Typically, an HVAC system has intricate parts (including the refrigerant), and a leak can happen at any time. Detecting a leak can be an easy or daunting task, depending on your skill set and the tools you use. As a technician, there is one tool that can never go missing in your toolbox – a trusted refrigerant leak detector! After all, you can’t rely on your nose to detect a leak, can you?
Usually, leaks produce electrical currents, set off different vibrations, and might produce some noise. A good leak detector will use these aspects to detect any undetectable, invisible, audible/inaudible leaks. This 2024 guide will aim to answer the question, “What is the best refrigerant leak detector?” so you can always be secure in your assessment of HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
Do You Really Need a Refrigerant Leak Detector?
Why would you buy a refrigerant leak detector when you can use soap and water (or a bottle of Big Blu)? Here are some of the advantages of a refrigerant leak detector.
Timesaving
Leaks can at times be like a proverbial needle in a haystack, especially if you’re using the old soap and bubble method or UV dyes. Not all systems are set up in a way you can see all angles of a fitting. A leak detector will be your needle search magnet and point you to the leak quickly.
Detecting HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs, and Blends
A wide detection range leak detector will empower you to work on a wide range of systems.
It Saves You the Frustration
Looking for a leak can be frustrating, especially when you can’t find it. Having a detector in your arsenal will always ensure that you detect all problems faster and fix them. While soap may be a decent indicator, it is not always possible to detect micro leaks or leaks in hard-to-reach areas.
Efficient and Safe Operation
Most leak detectors are designed for ergonomic and safe operation.
It’s a Long-Term Investment
The best refrigerant leak detector is durable, and if handled well, you can use it for many years.
Leak Detection
Leaks can be small, invisible, and inaudible. The best refrigerant leak detector will detect anything that the human senses can’t pick out.
Choosing The Best Refrigerant Leak Detector: Which Factors Should You Consider?
Before plopping down your credit card to buy a leak detector, what factors should you consider? Here are some of the things to look out for in a leak detector.
- Efficiency/Speed of detection
- Sensitivity
- Battery life and the sensor life
- Durability
- Price and warranty
- Versatility (Supported refrigerants)
- Type of detection
- Ease of use and maintenance
- Availability of accessories and new sensor probes
Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors: Our Top Picks
Fixing leaking refrigerant is not the easiest work, and therefore, the diagnosis should be the least of your worries. But, with so many detectors in the market, which one should you choose?
Here are some of the best refrigerant leak detectors:
1. The Fieldpiece Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector – DR58
Source: Fieldpiece
The DR58 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector is the latest model Fieldpiece has to offer and one of its most sensitive, detecting HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blends at a sensitivity of less than 0.03 oz/yr (1g/a). It works especially well on R410a refrigerant. Technicians value this leak detector's ease of use, accuracy and value for the money.
One of the most important features any technician should look for in a leak detector is its display and battery life for clarity and longevity on the job site. This refrigerant leak detector is equipped with a bright LCD screen with clear bar graphs and numeric readings that alert you to the leakage severity. Its battery can hold a charge for at least 18 hours, which means you can use it for two full work days without having to recharge, which takes about 6 hours.
The one complaint of the minority of product reviewers is its super sensitivity although you can adjust the settings to high, medium and low to reduce the risk of false positives.
At over $300, this HVAC leak detector is on the more expensive end, but when you consider its accuracy and all its bells and whistles, the price is well worth the peace of mind and enhanced safety this device offers, securing its place as one of the best HVAC detectors on the market in 2024.
- Price: $337.47
- Detection Method: Heated diode
- Max Detection Sensitivity: Better than 0.03 oz/yr (1g/a)
- Types of Detected Refrigerants: HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blends
- Battery Life: 18-hr USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 6-hr charge time
- Sensor Life: 300 hours
- Displays & Indicators: LCD screen, bar graphs and numeric readings
- Response Time: <1 second
- Recovery Time: <10 seconds
- Weight: 14 oz
- Kit Includes: (1) Leak detector, (5) replacement filter tips, (1) blow molded case, (1) heated diode sensor
2. Elitech ILD-200 Halogen Freon Sniffer
Source: Elitech
One of the reasons the Elitech ILD-200 is a technician favorite is the fact that it is made to last. The detector is solid, fits your hand and its sensor can last for over ten years before you can replace it. It even comes with a 3-year warranty. The model boasts a sensitivity level of up to 4g/year and can detect leaks in seconds.
