10 Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors in 2021

All HVAC technicians must be aware of refrigerant leak detectors. Besides being must-have equipment, the tool helps in accomplishing a few challenging aspects of detecting refrigerant leaks. ACS and refrigerators contain refrigerants such as HCFCs, CFCs, and HFCs for cooling. If it starts leaking out, it can impose some serious environmental problems. Hence, to avoid such situations, it is recommendable to use a refrigerant leak detector. Leakage can degrade the performance of the system and slowly damage it in the long-run. Owning a refrigerant leak detector is essential. We have provided all the details of the ten best leak detectors for refrigerants available in today’s market.

Buying a refrigerant leak detector can lead to confusion if you’re buying for the first time. But keep your worries aside as we have simplified it by listing down the top three best selling refrigerant leak detectors in today’s date. All three of them have their best features to make your purchase easier.

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Below is the list of the best and top ten refrigerant leak detectors with their product reviews, pros, and cons. It will help you to get an overview of the items depending on your requirements.

1. Inficon 705-202-G1 Refrigerant Leak detector

Inficon has provided expertise in leak detection, vacuum measurement, and gas analysis for the past 50 years. They repeatedly detect leaks instantaneously and save your time and money. The 705-202-G1 refrigerant leak detector comes with a two-year product warranty. It is A2L certified.

Being one of the top-selling leak detectors in the HVAC/R market, Inficon has a variable intensity feature for both visual and audible alarms. Also, it is lightweight and has a rugged design. It has a sensitivity of 0.25 oz/year and can detect all HFOs, CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs. The leak detector runs on two D-cell alkaline batteries.

It has a 15-inch probe and a proven heated diode sensor that is reliable. The sensor comes with a life of 100 hours and does consistent leak checking. It promises to provide accurate readings even in damp conditions as it has spare filters. The high and low settings allow narrowing the leak source down to a specific point. It is effortless to use along with superior speed.

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Pros:

• Lightweight and affordable
• Low-battery sign alerts
• Power in a single switch
• Auto-compensation feature
• Sensitive sensor

2. Fieldpiece SRL8 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector

Being one of the most reliable detectors available in the market, the SRL8 leak detector falls under the premium choice category. It can detect all types of CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs, including other refrigerant blends. It comes with a filter system that is capable of protecting the sensor from contaminants and moisture.

It is very lightweight and works faster compared to the UV dye detection method. You end up saving time. It comes with a 15-hour rechargeable battery that can last for two full days. You can use any wall or vehicle charger to charge its battery. The SRL8 detector features a mute button and a visual leak alert display.

The automatic or manual zeroing feature auto-zeros every two seconds. It takes only 30 seconds to come in the up and running state. The product is available in a kit form. It has a rough, blow-mold holder along with the extras.

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Pros:

• High sensitivity rating
• 15-hour rechargeable, user-replaceable battery
• Manual/automatic zeroing feature
• Works with all CFCs, HFCs, and HCFCs
• Built-in filter system

Cons:

• Expensive

3. LotFancy Freon Leak Detector

The LotFancy detector can detect all kinds of halogen refrigerants such as CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, Blends, and ACLs. The working temperature of the product varies from 0 degrees to 52 degrees Celsius. The preheating time of the detector is about 6 seconds. It has a maximum of 6gr/yr sensitivity. 

The package includes one pouch with one halogen leak detector with a probe and one instruction manual. The probes are designed with a corona sensor and can detect gas leaks in challenging and hard-to-reach areas. It has a mechanical circuit that can avoid false alarms by following the changing point of halogen gas.

The ultra-low power consumption IC construction can adjust to the best optimum detecting state. The detector also comes with an indicator flashlight. The battery life can extend up to 50 hours under regular use. But make sure that you’re putting 4 x AAA alkaline batteries in it. You get a one-year warranty when you buy the product.

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Pros:

• Adjustable sensors
• Color display for seeing the battery status
• Ultra-low power consumption IC construction
• Ergonomic and compact design
• Value for money

Cons:

• No batteries include
• Only one-year warranty

4. Elitech ILD-200 Advanced Refrigerant Leak Detector

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Elitech has been manufacturing one of the finest, safer, and efficient leak detectors available in the market. The ergonomic design of the detector fits easily in your hand. It has ruggedized construction whose sensor’s life is 10 years. The sensor has strong anti-interference and comprehensive, sensitive reactions compared to traditional corona sensors.

The TFT screen allows you to have clear and easy readings. The screen has an animated screen alarm indication and animated sensitivity indication. It displays the real-time battery life along with a faulty sensor indicator. 

