The HVACR industry has witnessed significant technological advancements in measurement and diagnostic tools over the years. From the era of analog refrigerant manifold gauges to modern digital gauges and wireless probes, the tools available to HVACR technicians have evolved to enhance accuracy, efficiency and convenience. Understanding the differences and strengths between these tools is crucial for technicians aiming to optimize their performance and service quality.

Analog Refrigerant Manifold Gauges

For decades, analog refrigerant manifold gauges were the standard in the HVACR industry. These tools allow for the addition and removal of refrigerant and measure system pressures while displaying saturation temperatures manually. They offer reliable and actionable data but require the use of additional instruments for anything outside of pressure and saturation temperature.

Analog gauges are often a great starting point for new technicians given their simplicity and lower price point. But they are far from “entry-level only” tools. Many experienced technicians keep an analog manifold in their truck alongside their digital tools because of their durability and reliability in tough environments.

One significant drawback of traditional analog gauges is the potential for inaccuracies due to human error and the inherent limitations of manual calculations. For instance, calculating superheat and subcooling with analog gauges involves multiple steps, including using a separate thermocouple for temperature readings and manual calculations based on pressure-temperature charts. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors.

However, many technicians appreciate analog gauges for:

• Their robustness and reliability in demanding environments
• Situations where they prefer not to risk damaging higher-priced digital equipment
• Quick pressure checks and basic charging tasks
• Training environments where learning system fundamentals are key

It’s also common for techs to own both digital and analog manifolds and choose between them depending on the job. Analog gauges remain a dependable, cost-effective solution that delivers solid performance when used correctly – especially when built with durability and reliability in mind, like the new Fieldpiece analog gauge sets.

Digital Refrigerant Manifold Gauges

The introduction of digital refrigerant manifold gauges revolutionized the HVACR industry. Digital manifolds, such as the Fieldpiece SMAN® Series, offer several advantages over their analog counterparts:

• Higher Accuracy and Resolution: Digital gauges provide more accurate readings, reducing the risk of human error.
• Automated Calculations: Digital manifolds automatically calculate critical values like superheat and subcooling, streamlining the diagnostic process.
• Convenience: These tools display readings directly on their screens, and some allow for the wireless connection of additional tools such as psychrometers.
• Durability: Digital manifolds are designed to withstand field conditions while maintaining calibration and performance.

Digital manifolds have simplified the workflow for HVACR technicians, allowing them to take accurate measurements and adjust refrigerant levels quickly and efficiently.

Wireless Probes

Wireless probes represent the latest advancement in HVACR diagnostic tools. These compact instruments allow a technician to remotely take readings both inside and outside a home, with some allowing for data aggregation and calculation on smart devices. Wireless ranges for these devices can vary, with some reaching up to 1000 ft for access to live measurements on large job sites. For example, usage of wireless psychrometer probes to measure Delta T eliminates the need for a technician to repeatedly walk inside and outside to take readings.

The compact size of most probes also makes optimal placement in tight spaces or cramped service ports easier, which is crucial for achieving accurate readings. One of the few drawbacks to a wireless probe kit would be that adding or removing refrigerant will still require an additional tool in your configuration, such as a T-fitting or a valve core removal tool. However, system checks and quick diagnostics are more than possible with a well-rounded probe kit.

The Fieldpiece JL3KH6 Charge and Air Kit is one example, featuring Wireless Pipe Clamps, Pressure Probes, and Flexible Psychrometers. A comprehensive probe kit can be a technician’s best resource for conducting fast and efficient system diagnostics, making it an industry staple.

Choosing the Right Tool

When deciding between analog gauges, digital manifolds and wireless probes, HVACR technicians should consider their specific needs, workflow and jobsite conditions.

• Analog gauges provide rugged simplicity and dependable performance, especially with modern builds like Fieldpiece’s new Analog Gauge Sets. They’re ideal for technicians who want durability, cost-effectiveness, and a straightforward charging tool.
• Digital manifolds offer higher accuracy, automated calculations, and expanded functionality. Tools like the Fieldpiece SMAN® series allow wireless connectivity and advanced diagnostics.
• Wireless probes like the Job Link® System Charge & Air Kit, provide maximum flexibility and mobility, allowing for real-time monitoring via mobile devices and streamlined system checks.

Wireless probes are ideal for technicians who value precision and efficiency on jobs that require a quick snapshot of system readings. However, if using a mobile device is not feasible due to environmental conditions or personal preference, digital and analog manifolds remain robust alternatives.

