There are a lot of things like ACs and refrigerators that rely on a refrigerant for cooling and their proper functioning. Due to this, it is highly essential to make sure that this refrigerant does not leak and come out. To detect any such issues, there are a lot of refrigerant leak detectors out there that can be selected based on these factors:
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of your refrigerant leak detector is important to know as high sensitivity leak detectors are required to check for small leaks. While some models are rated at 0.25 oz/year and others at 0.15 oz/year where lower is better.
- Sensor Life: All of these refrigerant leak detectors use a sensor that has a limited life before they stop working. Generally, this sensor life is given as 100 hours or 200 hours with some models, including a sensor life rating in years.
- Battery: Most of the leak detectors available out there are battery powered for ease of use. Because of this, checking the supported battery type as well as battery life are quite important to check since you have to change or charge the battery once it runs out.
You can only fix a refrigerant leak after you have detected it, which makes refrigerant leak detectors highly essential and useful. Thus, today, we are here with some of the best refrigerant leak detectors.
![Xetron Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector HVAC Anti-Interference 10-Yr. Sensor Life Automotive AC Mute[for R134A R410A R22 R32 etc] Rechargeable Freon Sniff Halogen Leak Detector, CFCs HCFCs HFCs HFOs](https://shortcutgateways.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=aHR0cHM6Ly9tLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL0kvNDFBWTY1bGxDUEwuX1NMMTYwXy5qcGc)
10. Xetron HVAC 10-Year Sensor Life Anti-Interference Infrared AC Refrigerant Leak Detector Automotive Freon Sniff Halogen Gas Leak Detector for R134A R410A R22 R1234YF R600a R290 CFCs HCFCs HFCs HCs HFOs
It maintains the original sound characteristics which make it possible to differentiate refrigerant leaks from other competing sound. As well, it is highly sensitive to the ultrasonic sound of any turbulent gas leak. Besides, it utilizes modern heterodyning technology which translates the sound to a reduced frequency which your ear can easily interpret. It is also equipped with new nine-flexible Gooseneck that offers great detection capabilities in the hard-to-reach places. In addition, it is great for pinpointing leaks in automotive, refrigeration, air condition, and many more. Moreover, it comes with noise cancelling headphones which removes all background noise thus letting a technician to effectively find even the smallest leaks.
9. Ultrasonic Leak Detector
The Ultrasonic Leak Detector comes with a battery, waver guide, carry case, probe, and headset. It is also made of high quality materials for maximum strength, stability and long lasting use for high quality results even in harsh conditions. Additionally, it doesn’t pick up noise and fans but picks up leaks that sniffers cannot pick thus enable to detect even the smallest leak. Besides, it comes with a carry case which allows for easy storage and transport.
8. Elitech IR-200 Refrigerant Leak Detector HVAC Halogen Gas Sniffer with Infrared&Heated Diode Dual Sensor
This refrigerant leak detector is not affected by the presence of other gases, wind or even high concentrations. Also, it utilizes patented technology to detect leaks in refrigeration and air condition systems. Moreover, it can simultaneously detect high pressure and vacuum leaks which occur in HVAC/R systems. In addition, it has 10-segment LED bar graph which shows signal strength and on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment that assists in locating leaks quickly.
7. UEi Test Instruments CD100A Combustible Gas Leak Detector
It is designed to detect combustible gas leaks in small commercial and residential applications. As well, it is equipped with a semiconductor sensor which responds instantly to any combustible gas for quick detection. Furthermore, the easily adjusted, steady tic rate offers a precise indication of the leak source thus offers accurate detection. In addition, it has long 18-inch gooseneck and is great for one hand operation.
6. ALLOSUN Ultrasonic Leak Detector
It rapidly and accurately locates leaks in vacuum and pressure system and is great for detecting cracks in oil tank, valves, pipes and other sealed compartments. It also uses ultrasonic sensing technology thus detects even the smallest leaks in your air condition or refrigeration system. In addition, it features small size as well as lightweight thus easy to carry, and store. Furthermore, it is very simple to operate with one hand.
5. Elitech ILD-300 Advanced Refrigerant Leak Detector Halogen Tester for HVAC Rechargeable CFCs HCFCs HFCs 10 Years’ Life
This is certainly one of the best refrigerant leak detectors at the moment. It is equipped with high-precision heated diode sensor which triggers R11, R22, R404a, R410a, R600a, R1234yf, and all halogenated refrigerants such as blends, HFOs, HCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and CFCs. As well, it has four simple buttons which permits quick reset, adjust sensitivity, power on/off, mute and makes LED screen visually display the device status and leakage level. Besides, it has an in-built air pump which makes quicker reaction and recovery speed possible and ensures maximum detection efficiency.
4. Robinair LD7 Refrigerant Leak Detector
It has patented three LED UV lights that have 395 to 415 nm wave length which is optimum for a/c dye fluorescence. Also, it has sweep mode function which pinpoints leak source with automatic calibration. Moreover, it has unique 120 by 160 full color graphic LCD with error screens and user friendly message. Besides, it has 17-inches probe length and three adjustable sensitivity levels.
