Best Refrigerant Leak Detector To Find Where Any Leak is Located – The Incredible Buyer’s Guide

Heating and cooling systems can have all kinds of problems over the course of their lifetime.

With leaks being one of the most common problems that owners of these systems face, getting a refrigerant leak detector can help you keep your food and appliances from being ruined before its time.

But with all the options out there being advertised as the best one for you, it can hard to find out the one that actually lives up to its advertised expectations.

So, we’ve looked through a bunch of models of refrigerant leak detectors to find out which options are the best to hone in on the greatest options.

With this list, you can find the leak detector model that fits your needs so you’ll buy the best refrigerant leak detector for your HVAC system immediately.

Top Pick for Home Use

Out of all the models in this review, many would make fantastic leak detector models for your business, but there is an option that sticks out from the rest of the pack. This option is the Elitech ILD-200. The Elitech model has a high rating and an infrared sensor that can find the source of any leak.

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• Comes with an infrared sensor
• Three sensitivity levels
• Clear and correct readings
• PEAK button to mark the maximum leakage
• Responds to all halogenated refrigerants

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With the many features and specifications, it is clear why this model is our top choice. With all of the things a refrigerant leak detector can do, it seems that the thing that this product cannot do is stop the leak itself.

Refrigerant Leak Detectors Comparison Chart

4 Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors (as of May, 2020):

1. Elitech ILD-200 Refrigerant Leak Detector – Best Overall Pick Review

This Elitech ILD-200 leak detector model is a halogen leakage checker that comes equipped with a high sensitivity that will allow you to easily locate the exact position of the leak so that you can get to it quickly and fix the problem before it creates any other issues.

Infrared Sensor

This Elitech refrigerant leak detector has an infrared sensor that will be triggered by all halogenated refrigerants and will help you locate the source of the leak quickly. This lets you get the job done quicker and move on to the next job.

Three Sensitivity Levels

This refrigerant leak detector comes with three different sensitivity levels that can help you find the approximate location of the leak and then hone in on the exact location of where the leak is coming from.

This can also keep you from having too much sensitivity when close to the leak so the detector will not go off when farther away.

TFT Screen

Peak Button

This refrigerant leak detector also has a Peak button that allows you to mark the highest leakage value while taking all the measurements. This allows you to keep track of where the highest peak is without having to stop taking measurements.

Meets All Standards

This refrigerant leak detector is made for professional or residential use and it meets all standards. This model meets all EN14624, SAE-2791, SAE-2913, and SAE-162 standards for use so you will use the detector with confidence.

Main Features

• Detects All Halogenated Refrigerants
• Meets EN14624, SAE-162, SAE-2791 and SAE-2913 standards
• Advanced Sensor
• 3 Selectable Sensitivity Levels – High/Medium/Low
• Maximum Sensitivity up to 0.14oz/yr
• TFT Screen
• Peak Function
• Visual & Audible Alerts
• Mute & Earphone Function
• Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Battery 3.7V 3000mAh
• Working Time: continuous 6 hours
• Charging Time: 4 hours
• Around 14-inch Flexible Probe

2. Inficon TEK-Mate 705-202-G1 Refrigerant Leak Detector – Best US-Made Option Review

This Inficon TEK-Mate 705-202-G1 refrigerant leak detector is an American made option that comes with the highest quality of build and comes in multiple pack varieties that include anywhere from one to five.

With an electrochemical sensor and a high-low sensitivity selector, this detector comes with all you could ask for.

Comes With Everything You Need

This Inficon detector comes with everything that you need in one package and includes the sensor, 2 D batteries, filters, and a carrying case with the price of purchase. With this kit, you can have all you need at your fingertips to find the leak before it worsens.

Flexible Metal Probe

You can have the metal probe find the source of the leak without having to use much effort to fit into the spaces you need it.

Low Battery Indicator

This refrigerant leak detector model has a low battery indicator that will alert you when the power is running low so you know when you will need to replace them.

This helps you gauge how long you can work with the current battery life without the power shutting off on you in the middle of a job.

High-Low Sensitivity Selector

This Inficon refrigerant leak detector comes equipped with a high-low sensitivity selector that allows you to choose the setting that you would like to stay at.