In conclusion, the choice between analog, digital and wireless tools depends on the technician’s workflow and the specific requirements of the job. Embracing modern technologies like digital manifolds and wireless probes can significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and service efficiency. At the same time, sticking with fundamental tools like rugged analog gauges – especially modernized versions built for today’s demands – ensures technicians always have a dependable back up option in the truck.

 

Temperature is everything

The key to understanding HVAC system performance is… to take its temperature! The supply and return temperatures, or Delta T, offer a technician crucial details about heat transfer at the evaporator coil, performance of the heat exchanger, refrigerant charge, and the effectiveness of air flow within the conditioned space.

Know exactly where to take the temp

Assessing system performance starts with measuring the supply side and return side temperatures. First, locate the supply air duct close to the air handler or the furnace. This is an optimal place to measure. If necessary, drill an access hole a few feet downstream of the heat exchanger or the evaporator coil for accurate readings.

To measure the return air temperature, measure in the duct closest to the furnace, drilling an access hole in the ductwork, if necessary. This measures the air returning to the HVAC system from the conditioned spaces. Ensure consistency by measuring at the same location each time.

Best practices for accurately finding temperatures

When taking readings, always stabilize the system first by running it for 15-20 minutes. Then, ensure the temperature probe is not affected by drafts or nearby heat sources such as heat strips found in heat pumps. When inserting the probe through an access hole, be sure that it’s placed in the airflow, and not touching the duct walls. Once finished, seal the access point to avoid air leaks.

Make sure the probe is inserted in the duct and not influenced by the room air. Consider taking readings at multiple supply vents to check for uniformity as well. If there are large discrepancies in readings at different locations, the system could have ductwork or airflow issues.

Benefits of Measuring Out of Duct

Delta T is most accurately measured in the duct, but prior to drilling, technicians can get a quick estimate by measuring temperatures at the nearest return vent and supply register or grill. Additionally, taking measurements at the end of the return and supply can assist a technician in diagnosing temperature loss or gain due to duct leaks.

Tools designed for the job

Fieldpiece makes many wireless, handheld tools designed specifically for quick temp checks. When measuring temperature in a duct, or at a register or grill, here are a few of our favorites:

• PRH2 Digital Psychrometer – Use this versatile, pocket-sized psychrometer to measure wet bulb, %RH, dew point and dry bulb temperatures. Readings are shown on the backlit, dual display and the tool can measure temps in the duct or while walking around.

• SPK1 Pocket Knife-Style Thermometer –This digital thermometer opens just like a pocketknife and features a sharp tip for piercing through flex ducts. It hangs easily at any angle from a vent or thermostat.

• SPK2 Folding Pocket In-Duct Thermometer – Also great for taking quick air temperatures, this folding thermometer rod can punch through flex ducts and easily hangs from a duct or on a grille. Not in the mood for math? The SPK2 holds measurements and calculates the delta T for you.

• SPK3 Rod and IR Temperature Pocket-Style Tool – In addition to a duct-piercing thermometer rod and delta T calculator, the SPK3 includes an IR feature with an 8:1 field of view angle and laser guide. The perfect tool to use when you’re doing a walk-around check of air temps at registers in hard-to-reach locations.

• SIG1 Gun-Style IR Thermometer – This standalone, non-contact infrared thermometer features a 10:1 field of view, a bright blue backlight, and a laser guide for fast, accurate readings.

Thank you for coming to our Temp Talk

As an HVAC pro, listen to your system’s air temps – they’ll tell you a lot about system performance. If you want to measure these temperatures quickly and precisely every time, pick up some of these powerful pocket tools from Fieldpiece.

Okay, we know soap bubbles are the traditional method for refrigerant leak detection on HVACR systems and they can be a very tried and true indicator. But when you need to pinpoint micro-leaks fast, an electronic detector with a higher sensitivity than bubbles can be the ticket.

The four main types of electronic leak detectors available to HVACR techs include: heated diode, corona discharge, infrared and ultrasonic. The following is a snapshot of how the different technologies work and the ins and outs of each to help you determine which is the best fit for your toolkit.

 

Heated Diode Detectors

With a heated diode detector, sampled air is heated to a high temperature, ionizing halogenated refrigerant gases. The resulting charged chlorine and fluorine ions, even in trace amounts, generate current through the diode which then triggers an alarm. Heated diodes detect leaks of HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO, H2N2 (Tracer Gas) and other refrigerant blends. The Fieldpiece DR58 Heated Diode Leak Detector performs particularly well with R410A and sniffs refrigerant leaks as small as 0.03 oz/yr – that’s 20 times more sensitive than soap bubbles.

