Some technicians dread being called in to do jobs that require refrigerant leak detection because they believe the process will be messy and time-consuming. In fact, it isn’t so bad if you bring the right tools and know-how. New technology in leak detectors has made them much more sensitive and accurate than ever before. They don’t use bubbles or UV dyes to detect leaks, instead they rely on infrared and heated diode sensors that sniff out the presence of a leak. These are a great tool to have on hand as they can save you a lot of time and trouble.
When choosing a refrigerant leak detector it’s important to consider its sensitivity and portability. For example, it’s best to choose a device that can be used in a variety of environments and conditions, including indoors, noisy areas and in the dark. It should also be able to alert you in a way that works well in those situations, such as an audible beep and/or a brightly-lit screen.
There are several different types of electronic refrigerant leak detectors, including Corona-Suppression detectors that use a high voltage corona on the tip to detect a leak and heated diode detectors that sense heat molecules. It’s important to know which type of detector you need before buying because some have different sensitivity ratings and are better for certain types of leaks than others. It’s also important to consider the battery life and whether or not it’s rechargeable. A rechargeable detector will be more durable than one that needs to be replaced every few hours. Best refrigerant leak detectors