brothers Sammy and Ruben as key sounding boards. The result: a user-friendly, efficient, and ever-evolving platform tailored to the sector’s real-world needs.

Three Brothers, One Mission

Climapulse’s strength lies in the fact that it’s software built by installers, for installers. Ruben Maris took over the family business and still works in the field. Sammy, both a certified refrigeration technician and developer, bridges the gap between code and craft. This direct connection to day-to-day operations ensures the platform stays relevant and practical.

Each brother plays a clear role: Timmy as the strategist and visionary, Sammy ensuring technical soundness, and Ruben acting as the bridge to everyday practice. This blend results in software that is technically robust, legally compliant, and practical in the field.

From Logbook Tool to Strategic HVAC Platform

Climapulse has evolved far beyond its original purpose. It’s now a strategic platform where HVAC installations can be managed, documents centralised, and maintenance scheduled proactively through automated forecasting. With input from auditors, consultants and facility managers, Climapulse has become a cornerstone in the digital transformation of the HVAC industry.

“Every technician can access the complete history of an installation via Climapulse – from logbooks and certificates to contracts, photos and manuals,” Timmy explains. “And thanks to digital twins and AI-powered analytics, we’re already building the future.”

Thought Leadership with a Human Touch

What truly sets Climapulse apart is that its vision wasn’t dreamt up in a corporate boardroom, but shaped by a family steeped in the industry. The Maris family doesn’t innovate for the sake of it – they do it because they understand the value of efficiency and compliance for technicians on the ground. Now retired, Freddy Maris looks on with pride: “To see how my simple question led, through my sons’ work, to a company that supports an entire sector – it makes me proud. Combining field experience with tech innovation is just who we are.”

Innovation That Matters

The Maris family shows that real innovation only works when it’s grounded in practice. Climapulse is more than just software – it’s an extension of the technician, a compass through complex regulations, and a catalyst for sustainable entrepreneurship.

With a strong focus on ease of use, legal compliance, and operational efficiency, Climapulse is leading the HVAC sector into a future where technology and climate-consciousness go hand in hand. No hype – just solid solutions, powered by a family that knows the trade inside out.