The top HVAC Refrigerant Leak Detector on our list today is the Fieldpiece SRL8. This model features both automatic and manual zeroing, as well as featuring a well-protected sensor, and long-lasting battery life.
While the top budget-friendly choice is the Signstek Portable AC. It’s easy to handle and offers a complete kit in terms of HVAC detection.
Lastly, the runner up has to be the Robinair TIFRX-1A. This is the best HVAC detector for just under 30USD and comes with very accurate detecting capabilities too.
The Short Version
- Inficon D-Tek Select
- Robinair TIFRX-1A
- Elitech ILD-200
- Signstek Portable
- INFICON TEK-Mate
- Fieldpiece SRL8
Inficon D-Tek Select
- Sensitivity of 0.10 oz./year (3 g/year)
- Detects all CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs
- Field-replaceable infrared sensor lasts for 1,000 hours
- High performance filter prevents sensor contamination
- Automatic and manual zero modes
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best portable HVAC leak detector is the Inficon D-Tek Select. It’s made in the USA and uses an effective infrared sensor in order to detect any leaks.
Additionally, it also includes a kit with a carrying case, space filters, DC and a car charger too.
Pros:
Filters: The Inficon D-Tek Select package also includes handy space filters.
Accurate: Using its infared sensors, the HVAC detector can accurately pinpoint any leaks.
Chargers: This model also includes a DC and a car charger in the package.
Batteries: Lastly, this detector also runs on rechargeable batteries too.
Cons:
Price: This model is quite expensive.
TFT Screen: Unfortunately this detector lacks a TFT screen as well.
Robinair TIFRX-1A
- CONTINUOUS MONITORING: Radon gas fluctuates daily. Access your radon levels in real-time to take control, make changes and minimize potential health effects.
- RELIABLE RADON RESULTS: An accurate and reliable radon detector for every home, office and building with extra humidity and temperature sensors as standard.
- QUICK AND CLEAR RESULTS: Connect via Bluetooth to the Air things App or log in to the Air things Dashboard online for detailed insights into your air.
- EASY TO UNDERSTAND: Simply wave in front of the device to receive a color-coded visual indicator of the overall air quality; Green (Low), Yellow (Warning), Red (Danger).
- NO LAB FEES: Get both long and short term radon results straight to your smartphone and easily generate a radon report through the Air things Dashboard.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 04:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best leak detector under 150USD is the Robinar TIFRX-1A. It includes a six-segment visual leak size indicator, and it can also accurately pinpoint the source of the leak.
Additionally, this detector comes with a powerful microprocessor for signal processing.
Pros:
Price: This model comes with an affordable price tag.
Microprocessor: For signal processing, this model also includes a pretty powerful microprocessor too.
Ergonomics: The design and feel of this detector have been created to be simple, and convenient to use.
HVAC Gas Leaks: Can accurately detect and pinpoint all HVAC gas leaks.
Cons:
Battery: No rechargeable battery available.
Elitech ILD-200
- Sensitivity of 0.25 oz./year (7 g/year)
- Detects all CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs. A2L Certified
- Proven heated diode sensor for reliable leak checking
- Sensor Life: 100 hours
- No false alarms from soap solutions
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most advanced leak detector is the Elitech ILD-200. This detector includes a TFT screen which lets you clearly see the battery, detection and sensitivity settings.
In addition, it comes with a rechargeable battery and a much higher sensor life.
Pros:
Reset: This model also includes a reset function too.
Battery: For convenience, this model includes a rechargeable lithium battery.
Sensor Life: The sensor life is high, and can detect all HVAC leaks.
TFT Screen: This detector also includes a handy TFT screen which allows you to view the readings much more clearly.
Headphone: Lastly, it also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack support.
Cons:
Pricey: This model is a little bit more expensive than the other models.
Signstek Portable
- Excellent sensor with high sensitivity,3g/yr (0.1oz/yr), detect all kinds of halogenated refrigerant including HFCs, CFCs,HCFCs and blends
- 14 inches (35.5cm) flexible stainless steel probe can reach to almost any tight space
- Single color LED display with 6-level leak alarm, tricolor display of battery voltage
- Real time sensitivity and RESET time sensitivity adjustment, One extra spare sensing tip included
- Requires 2 C Alkaline batteries, batteries NOT included; Tricolor display of battery voltage(Green, Orange & Red).
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most budget-friendly option on our list is the Signstek Portable detector. This model offers high sensitivity and can detect various kinds of HVAC.
Additionally, there is also a spare tip included in the package too.
Pros:
Easy: This model is pretty simple to handle in various types of working conditions.
Affordable: This detector is able to fit in most budget plans.
Detection: It is able to detect all HVAC gas leaks.
Cons:
Battery: No rechargeable battery available.
INFICON TEK-Mate
- Sensitivity of 0.25 oz./year (7 g/year)
- Detects all CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs. A2L Certified
- Proven heated diode sensor for reliable leak checking
- Sensor Life: 100 hours
- No false alarms from soap solutions
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Inficon TEK-Mate is the most accurate HVAC detector on our list today.
It also features an impressive battery life, highly sensitive sensor technology, and even a low-battery indicator for extra convenience.
Pros:
Battery: This model features an improved battery life with its 2-D cell batteries.
Sensor Technology: Additionally, you can also expect more accurate readings with its high-temperature ceramic sensor.
Sturdy: The metal probe itself is made from a sturdy and flexible material
Indicator: Lastly, this HVAC detector also offers a low-battery indicator too.
Cons:
Battery: The battery isn’t rechargeable.
Damaged: Care must be taken since this model can easily get damaged.
Fieldpiece SRL8
- Triggers on all CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs and blends. More sensitive to some refrigerants than others.
- 15-hour rechargeable, user replaceable battery. It lasts almost two full workdays on a single charge (if your hunting down leaks all day). You can also use it while it's hooked up to the wall or vehicle charger.
- Filter system helps protect the sensor from moisture and other contaminants. The sensor is connected to the body at the other end of the snout. The filter is at the tip of the snout. If you accidentally hit some condensation or oil, the filter swells, shutting off the pull to the sensor and protecting it from failure.
- Manual or automatic zeroing. It auto zeros every two seconds until a leak triggers the sensor. After that you can manually zero the detector to help further pinpoint leaks.
- Up and running in 30 seconds. Some heated elements and corona discharge units take much more time to warm up. UV dyes can take several hours to travel through a running system and can degrade system components.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The most highly rated HVAC leak detector on this list is the Fieldpiece SRL8. It includes a handy filter system that can protect the sensor from moisture and contaminants that may damage it.
More so, it also includes a rechargeable battery and highly accurate readings.
Pros:
Accurate: You can expect to receive accurate readings with this HVAC model, as it can detect various types of blends such as CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs.
Automatic & Manual: This model also includes both automatic and manual zeroing.
Easy: The HVAC detector is also pretty easy to use too.
Battery: The battery lasts a whole day with use, on a single charge.
Protected: Lastly, the sensor itself is pretty well protected from any potential damage, such as moisture.
Cons:
Price: The model is a little expensive.