Refrigerants are the heart of every AC system. They help us maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without burning up a lot of energy, but they can also leak and be harmful to the environment if left unchecked. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are highly toxic gases that contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. They are also odorless, colorless, and much heavier than air, so they might not be noticed until an appliance stops working properly. This is why refrigerant leak detectors are a must-have for in-home professionals and even automobile enthusiasts.
These handy tools help find hidden leaks by ionizing the molecules of the air to make them more attractive to a sensor that changes resistance when it encounters the refrigerant molecules. They also work quickly, allowing you to take action right away. Unlike bubbles or UV dye, they do not require a special tool to use.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a refrigerant leak detector. You should pay attention to sensitivity, warranty, and portability as well as the device’s ability to detect a variety of refrigerants. For example, a Freon leak detector should be able to detect R22, R410A, R134A, R290, and R1234yf, as well as CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, halogenated compounds, and more.
The Wale&Morn WJL-6000pro is one of the best-selling refrigerant leak detectors on the market. It uses advanced sensors to detect halogen gas leakage and is suitable for HVAC technicians and DIY enthusiasts alike. It has a wide range of detection capabilities and features audible and visual alarms as well as a line graph mode that helps you pinpoint the source of the leak. Top 10 refrigerant leak detectors