6 Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors For HVAC Pros (2024)

Choosing the right leak detector makes HVAC maintenance much smoother and quicker, but with so many options, it can be hard to know which is best.

Plus, leak detectors have varying price points, so technicians must make an informed investment to match their needs.

I have researched, tried, and tested the best leak detectors on the market to find the most reliable models and eventually narrowed it down to the top 6.

Different types of refrigerant leak detectors are available, each with pros and cons, and it’s one of the most important factors to consider before you buy.

Digital or electronic refrigerant leakage detectors are the most popular. They are effective in the HVAC industry because they are sensitive, accurate, and versatile.

However, it's worth noting that digital refrigerant leak detectors can use different detection methods:

• Electronic leak detectors sense refrigerant directly in the air - they are reliable and suitable for detecting leaks in most residential or domestic HVAC systems.
  
• Ultrasonic leak detectors listen to the sound of high-pressure refrigerant escaping from a leak. I recommend these for finding leaks in complex HVAC/air conditioning systems in hard-to-reach areas.
  
• Heated diode detectors use a heating filament that changes when it comes into contact with refrigerant. I recommend these for HVAC systems with several different refrigerants.
  
• Infrared leak detectors detect specific wavelengths of infrared detection.[1] I recommend these for large or high-sensitive HVAC systems as they can detect small leaks.
  
• Corona suppression detectors detect ionization caused by refrigerant leaks. I recommend these for specialist HVAC systems in labs or research environments.

The refrigerant your HVAC system uses will vary depending on the age, function, and system type.[2]

The most commonly used refrigerants are:

• R-22 (used in older appliances and being phased out)
• R-410A (used in residential AC systems)
• R-134A (used in automotive AC systems)
• R-404A (used in commercial/industrial systems)

There are also many other system-specific refrigerants (including RLD10 and R32) that are less commonly used.

Refrigerants have unique qualities, and not every leak detector can sense every refrigerant.Your refrigerant leak detector is useless if it can't sense the refrigerant in your HVAC system, so you need a compatible model.

Check your HVAC system specs to see the refrigerants used and search for a compatible refrigerant leak detection system.

The sensitivity of your leak detector is the concentration of refrigerant it can detect.

A more sensitive refrigerant leak detector can detect small leaks, letting you find and deal with them more quickly.

Refrigerant leak detector sensitivity is shown in parts per million (ppm). The lower the ppm, the more sensitive it is, and the faster it will detect a leak.

The best refrigerant leak detector systems can be under 5ppm, but the sensitivity and speed vary depending on the detection method.

A slower dye method can be a cost-effective solution for small residential systems (or less-used large HVAC systems).

However, for large-scale/critical HVAC systems, I recommend a detector under 20ppm that can sense even the smallest leaks.

The average lifespan of refrigerant leak detectors is 2-5 years. However, it can vary depending on the durability, features, design, and use.

The key features that determine durability are:

• Build-quality. A durable outer casing will stop any damage to the internal components.
  
• Protection against contaminants. A sealed leak protector should prevent dust, dirt, water, or chemicals from entering, helping it last longer.
  
• Impact resistance. Leak detectors constructed with shock-absorbing materials will prevent accidental damage and help it last longer.
  
• High-temperature resistance. A leak detector that functions in extreme temperatures will be more versatile and last longer.

Durability is essential for HVAC technicians working in tough conditions, industrial settings, or across multiple sites.

I recommend looking for the following labels or certifications:

• SAE compliance [3]
• ASHRAE compliance [4]
• EN 14624 compliance (in Europe) [5]
• EPA compliance
• ISO 5149 compliance

Typically, higher-quality leak detectors will costmore but offer better long-term value.

If durability is your main concern, I recommend the Fieldpiece SRL8 because it balances prices and longevity.

Critical HVAC systems often have a hardwired leak detector to avoid outages, but portable refrigerant leak detectors run on batteries.

The run-time is usually 10-40 hours for standard batteries and 4-8 hours for rechargeable batteries.

You’ll be able to check the specifications to see if the batteries are rechargeable, and you should be able to see the run time.

Many portable leak detectors include a charger to power up your device easily.

If you work across multiple locations or on systems with minimal downtime, I recommend a detector with at least 10 hours of power - like the Inficon D-TEK Select or the Fieldpiece DR58.

Refrigerant leak detectors can cost anywhere from $20-$1000 + depending on the functionality and features.