The high is great for checking larger areas, and the low is for better locating the exact spot of the leak so the sensor won’t go off when farther away.

Made in the USA

This Inficon leak detector model is designed and manufactured in the US and made from the highest quality materials so you can feel confident in the strength and durability of the product.

And, because this option weighs just over three pounds, it is made to be lightweight and easy to carry all day.

Main Features

• Heated Diode Sensor
• Automatic Background Adjustment (“Zeroing”)
• High/Low Sensitivity Selector & Power in one Switch
• Minimum Sensitivity 0.25 oz./yr. (7 g/yr.)
• Detects R22, R410A, R134A, HFO1234yf, and all other CFC, HCFCs, and HFCs
• 15” Flexible Rubber Coated Metal Probe
• Low Battery Indicator
• Variable Intensity Audible Signal & Single Flashing LED
• 2 “D” Cell Batteries
• Filters & Carrying Case
• Suggested for residential and automotive A/C
• Made in the USA

Quick Start Video for TEK-Mate Refrigerant Leak Detector

3. Elitech HLD-200 Refrigerant Leak Detector – Best Freon Checker Option Review

This Elitech HLD-200 refrigerant leak detector is a halogen and freon checker that comes with updated leak protection and an auto-calibration so you get great leak detection without having to do most of the work yourself.

New Technology

This Elitech model comes with upgraded protection with the use of new technology.

This detector comes with a new circuit that is low-consumption and also comes in a compact size that’s lightweight and super easy to carry around with you to multiple job sites.

Fast Response

The response time for leak detection is just 3 seconds and the leakage level indicator will flash so you’ll clearly see where the leak is coming from.

Multiple Sensitivity Settings

This Elitech detector model comes with seven different sensitivity settings to choose from to locate the most exact location possible.

With the ability to turn up the sensitivity to get to the main source of the leak, you can then switch the sensitivity down to hone in on the exact spot.

Tri-Color Indicator Light

This refrigerant leak detector model has a tri-color battery indicator light that clearly displays how much battery life the machine has left before it will shut down.

This allows you to know when you should change out the batteries so that your detector won’t die on you.

Meets All Standards

This refrigerant leak detector model meets the highest industry standards. This machine meets both EN14624 and SAE-1627 industrial standards and responds to R11, R22, R134A, R404a, R410A, and all other halogenated refrigerants.

Main Features

• 7 Adjustable Sensitivity
• Maximum Sensitivity 0.11oz/yr.
• Preheating time: 5s
• Response time: 3s
• Dual-Color LED Indicator Lights
• Tri-Color Indicator Light to Display Battery Level
• Auto Reset Resting when the detector is turned on
• Around 12-inch Flexible Probe
• One Extra Sensor included in the package
• Power supply: 3VDC (2XAA battery)
• Meets EN14624 and SAE-1627 industrial standards, and responds to R11, R22, R134A, R404a, R410A
• All Halogenated Refrigerants including HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs and blends

4. Elitech WJL-6000 – Best Gas Leak Detector Option Review

This Elitech WJL-6000 refrigerant detector is usable for many different leaks.

With the ability to alert you to gas, freon, and halogen leaks, you will get the most bang for your buck with this productive and compact machine.

Detects Multiple Leak Types

This Elitech model can alert you to a large number of different leak types that include all halogenated refrigerants, freon, and gas leaks. This can help keep you or your client’s home safe by getting to the source of the leak as fast as possible.

Fast Response

Audio and Visual Indicators

This Elitech detector model comes with both audio and visual indicators so you can see and hear the alerts to pin-point the most exact spot of the leak.

There is also a dual-battery indicator that lets you see how much juice your batteries have left before you will need to replace them.

Adjustable Sensitivities

This refrigerant leak detector comes equipped with adjustable sensitivities that allow you to either increase the sensitivity to find the main source of the leak, then to decrease it so you can better locate the area that the leak is specifically coming from.

Flexible Probe

This Elitech leak detector has a long, flexible probe that can help you reach into tight spots to allow for alerts in difficult detection areas.

This helps you to fit into areas that other models may not fit into and have better leak detections wherever you are.

Uses AAA Batteries

Some batteries can be harder to find at the store, but with this model using AAA batteries, you can get them very easily.

