When your HVAC equipment experiences refrigerant leaks, its efficiency in bringing cool air in is sufficiently compromised. This, in turn, costs a lot in energy bills. Therefore, it is important to check for freon leaks in your HVAC equipment and systems.
Listed below are a few methods to find refrigerant leaks in your HVAC equipment:
Dye Detection:
One of the effective means to determine refrigerant leaks in your HVAC equipment is to perform a dye test. This process involves the passing of fluorescent dye through your HVAC system. After allowing it to circulate for a sufficient time, the dye will be observed as it pours through any leaks that may be present. A detection lamp can then be used to scan the HVAC system, pinpointing the areas where the dye has leaked out.
There are advantages to this dye test as compared to other methods of testing. One such advantage is quick leak detection within the HVAC system, in addition to detection from a distance. Moreover, the dye test can also be executed regardless of whether the HVAC unit is running or not.
Electronic Detection:
Electronic leakage detection is a straightforward approach to leakage detection, involving the use of an electronic device. It facilitates scanning across refrigeration components outside of the household. When a leak is detected, these electronic devices sound easily recognizable and detectable alarms.
However, it is important to ensure compatibility of the electronic detector with refrigerants being used, otherwise the detector will not go off when it meets the leaks.
Nitrogen Detection:
Nitrogen leakage detection tests are among the most popular leak detection tests used for leak detection in HVAC equipment. It provides accurate and reliable results.
After the removal of remnant freon in the HVAC system, nitrogen is pumped back into the HVAC equipment. Since nitrogen is held at a higher pressure than refrigerant, noises can be heard at the location of leakages. Once the locations are audibly determined, they can be marked off. Moreover, monitoring nitrogen using pressure gauges is also key – these gauges show changes in pressure in the presence of a leak.
Soap Bubble Detection:
Testing the HVAC system for leaks without professional assistance is tricky – in this case, the soap bubble test can be quite useful. A simple and easy test, it involves mixing some soap bubbles up with warm, or luke-warm water. This can then be dispensed through the AC refrigerant system. Air bubbles will form at the site of leakage, which can then be marked for repairs or patches.
Oil Detection:
Oil leakage can also occur when refrigerant leaks are present in the AC system. This substance can be determined with ease on account of its thick and dark consistency. Its potent smell is distinctive, allowing you to distinguish it from far away.
If a leakage is suspected in your HVAC system, start feeling around for leaks or visible signs of oil with protective gloves or light-colored cloth to show oil stains.
Seeking assistance with leakage repair in your HVAC equipment? Contact Trosten Industries, a part of Bin Dasmal Group – among the leading HVAC companies in UAE, Trosten assures to assist you with your HVAC equipment repair requirements.
