Johnson Controls Launches Mobile App-Based Refrigerant Detection System Calculator

Johnson Controls Residential & Light Commercial has launched the Refrigerant Detection System Calculator within its Ducted Systems Solutions mobile app. A first for the residential and light commercial HVAC industry, the calculator is designed to help users determine the need for refrigerant detection systems based on specific conditions, such as space dimensions and the amount of refrigerant being used.

This calculator is part of the company’s broader initiative to transition to more environmentally sustainable refrigerants, like R-454B, which has a lower global warming potential compared to traditional refrigerants. The calculator is also designed to assist contractors and distributors with simple step-by-step installation instructions if they determine a RDS is needed.

The patent-pending RDS Calculator prompts users to answer a few questions about the job, such as refrigerant volume, supply air discharge height, total area being conditioned and potential zone impact. Once submitted, the calculator provides an immediate report summary and indicates if an RDS is recommended to ensure the application is compliant with current standards. The report will also flag additional mitigation details, including whether additional exhaust air is required in the conditioned space, and provides a rationale report so contractors can easily act on the results.

A year of research went into the development of the RDS Calculator. The calculator is being launched alongside the shipment of the company’s newly updated A2L portfolio of residential and light commercial ducted HVAC products.