The key factors that impact price are:

• Sensor technology - more accurate sensors cost more
• Detection limits - more sensitive units will cost more
• Continuous vs portable - hardwired, continuous leak detectors are often 5x the price of portable models
• Display/Alarms - most leak detectors have display screens, but advanced displays cost more.
• Connectivity - expensive leak detectors can connect to your network for remote control but will cost more.

• Basic non-UV dyes and diode detectors cost $20-$50. These have the lowest sensitivity and few features and are best for small residential units/infrequent checks.
  
• Mid-range UV, corona discharge, and heated diode leak detectors cost $50-$200. These have medium sensitivity and features (like alarms) that make it easier to detect leaks. I recommend them for basic heating/cooling systems and light commercial use.
  
• More advanced portable detectors cost $200-$800. Models like the Fieldpiece DR58 have higher sensitivity and more features. I recommend them for large HVAC systems and industrial use.
  
• Top-of-the-range leak detectors cost $800+. These models offer continuous ultrasonic, infrared, and advanced corona discharge monitoring systems and typically have network connections, full LCDs, and alarms. I recommend advanced models for professionals working on large-scale units.

The warranty of your leak detector will usually correlate with the price.

Basic units typically have a 1-year warranty, whereas advanced models (like the Inficon D-TEK Select) offer 2-5-year warranty protection.

I recommend getting a 1-2 year warranty (minimum) to cover the initial materials and workmanship and protect the sensor life.

Leak detectors with adjustable sensors, like the Elitech WJL-6000, allow you to customize the device to match the refrigeration systems you’re working on, making the sensor more versatile.

This feature is handy for technicians working on multiple HVAC systems.

Advanced leak detectors have an auto zero feature that will continuously monitor the background air and adjust the baseline based on the internal environment.

This is especially helpful in dynamic environments where the air quality will fluctuate.

I recommend a leak detector with auto-zeroing for technicians working across locations.

• Real-time Monitoring:
  Some leak detectors offer continuous monitoring of refrigerant levels to track changes in concentration over time, helping you to quickly identify issues and maximize efficiency by conducting repair work as early as possible.

  For larger HVAC systems, I recommend a leak detector with real-time monitoring and accurate detection, like the Inficon D-TEK Select.

• Alarms:
  Some refrigerant leak detector models feature LEDs or audible alarms to alert you to a refrigerant leak, offering clear and immediate feedback so you can respond quickly. This is particularly useful for quickly detecting leaks in critical HVAC systems.
• Wireless Connectivity and Data Logging:
  More advanced leak detectors can connect wirelessly to other devices or central monitoring systems, allowing you to control it remotely, log data, and integrate it with other diagnostic tools. I recommend this feature for those who want precise monitoring of their HVAC system or AC unit.

First and foremost, refrigerants can be dangerous.[6]

Inhaling them can cause serious health risks, and you might not even realize you’re doing it because refrigerants are invisible and odorless.

The number one reason I recommend investing in an HVAC refrigerant detector is to keep everybody safe by alerting you to a potential problem so you can take action.

Refrigerant is essential to your HVAC system. A leak can cause a lot of issues and eventually cause your air conditioner/HVAC equipment to shut down.

Investing in a good quality refrigerant leak detector will help you with accurate detection of leaks early so you can repair the equipment before it breaks down - saving you headaches, time, and money.

Your HVAC system can still run with lower refrigerant levels, but it will become less and less efficient.

Even the smallest leaks can strain your HVAC system and cause your energy consumption and bills to increase.

Refrigerant leak detectors help you identify leaks early and repair and recharge the system to maximize efficiency and lower energy consumption.

Refrigerants damage the ozone layer, and many are prohibited from use following the Montreal agreement.

Detecting refrigerant leaks allows you to take corrective action and prevent leaking refrigerant from damaging the environment.

The EPA has strict repair requirement codes for repairing refrigerant leaks (and you may have other local regulations), so I recommend investing in a good quality refrigerant leak detector to stay compliant.[7]

Some refrigerants used in older HVAC systems are being phased out, but they are often in limited supply and should be recycled.

Using a refrigerant leak detector lets you identify leaks early on, allowing you to recycle the refrigerant safely.

The Fieldpiece SRL8 is my top pick when it comes to refrigerant leak detectors.

The combination of user-friendly features, durability, and accurate sensors make it an asset in any HVAC technician’s toolkit, and I think it offers the best value for money.

However, the refrigerant leak detector you choose should vary depending on the air conditioning/HVAC system you're working on.

I've included a few options on the list. Hopefully, this guide has helped you find a leak detector that will improve the safety and efficiency of the HVAC systems you work on.