Heated diode detectors are not prone to false alarms, but their sensor life may be affected by excessive refrigerant exposure and contaminants like oil. The sensor should be checked regularly with a calibrated reference leak. It is recommended to replace to the Fieldpiece DR58 sensor after approximately 300 hours of use.

 

Corona Discharge Detectors

In a process similar to heated diode detectors, corona discharge detectors also react to a change in current flow from ionized gases. However, they pull sample air through an electrical field around an electrode. Gases are broken down by the electric arc (corona discharge), causing a change in electrode current which then signals a leak.

False alarms can occur with corona discharge detectors because they do not trigger on specific refrigerant compounds. Response times are slightly slower than heated diodes and corona sensor life can be as short as 24 hours of use.

 

Infrared Leak Detectors

Infrared detectors shine a beam of infrared (IR) waves through potentially contaminated air to detect and analyze trace amounts of refrigerant and signal a leak. Because light absorption in the IR spectrum is gas-specific, they are the least susceptible to false-positive alarms and considered highly accurate across all refrigerant types. Infrared detectors also have the edge with newer refrigerants that contain less chlorine and fluorine, the trigger for heated-diode sensors.

When considering the cost of ownership of a leak detector, the long life of the infrared sensor will factor in the equation. For example, the sensor life is approximately 10 years for the Fieldpiece DR82 Infrared Leak Detector.

 

Ultrasonic Leak Detectors

An ultrasonic leak detector is also known as a “listening detector.” When refrigerant escapes from a pressurized system, it creates tiny sound fluctuations in the form of high-frequency sound waves that the sensor picks up.

These detectors can hear very small leaks on high-pressure systems and their sensors last for a long time. However, when a system has low pressure, these detectors are not as accurate or effective. Ultrasonic leak detectors can also be affected by jobsite noise.

 

Techs have multiple options when looking for electronic leak detection tools, including heated diode, corona discharge, infrared, and ultrasonic. While each has its merits, the tool that’s right for you will depend on the refrigerants you work with now and expect to work with in the future, the accuracy desired, and your sensitivity to overall cost of ownership. An electronic leak detector is an investment that makes your job easier, so it’s worth the homework to figure out which one needs a spot in your tool bag!

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of a cooling system and any leaks in the closed loop refrigeration cycle will compromise system performance. It’s critical to find leaks fast to maximize heat absorption and release as refrigerant circulates within the system. Eliminating leaks also minimizes the impact that released refrigerants may have on the environment.

 

Know your Refrigerant

As the industry transitions away from HFC refrigerants such as R410a, it’s important to be able to properly identify and handle them, as well as detect leaks as early as possible. This becomes increasingly important as these refrigerants are phased out, as proactively finding and addressing their leaks is critical to extending the life of older HVAC systems.

 

Signs of a Leak

When working on a system, there are a few obvious signs that it may have a leak. Signs could range from frozen coils and hissing sounds to the system not reaching the set temperature and running constantly. Refrigerant is heavier than air and will condense and settle near the base of a confined area, so begin your search low and trace line sets and possible leak points moving upwards. Common leak points can be found at elbow joints or any brazed or press-fit connections. Also check for coil corrosion, visible cracks or holes, or signs of oil on the ground around the condenser or on the line set itself.

 

Two Versatile, Powerful Detectors

Fieldpiece offers two versatile, easy-to-use refrigerant leak detectors that find leaks as small as 0.03 oz/yr. The Fieldpiece DR58 Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector detects all HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blended refrigerants and offers superior sensitivity to R410A refrigerant. The Fieldpiece DR82 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector is also effective at finding all HFC, CFC, HCFC, HFO and blends, and it features a sensor life up to 10 years.

 

They both offer bright backlit LCD screens and feature four leak indicators including a flashing lighted tip, loud beeper, bar graph and numerical value. Plus, they’re designed to withstand all weather conditions and quickly recharge with any USB outlet.

 

Catch Leaks Early

When maintaining a system, finding leaks early is important, as it helps extend the life of the system and keep it running more efficiently and effectively. To ensure that leaks are found early, make sure the Fieldpiece DR58 – Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector or the Fieldpiece DR82 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector are in your bag. You’ll have a powerful, tough, and sensitive ally on the jobsite.

Learn more about our leak detectors and all Fieldpiece products at www.fieldpiece.com