The ILD-200 advanced leak detector comprises three selectable sensitivity levels. You can lower the sensitivity level to adapt to the environment when the detection result is unstable.

The built-in rechargeable or replaceable lithium battery can last up to 6 hours, with 4 hours of charging. It offers visual and audible alerts along with an earphone jacket. The 14-inch flexible probe has in-built LED UV light and detects in hard-to-reach areas. You can press the Peak button when you achieve the maximum leakage value.

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Pros:

• Advanced infrared sensor
• It comes with rechargeable lithium batteries.
• Highly reliable and durable
• Built-in TFT screen 
• Long length probe

Cons:

• Expensive

5. Robinair TIFXL-1A refrigerant Leak Detector

The Robinair TIFXL leak detector comes with a redesigned sensing tip with a 14-inch long flexible stainless steel probe. The probe has liners, and it helps in increasing the sensitivity, improving the reliability, and lasting twice as long as it’s predecessor. It features a variable frequency audible alarm.

Being one of the most advanced refrigerant leak detectors available in today’s market, the product has a comfortable and ergonomic design. It is portable enough and is powered by a DC power source. Hence, you can easily take it to remote areas without any worries. It utilizes the microprocessor-controlled circuitry to discover the leakage.

It is capable of detecting leaks up to 2000 times per second. The product has a constant power indication, and the sensitivity level is about 0.4 ounces/year. It came in a rugged carrying case and operated in two C-cell batteries. The product is SAE J1627 certified with UL classification and CE approval.

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Pros:

• Ergonomic and comfortable design
• Innovative microprocessor-controlled circuitry
• Variable frequency audible alarm
• Constant power indication
• Redesigned sensory tip

Cons:

• Short sensor life

6. Elitech WJL-6000 Freon Leak Detector

The WJL-6000 Freon leak detector is a reliable product available in the market with easy operation function. It offers excellent performance and serves as an ideal and economic Freon leak detector. Apart from detecting refrigerator leakages, it can also detect leakages in pipes, automobile air conditioners, and cold storage.

The traditional corona sensor can respond to all halogenated devices, including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and blends such as R11, R12, R22, AZ-50, HP62, etc. It comes with a short preheating time, which is of only 6seconds. Hence, you need to have to wait. Once you switch it on, the detector is ready for use. 

The Elitech WJL-600 leak detector features 1-7 grade selectable sensitivity. It has a maximum sensitivity of 0.21oz/yr. Also, it comes with an LED light flash alarm and a buzzer alarm. 

The 7.87 inches flexible probe allows detection in difficult as well as hard-to-reach areas. It operates on four AAA alkaline batteries. 

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Pros:

• Compact design
• Audio and visual leakage indicator
• Battery status indicator
• 50 hours of battery life
• Has seven adjustable sensitivity

Cons:

• Sometimes it is difficult to detect small leaks

7. MASTERCOOL 56200 Blue Raptor refrigerator Leak Detector

For the past 35 years, MASTERCOOL has been manufacturing professional quality service tools. The 56200 Blue Raptor leak detector has a digital signal microprocessor that delivers an accurate and instantaneous response. It can detect leaks as small as 1/10 oz per year. It comes with a flexible 16 inches probe.

There is an ultra-bright UV light present at the end of the probe. The light allows for detecting both UV leak and electronic leaks, even in the most challenging situations. The Raptor Refrigerator leak detector has an extremely accurate sensor technology. It can detect all refrigerants, such as blends, HCFCs, CFCs, and HFCs. The sensor has a life of about 20 hours.

The unique keypad control has a turn on/off button, increase/decrease sensitivity, the alarm on/off button, reset button, and UV/Blue light on/off button. While starting your inspection, make sure always to turn off the refrigeration system. For achieving better results, keep the probe across the leak detection area at a rate of 1″ to 2″ per second.

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Pros:

• Sensitivity level adjustment feature
• Visual leak indicator
• Variable frequency audible alarm
• Digital signal micro-processor
• UV/Blue LED light detection.

Cons:

• Not ideal for humid environments

8. Inficon 717-202-G1 Refrigerator Leak Detector

The Inficon 717-202-G1 compass refrigerant leak detector offers a range of premium features with laboratory accuracy. It comes with a 15-inch probe that can reach confined spaces. The water-resistant filter resists damages from contaminants, thereby eliminating the chances of false alarms. 