3. Refrigerant Leak Detector, Aprvtio Halogen Freon Leak Detector, Freon Sniffer Detector and Leakage Tester with Rechargeable Battery, for R134a, R12, R11 HVAC, Car, Refrigerator
This refrigerant leak detector has fully automatic sensitivity control and selection. It also has a simple, intuitive bar graph LED display and features 56 levels of sensitivity which are automatically selected by proprietary Powershift software. As well, it delivers optimal leak-detecting performance under a wide range of conditions and ergonomic, premium impact housing with premium output alarm speaker.
2. Elitech ILD-200 Advanced Refrigerant Leak Detector
It is equipped with an innovated infrared sensor which triggers on any halogenated refrigerants more precisely. It also has three selectable sensitivity levels such as low, medium and high with an optimum sensitivity of up to 0.14oz/yr. Furthermore, it has a TFT screen which animates, battery levels, sensitivity and leakage. In addition, it responds to all types of halogenated refrigerants and meets SAE-2913, EN14624, SAE-162, and SAE-2791 standards.
1. Fieldpiece DR82 – Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector
It triggers on all blends, HCFCs, HFCs, and CFCs but it is more sensitive to some refrigerants than others. It is also equipped with a filter system which assists protect the sensor from moisture as well as other contaminants. Additionally, it auto zeros every 2 seconds until a leak triggers the sensor thus offers accurate detection every time. Besides, it is made from the finest quality materials for long lasting use.
There are several reasons why you should invest in any of these top 10 the best refrigerant leak detectors. First, they are made of high quality materials for long lasting use in any condition. They are also used to detect leaks in automotive, refrigeration, air condition, and many more. Moreover, they respond to all types of halogenated refrigerants. They are therefore, highly recommended.
Buying Guide for the Best Refrigerant Leak Detector
Just per the name, a refrigerant leak detector gets used for detecting and informing you about any refrigerant leaks. These leaks might occur in your fridge or even in an AC unit in certain circumstances. And thus, we have mentioned the best refrigerant leak detectors in this article. To help you in choosing the right one, we have also mentioned their major features and options.
That being said, if you are still confused about these leak detectors, then this detailed buying guide is just for you. This buying guide for the best refrigerant leak detector will take you through all of the factors that you would want to know before getting one. In other words, make sure to follow this buying guide until the end:
1. Detector Sensitivity
If you want a given refrigerant leak detector to work properly, then it needs to be sensitive enough to detect small leaks. There are a lot of cases when the refrigerant might leak in a very small amount. But even this small amount can affect the cooling performance by a lot over time.
Thus, a given leak detector should be highly sensitive and able to detect small leaks as well. As a result, these refrigerant leak detectors come with a sensitivity rating like 0.25 oz/year or 0.15 oz/year. Out of these two options, the later lower rating is better since it offers higher sensitivity as it can detect much smaller refrigerant leaks.
Generally, these refrigerant leak detectors come with controls that allow you to adjust this sensitivity as per your needs.
2. Sensor Life
Just per the name, a refrigerant leak detector uses a sensor for detecting any refrigerant leaks. Unfortunately, this sensor has a maximum work-life and needs to be replaced afterwards. If you want to use your refrigerant leak detector for a long time, then it needs to have a long sensor life.
In some cases, this sensor life is given in days as 100 days or 200 days. You can also find a few refrigerant leak detectors that offer a much longer sensor life in years. Such leak detectors are made for heavy-duty usage and ideal for long term usage.
3. Battery and Battery Life
A great thing about most refrigerant leak detectors is that they are completely wireless. As a result, you can check for refrigerant leaks without the need to have a power source. They are able to do this since most of them are powered by a battery that powers the sensor as well as the rest of the functional components.
Although, as you would expect, this battery will run out sooner or later. In some cases, this is a replaceable battery and a rechargeable one in others. For both of these cases, checking the battery life that suits your work needs is highly essential. Other than that, checking the battery type is also important so that you can get the correct replacement batteries for your refrigerant leak detector.
4. Supported Refrigerants
If you are familiar with refrigerants and cooling equipment like refrigerators and AC, then you must know that there are a lot of different gases that get used as a refrigerant. Because of this, some specific refrigerant leaks might not be detected by a given detector.
To overcome this issue, you should get a refrigerant leak detector that supports a wide range of refrigerants and detects them properly in case of a leak. Thankfully, almost all refrigerant leak detectors come with a list of various supported refrigerants that you should check. It includes various CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and other refrigerant types, as well as their mixes.
5. Warranty
Apart from having a long-lasting sensor, the whole leak detector unit also needs to be reliable and durable if you want to keep using it for a long time. And the easiest way to ensure this is to check the warranty offered by your refrigerant leak detector.
Different models come with different warranty periods, which include options like a 1-year long warranty or a 2-year long warranty. When compared, any leak detector that offers a longer battery life is considered to be more reliable and durable.
A few refrigerant leak detectors also come included with a carrying case that can be handy for easily storing as well as taking the detector with you to a remote job site without damaging it.
