Refrigerant leaks waste expensive gas, reduce performance and breach F-Gas rules. Locating them accurately is a core part of professional service work.
Leak detection methods
- Electronic leak detector — a sensitive probe that ‘sniffs’ for refrigerant; fast for pinpointing leaks
- Bubble solution — applied to joints to reveal escaping gas; simple and effective for accessible fittings
- UV dye — added to the system, then traced with a UV lamp to show where it seeps out
- Nitrogen pressure testing — pressurise with oxygen-free nitrogen and check for pressure drop, ideal during installation
A systematic approach
Start at the most likely points — joints, flares, brazed connections, valve cores and the Schrader caps. Confirm a suspected leak with a second method, repair it properly, then re-check to verify the repair.
Compliance
Mandatory leak checks on larger systems must be done by certified personnel with calibrated equipment, and leaks must be repaired promptly with a follow-up verification check.
FAQ
What’s the best way to find a small refrigerant leak? A combination — an electronic detector to locate the area, then bubble solution or UV dye to pinpoint it exactly.
Find leak-detection aids and refrigerants in our shop.