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【 Suggested Collection 】 HVAC refrigerant leakage: Wan Quan guide from detection to repair
Date: 2025-12-09Read: 4
【 Suggested Collection 】 HVAC refrigerant leakage: Wan Quan guide from detection to repair
Refrigerant leakage is the 'invisible killer' of HVAC systemsNot only does it affect equipment efficiency and increase operating costs, but it may also violate environmental regulations.Mastering professional and standardized testing and repair processes is the core skill of every technician.
System efficiency:Refrigerant is the core medium of air conditioning systems. Once leaked, the system will be unable to efficiently cool or heat.
Environment and Compliance:Leaking refrigerant can damage the ozone layer or exacerbate global warming. Each refrigerant has three key environmental indicators: quan qi warming potential value（GWP）Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO ₂ e) and ozone depletion potential (ODP).
Each country has strict regulatory requirements for refrigerant leaks. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, requires technicians to be certified and follow standardized leak detection and repair procedures. The EU's Fluorinated Gas Regulation also promotes the gradual phase out of high GWP refrigerants and mandates the use of leak detectors that comply with EN14624 standards, which must be re certified annually to ensure detection of at least 5 grams of annual leakage.
Cost control:Insufficient refrigerant can lead to overloading of system components, not only increasing electricity costs, but also accelerating equipment wear and even causing malfunctions, resulting in high maintenance costs.
Poor system performanceIt manifests as a decrease in cooling or heating capacity.
Abnormal increase in energy billsThis is because systems with insufficient refrigerant require double operation, especially compressors that consume more energy.
visual inspectionCarefully inspect the refrigerant pipelines and connections for oil stains, corrosion, icing, or visible damage. Simultaneously inspect the evaporator and condenser coils for any signs of damage or wear.
Note:Accurately identifying the problem is crucial. Technicians should focus on evaluating the amount of leakage (if any), the duration of the leakage, the remaining amount of refrigerant in the system, and the type of refrigerant currently used.
Deviations in certain key parameters typically indicate insufficient refrigerant charge.
Check the degree of overheating anddegree of supercoolingIs it consistent with the manufacturer's specifications.
Use a pressure gauge to ensure that the operating pressure of the system meets the manufacturer's requirements.
Electronic refrigerantleak detector：This is the most advanced leak detection method. They canDetecting trace amounts of refrigerant and accurately locating leakage pointsThere are currently various electronic leak detection technologies on the market,For example, the infrared, heating diode, and ultrasonic detectors provided by INFICON.
Ultrasonic leak detector:Especially practical in windy or noisy non-traditional application environments.This device locates by detecting the sound waves generated by leaks rather than the gas itself, and has strong anti-interference ability.
Soap Bubble Method:Although not as sensitive as electronic detectors, it can be used to help identify larger leakage points. this methodlow cost, oftenAs an auxiliary verification method for electronic detection after discovering leaks.
Ultraviolet dye method:This method locates external leaks by injecting special dyes into the system. The dye circulates with the refrigeration oil, and after leaking out at the leakage point, it will develop color under ultraviolet radiation. useThis method requires sufficient time for the dye to circulate and diffuse within the system.
Note:Before repairing, it is essential to confirm the source of the leakThe suspected area should be rechecked using the selected detection method. Pressure decay testing can be conducted by applying pressure to the system (such as using a molding gas of nitrogen or 95% nitrogen/5% hydrogen) to ensure that there are no other leakage points. *
as neededTighten loose joints or connections.
Replace damaged componentsSuch as refrigerant pipelines, valves, coils, etc., to prevent further refrigerant leakage. Please noteBefore replacing components or conducting major repairs, refrigerant must be recovered from the system.
Use refrigerant recovery machineRecover the residual refrigerant in the system into a dedicated recovery tank.
Use a vacuum pump to evacuate the systemThis step can remove air and moisture from the system, which can reduce system efficiency and potentially cause damage. Please refer to the manufacturer's specifications to obtain the recommended vacuum degree (usually in the range of 400-500 microns).Need to cooperate with a vacuum gauge to monitor the vacuum degreeIf it is difficult to reduce the vacuum degree of the system to below 5000 microns, it may indicate a leak in the system itself or the connecting hoses.
Recharge the system with the correct refrigerant and dosageIt is recommended to use refrigerant recovery/charging machines and electronic charging scales to ensure accuracy.
After the repair is completed, it is necessary to conduct a leak detection againAnd verify system performance (through stress testing and operational testing).
