ASHRAE DFDB Lite vs Fluence Design
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ASHRAE DFDB Lite
Calculate pressure loss for a selection of ASHRAE duct fittings. Create projects, customize inputs, and generate reports with spreadsheet attachments. Supports both I-P and SI units and works on iPhone and iPad.
- Pressure loss calculations for ASHRAE fittings
- Individual project creation
- Customizable input parameters
- Fitting code search feature
- Display and email reports
- I-P and SI unit support
- iPhone and iPad compatible
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The ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database Lite app is a free app that allows you to perform pressure loss calculations for a subset of the 240+ supply, common, and return/exhaust ASHRAE fittings listed in the 2021 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals. These include the following: SD2-1 SD5-9 SR2-1 SR5-5 SF4-1 CD3-1 CD11-1 CR6-1 CR9-1 CR11-1 ED1-1 ED4-1 ER1-1 ER4-1 The following is a partial list of features of this app: 1. You can create individual projects, each with unique input values and results. 2. Each fitting has its own custom set of input parameters and results. 3. You can easily change the minimum and maximum allowable values for all input parameters. 4. The app includes a search feature that allows you to type in a partial or full fitting code name to quickly retrieve it. 5. You can display and email two types of reports. 6. The reports include a spreadsheet attachment that you can open on your desktop computer to conduct further analysis. 7. Inputs and results are displayed in both I-P and SI units. 8. The app works on both the iPhone and iPad and adjusts its user interface according to the device screen size. The ASHRAE Duct Fitting Database Lite application was designed exclusively for ASHRAE by Carmel Software Corporation.
Fluence Design
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Turn the dials. Every property updates live. Fluence is the HVAC design calculator built for the office and the field—a single, tactile workspace that replaces jumping between apps and spreadsheets. Fluence includes a permanent free tier. Features identified below as Fluence Pro require a separate auto-renewable subscription. A free trial may be available to eligible new subscribers. Price and trial terms are shown before purchase. PSYCHROMETRICS Fluence Free includes State 1 psychrometrics. Enter any pair of properties and watch dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, humidity ratio, enthalpy, specific volume, and relative humidity update in real time. Elevation-corrected ambient outdoor conditions are available with one tap. States 2–4 and state-to-state load calculations require a separate Fluence Pro subscription. MIXED AIR — FLUENCE PRO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED Blend two air streams and immediately see sensible, latent, and total air-side loads for coil estimates. Ideal for field checks and design iterations. FAN & PUMP AFFINITY Included with Fluence Free. Change speed, flow, pressure, or power and see the before-and-after operating points. Classic affinity laws, presented clearly. DUCT & PIPE SIZING Fluence Free includes round and rectangular duct sizing up to 1,000 CFM, plus core pipe sizing materials and ranges. Flat-oval duct, duct sizing above 1,000 CFM, liquid flows above 50 GPM, and the complete selection of fluids, materials, sizes, and ranges require a separate Fluence Pro subscription. PDF REPORTS Included with Fluence Free. Generate clean PDF reports you can share or file. Choose sections, add context, and hand results to clients or the office. BUILT FOR REAL WORK • Fully offline except optional Apple Weather ambient conditions and localized elevation • IP and SI units, remembered per preference • English, French, German, and Spanish • No account required • Permanent free tier • Optional Fluence Pro auto-renewable subscription • Fluence Free remains available if a subscription is canceled Designed for HVAC engineers, designers, and technicians who need accurate answers quickly—without leaving the job site. Results are an engineering aid. Always verify with a licensed professional before use in design, construction, or commissioning. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Terms of Use: https://fluencedesign.app/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ASHRAE DFDB Lite at none against Fluence Design's 1. ASHRAE DFDB Lite also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Fluence Design sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. ASHRAE DFDB Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.
ASHRAE DFDB Lite ships an update every 6 weeks, Fluence Design every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.
| Parameter | ASHRAE DFDB Lite | Fluence Design |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ASHRAE, Inc. | Tripp Martin |
In-app purchases
ASHRAE DFDB Lite
No in-app purchases
Fluence Design
- Fluence Pro Annual$9.991 Year
Questions
Is ASHRAE DFDB Lite free?
Is Fluence Design free?
Do ASHRAE DFDB Lite or Fluence Design have ads?
Which is updated more often, ASHRAE DFDB Lite or Fluence Design?
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