Refrigerant Leak Detectors For HVAC

Refrigerant leak detectors for HVAC are useful tools to prevent expensive repair bills and environmental damage caused by leaking refrigerants. They are much more accurate than traditional methods like listening for hissing sounds or smelling for chemical odors, and they help pinpoint the location of the leak quickly and easily.

Most electronic leak detection devices use infrared or heated diode sensors to sniff out refrigerant. These aren’t messy like bubbles or UV dye, and they can be very sensitive — some detect even tiny leaks down to 1 gram of refrigerant per year! They are also more accurate than other types of detection, making them the ideal choice for locating small and difficult-to-find leaks.

Alternatively, the fluorescent dye method uses a special chemical to identify leaks. A technician sprays the system with this dye, which will gather at any leak spots and become visible under a UV light. This can be very effective, but it is hampered by minor leaks, windy environments, and other factors that make it difficult to locate the exact source of the leak.

Another option is a halide leak detector, which identifies a leak by using a sample tube with a propane or acetylene gas-powered flame to vaporize the refrigerant in it. The vapor is drawn to the sample tube and the detector detects the resulting change in pressure by reading the change in color of the flame. The detector can then provide an audio or visual alarm to let the technician know that a leak has been detected. Refrigerant leak detectors for HVAC