This leak detector comes with a rechargeable battery, which can last for about six hours of continuous use. The ILD-200 will automatically shut off after 10 minutes when not being used.
Most detectors come with a six or 7-inch probe. The ILD-200 beats that by having a 14.37-inch probe.
- Price: $201.99
- Detection Method: Heated diode
- Max Detection Sensitivity: 0.1 oz/yr
- Types of Detected Refrigerants: HFCs, HCFCs, CFCs, PFCs, HFOs, HCs and mixed refrigerants and blends
- Battery Life: 6-hr Rechargeable lithium battery
- Sensor Life: 10-year
- Displays & Indicators: TFT screen, bar graphs & numeric readings
- Response Time: ≤ 1 sec
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
- Kit Includes: (1) Leak detector, (1) packet of filters, (1) USB cable and (1) UV light
3. Fieldpiece DR82 Battery Powered Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector
Source: Fieldpiece
One of the best-infrared refrigerant leak detectors on the market this 2024 goes to the Fieldpiece DR82, providing higher accuracy and fewer false alarms than its heated diode detector equivalent. However, that comes at a steep price, which you’ll see listed in the specifications section.
That said, you do get what you pay for in that regard because it can register leaks at <0.03 oz/year and doesn’t sound the alarm on soap bubbles, oils or moisture, which is a major complaint all across the board.
What’s more, it boasts a dual alarm system, a flashing lighted tip, a loud beeper and a leak rate indicator on a bright-blue back-lit LCD screen with clear bar graphs so there is no confusion when detecting and identifying leaks on the job site. Whether you’re patching leaks in an AC or refrigerator, this is hands down the best refrigerant leak detector for professionals in the field.
- Price: $479.95
- Detection Method: Infrared (IR)
- Max Detection Sensitivity: Better than 0.03 oz/yr (1g/a)
- Types of Detected Refrigerants: HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blends
- Battery Life: 10-hr with the backlight off, 6-hr charge time
- Sensor Life: 10 years
- Displays & Indicators: Bright blue, back-lit LCD screen, bar graphs and numeric readings
- Response Time: <1 second
- Recovery Time: <5 seconds
- Weight: 14 oz
- Kit Includes: (1) Leak detector, (5) replacement filter tips, (1) blow molded case, (1) heated diode sensor
4. Inficon TEK-Mate Refrigerant Leak Detector (705-202-G1)
Source: Inficon
The Inficon TEK-Mate is a unique electrochemical sensor that’s ideal for various refrigerants and can detect R507, R32, R22, HFCs, CFCs and blends. The gadget operates on heated diode tech and uses infrared sensor technology to produce accurate readings.
When it comes to the design, the TEK-Mate is very portable and fairly durable. Like most detectors, it has a flexible probe that will allow you to access tight spaces.
The model features an audible beep that will go off any time it detects refrigerants. The fact that you can adjust the sensitivity between high and low makes the detector even more interesting. It also comes with an LED display that flashes any time it detects a leak. The sensitivity durability of the TEK-Mate is over 1,000 hours of use.
Some things to note about this unit are it’s not rechargeable, although it can be used with rechargeable D-cells, and its highly sensitive sensor can lead to false alarms. However, it’s significantly cheaper than the other brands and models that have made the list of best HVAC leak detectors, so perhaps the price makes up for these slight flaws.
- Price: $214.99
- Detection Method: Heated diode
- Max Detection Sensitivity: Better than 0.25 oz/yr (7g/a)
- Types of Detected Refrigerants: CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFOs
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Sensor Life: 100 hours
- Certifications: A2L Certified
- Displays & Indicators: Audible alarm & light indicators
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Kit Includes: (1) 15-in Probe, (1) heated diode sensor, (2) D-size alkaline batteries, spare filters, (1) hard plastic carrying case
So, what is the best refrigerant leak detector? Well, that will remain to be a judgment call on your side.
Pro Tip: The best refrigerant leak detector in 2024 is the one that is durable, reliable, easy to operate & maintain, and the one that detects the refrigerants you’re working with.