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Have you ever been tasked with installing the exhaust duct for a kitchen hood? I have, and when doing so, I wondered how to size the duct run correctly. Since I had a basic understanding of how airflow works, I knew that there had to be a limit on the resistance the fan can handle; […]

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Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this episode of the Spidey Sense series, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the art of refrigerant leak detection, sharing their wealth of experience and practical tips for HVAC technicians. They emphasize the importance of using one’s senses and observation skills before relying solely on electronic tools, highlighting how this “Spidey Sense” approach is a hallmark of senior-level expertise in the field.

Visual and tactile cues, including warm suction lines, frosted components, and signs of oil, are vital. Different symptoms point to specific kinds of leaks and various scenarios, so you need to understand the behavior of the system.

Bryan and Bert also discuss the strategic application of soap bubbles, electronic leak detectors, and nitrogen for pressurization. Each method has limitations, and you’ll need to know when to employ them for maximum effectiveness. When detecting leaks, consider recent home renovations or equipment vibrations that might contribute to leaks.

Topics covered in the podcast include:

Visual and tactile cues for identifying potential refrigerant leaks
The debate on frosted lines as indicators of low refrigerant charge
Proper use of electronic leak detectors and their limitations
Strategic application of soap bubbles in leak detection
The importance of checking common leak locations (e.g., flare fittings, evaporator coils)
Considerations for leak detection in newly installed or recently serviced systems
The role of nitrogen in leak detection for systems with very low refrigerant charge
Estimating the severity of a leak based on system pressure and charge level
The pros and cons of isolation tests for line set leaks
Techniques for detecting very small, slow leaks that might not show up in pressure tests
The potential use of ultrasonic leak detection tools
The importance of thorough inspection and patience in the leak detection process

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

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