JOHNSON CONTROLS HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATIONS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY AT AHR EXPO

Johnson Controls will highlight key trends facing the HVAC industry and solutions to meet evolving customer needs at the leading trade show for HVACR professionals, the AHR Expo, Jan. 22-24, 2024. To assist contractors and business owners in navigating the upcoming year, Johnson Controls will present innovative solutions that improve efficiency, promote electrification, advance digitization and ensure compliance with refrigerant regulations.

Greater Efficiency
The HVAC industry’s focus on sustainability continues to grow. The speed of this growth is driven by multiple factors, including governmental energy efficiency regulations, corporate initiatives and an increasing number of environmentally conscious consumers. In fact, according to a recent study by Johnson Controls and Forrester Consulting, one-third of respondents said they need to accelerate their efforts to meet pending net zero goals.

For homeowners, Johnson Controls offers numerous options for hybrid systems including the YORK^® YH5 15.2 SEER2 Single-Stage Heat Pump and Y92E 97% AFUE 2-stage furnace that allows homeowners to use the most efficient fuel source based on temperature conditions. As the primary heating and cooling source, the YH5 heat pump is optimized to meet 25C tax incentives through the IRA. During the few times a year when temperatures are too low for efficient electric heating, the Y92E furnace provides efficient backup heating and is also optimized to meet 25C eligibility requirements.

To help hyperscale data centres and improve cooling efficiency while maintaining uptime, Johnson Controls developed solutions that reduce energy consumption and total cost of ownership. Specified for the unique needs of mission-critical applications, the YORK YVAM Air-Cooled, Magnetic-Bearing Centrifugal Chiller is one of the most efficient options for data centre cooling.

Widespread Electrification
Electrification continues to gain momentum due to the acceleration toward decarbonization and the use of renewable energy sources. At the same time, incentives such as the IRA are making high-efficiency HVAC systems, including heat pumps, more accessible to a wider population. These factors are making it easier for contractors to talk to customers about new systems and get buy-in.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning will soon launch a new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) cold-climate heat pump. The air365 Max Heat Pump is designed to efficiently cool and heat buildings in cold climates down to -22°F for reduced energy costs year-round.

In partnership with the DOE Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, Johnson Controls recently announced an initiative to accelerate the production of domestic heat pump manufacturing – including cold climate air source heat pumps – by expanding three of its U.S.-based factories. Combined, these facilities will be able to produce approximately 200,000 electric heat pumps per year. This substantial volume will help drive energy affordability and energy security, while helping combat climate change and creating new jobs.

Advanced Digitalization
Homeowners and building managers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of integrating smart technology into building systems. In commercial buildings, operational technology (OT) systems, including chillers, BAS & Controls, video monitoring, and access control, as well as information technology (IT) systems and external sources such as weather forecasts and utilities, are seamlessly connected using Internet of Things (IoT) and secure cloud technology.

The OpenBlue suite of apps offered by Johnson Controls continuously monitors data streams, offering users informative dashboards that display system status and health. Leveraging AI, advanced analytics, digital twin technology, and insights from expert engineers, these apps provide valuable recommendations to customers to save energy, minimize costs, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and enhance occupant comfort. The OpenBlue suite also incorporates predictive analytics and remote diagnostics, enabling system condition assessment, anticipation of service requirements, and accelerated troubleshooting. This proactive approach effectively mitigates failures, minimizes unplanned downtime, and prevents inconvenient – and costly – emergency repairs.

Low-GWP Refrigerants
The most significant phase to date of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which mandates an 85% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases by 2036, went into effect at the beginning of January 2024. This phase reduces HFC production by an additional 30% (40% total reduction), directing the industry to transition to low-GWP refrigerants.

While Johnson Controls is helping industry professionals adapt to the refrigerant transition through its world-class technical training and educational resources (online and in person), we are also adding product features that make working with these new low GWP refrigerants even safer and easier to service. For instance, YORK commercial rooftop units utilizing R-454B refrigerant will offer a new refrigerant detection system (RDS) to detect refrigerant leaks within the unit cabinet. The RDS will be required by code in certain applications and optional in others, which will help customers understand when it is required, Johnson Controls has also developed a unique and innovative RDS Calculator tool that will be available in both its product selection tool and in the Ducted Systems Solutions App.

Johnson Controls has added additional ultra-low GWP refrigerant options to its applied products. For instance, the YORK YVWH Water-to-Water Dual Variable-Speed Screw Heat Pump was the first screw heat pump in North America to use R-1234ze refrigerant. R-1234ze has an ultralow GWP of 1, which enables the YVWH to far exceed EPA's refrigerant regulations that go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2025.