The heated diode sensor provides reliable leak detection with a sensitivity of 0.15 oz/year. It can also operate while charging. It is capable of detecting all refrigerants such as CFCs, HFCs, HFOs, and HCFCs. It provides ease of usage with superior speed. 

Although it is slightly expensive, the US product is a perfect choice as it comes with spare filters and supports a NiMH rechargeable battery. It also includes a rugged carrying case.

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Pros:

• Water-resistant 
• Runs on rechargeable battery 
• No false alarms from soap solutions
• The sensitivity of 0.15 oz/year
• 15 inches probe

Cons:

• Sensors tend to come loose
• Only 2-year replacement warranty

9. Signstek Halogen Leak Detector tester

The Signstek Leak detector is having a lightweight design and has a battery-powered power source. Its excellent sensor offers a high sensitivity of 3g/yr or 0.1 oz/yr. 

It can detect all kinds of halogenated refrigerants, including various HFCs, CFCs, Blends, and HCFCs. The device can also detect leaks in freezing systems and air-conditioning units.

Signstek brings you the most reliable corona halogen leak detectors with seven levels of sound and light alarm. It takes only 6 seconds to warm-up as soon as you switch on the detector. The sensor tip life is more than 50 hours under continuous operation. It requires a 3v DC power supply and operates on two-cell C alkaline batteries.

The tri-color display of battery voltage shows green, orange, and red light. It has 14 inches flexible stainless steel probe that can easily reach any tight space. The kit comes with one extra spare sensing tip. The product is a steal, but if you have a smaller budget.

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Pros:

• Good probe length
• Detects all refrigerants
• Low power consumption
• High precision
• Intuitive display

Cons:

• Delicate

10. LS-PRO Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector

The LS-PRO refrigerant gas leak detector has a new design that consists of microprocessor control. It works on the principle of advanced digital signal processing. 

The detector has a semiconductor sensor and a long-life DC brushless fan. It also features automatic zero and background compensation. 

The device kit includes a refrigerant leak detector, four AA alkaline batteries, 110-240 V AC adapters, a hard carrying case, and a user-friendly manual. The detector can easily detect gases such as CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs, including other halogen-based compounds. It has three selectable sensitivity levels, such as low, medium, and high.

The detector offers a maximum sensitivity up to 0.14 oz/yr. It has 30 seconds of warm-up time, which is high compared to other detectors. The auto power on/off button switches off after 10 minutes of usage. It also has both audio and visual alarm methods along with a buzzer plus a tri-color LED indicator. The 15.5 inches stainless probe can reach complicated spaces.

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Pros:

• Immediate response time
• Semiconductor gas sensor
• Ambient concentration rese
• Low battery indication
• Advanced digital signal processing

Cons:

• It takes time to warm up.

Refrigerant Leak Detectors Buying guide

Buying the perfect refrigerant leak detector can be a challenging task. We have come with a short and crisp buying guide that will make your choice easier. There are a few factors that you must consider before buying one.

Battery life

Almost all refrigerant leak detectors are wireless and do not need any power source. Batteries power them. But as we all know that batteries can drain out any time sooner. Some have rechargeable ones, whereas others have replaceable batteries. But in both cases, it is essential to check the battery life. 

Sensor life

Sensor life is another essential factor to check when buying a refrigerant leak detector. It is recommendable to purchase a product that offers a long sensor life. Heavy-duty leak detectors come with 100 to 200 days to sensor life. These types of detectors are ideal for long term usage.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity factor determines how fast the detector can detect small leaks. Sometimes there are chances of small leaks that are not detectable. Such type of leaks can damage the product and degrade the cooling performance. High sensitivity rating such as 0.15 oz/year offers precise detection of smaller refrigerant leaks. 

Warranty

Warranty is essential for every product as it assures you of repairing the detector without any charges. Few brands offer a limited period of warranty, whereas other well-known brands offer a 2-year extended warranty. It is advisable to go with long-term warranty periods.

Conclusion

We have selected Inficon 705-202-G1 Refrigerant Leak detector as our top pick as it is under budget with a variety of user-friendly features. 

The detector can detect small leaks with accuracy with an automatic background adjustment. The heated diode sensor has long sensor life and comes with a 2-year warranty period. For our budget-friendly pick, we have the LotFancy Freon Leak Detector. It offers all the features at an affordable price. This detector offers a decent sensitivity of 0.21 oz/year and is cheaper than other detectors available in the market. If you are a professional and want to purchase a heavy-duty, highly durable, and reliable product, the Fieldpiece SRL8 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector can be an excellent option for you. 

Make sure that you do your researches properly before buying any product.