This also brings down the price of use because they are fairly inexpensive and you can purchase them in large packages to get even more for your money.

Main Features

• 7 Adjustable Sensitivity
• Maximum Sensitivity 0.21oz/yr.
• Preheating time: 6s
• Response time: 3s
• LED Light Flash Alarm
• Buzzer Alarm
• Dual-Battery Indicators
• Around 7.9-inch Flexible Probe
• Power supply: 6V DC, 4 AAA alkaline batteries
• Triggers on R22, R134A, R404a, R410A
• All Halogenated Refrigerants Including HFCs, CFCs,HCFCs & blends

Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best refrigerant leak detectors should not be a tough task, but with all of the various features and specifications on every single model to take a look at, it can be much more of a headache than you had hoped.

So, to save yourself a lot of time and effort, you should think about these few point before settling on a final purchase. You’ll want a guarantee you will get a good quality item that will last you a long time, and with these tips, you will know how to do just that.

Here’s some things that you should consider before making your final purchase.

Weight

If you are a worker that will be bringing your machine along with you on your job sites, then you’ll likely need something that is easily portable and fairly lightweight.

You wouldn’t want to be carrying around a heavy option all day just so you can lug it into multiple houses or job sites. So, it is important to think about the weight of the machine.

This may also allow you to get a longer-lasting option because it won’t need to be made of plastic to be lightweight enough to take to work with you.

Probe Size

When it comes to refrigerant detectors, the size of the probe can either make things a lot easier for you or turn your simple job into a bit of a nightmare.

If you find it necessary to get into tight spots to be able to locate the source of the leak, then a larger probe can give you a lot of problems. Although it will depend on the different jobs that you do, it is good to get an option that will work for many jobs.

There are flexible probes that offer a long reach and that also is movable enough to get into hard to reach areas that other probes may not be able to.

These may be your best option if you do multiple jobs or projects and need a model that is versatile enough to get most jobs done.

If you only handle a few jobs around the house, or for family members, then you may be able to go with a cheaper option.

Price

Although the price may often be the deciding factor for many people, thinking about what you will actually be getting for your money is important.

You wouldn’t want to spend a large sum on an expensive option just to find out that the product doesn’t work as well as you thought it would.

In the same way, you will also want to check that the inexpensive model you got will not stop working after one use.

Also, if you know you need an industrial-strength choice that will hold up to years of use, then getting a model with a higher price tag may be well worth the higher cost.

Knowing exactly what you will need for the jobs that you’ll be doing is at the heart of all these points, so decide what will be the best bet for your jobs, and you’ll find the best choice for what you need in no time.

FAQs

Although we have you a lot of information above, you could still find that you have questions that weren’t answered above. So, in anticipation of this, we took the time to look up some of the frequently asked questions from other buyers and got the answers.

Now, you will have all of the necessary information in a convenient place without having to research on your own.

How do refrigerant leak detectors work?

These leak detectors machines work by using an alert that comes on when an electrical current is triggered by contact of halogenated gases with the heated ceramic diode.

This electrical current turns on the alarm when it senses the contact and allows you to see the location of the source of the leak.

What happens if a refrigerant leak goes undetected?

If a refrigerant leak is not detected for some time, there can be several different health and air quality issues that can affect you and your family. Freon is tasteless and odorless, but it can cause some serious issues, which is why detecting a leak is so important.

What is a refrigerant leak and what causes it to occur?

A refrigerant leak is a leak that can occur in systems that use refrigerant, like AC units. There can be a plethora of causes of a refrigerant leak, but some of the most commonly seen problems are cracks or holes in the coils.

What signs should I look for to know when I should check for a refrigerant leak in my system?

There are five major signs that will alert you to a leak even. The first is that your system will have a loss of cooling power. The second is that the registers will not be blowing cool air.

However, the biggest way that you may be affected by an unknown leak is that you will see a rise in your cooling bill. A leak will cause the unit to work harder and longer, and this will show up on your heating and cooling bill.

Conclusion

Although there are many different options available at local retailers and online marketplaces, this article has narrowed down your options to some of the best out there.

Whether you decide to go with our top choice of the EIitech ILD-200, or you want to continue to look for an alternative option to the ones we listed, you know have the knowledge that you need to find the best refrigerant leak detector to fit your needs.