Small refrigerant leaks can be difficult to find, but leaving them unresolved can mean ongoing refrigerant loss and reduced cooling system efficiency. Trace-A-Gas™ helps technicians locate small leaks in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, making leak detection a practical part of better refrigerant management.
Why Refrigerant Leak Detection Matters
Refrigerant leaks can affect both environmental performance and operating efficiency. When refrigerants escape, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. A system running with insufficient refrigerant can also use more energy to deliver the cooling required. Finding and repairing leaks helps address refrigerant loss rather than repeatedly replacing lost gas.
New Zealand’s HFC phasedown limits imports of new bulk HFCs and encourages the transition to lower global warming potential alternatives. Alongside that transition, managing refrigerants already in use remains important - from installation and servicing through to safe and responsible recovery at-end-of life.
What Contributes to Refrigerant Loss?
Refrigerant loss can occur at different stages of an equipment’s lifecycle. Contributing factors include:
Poor equipment and installation
Lack of regular maintenance and leak checks
Inadequate refrigerant recovery at end-of-life.
For commercial refrigeration operators, including supermarkets and transport refrigeration businesses, detecting and addressing leaks is an important part of ongoing system maintenance.
Make Leak Detection Part of Lifecycle Refrigerant Management
Effective leak management goes beyond choosing a refrigerant - it should become a critical part of Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM). Opportunities to reduce refrigerant loss and associated emissions include:
Improving technician training
Enforcing industry standards
Properly recovering and reusing refrigerants, and
Ensuring regular system maintenance.
What is Trace-A-Gas™?
Trace-A-Gas is a non-flammable leak detection gas made from 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen. Used with a suitable electronic leak detector, it helps technicians difficult to find leaks in HVAC and refrigeration systems.
How does Hydrogen Leak Detection Work?
Hydrogen’s exceptionally small molecular size and low viscosity allow it to pass through very small leak paths. A suitable electronic detector identifies the escaping gas, helping technicians locate leaks that may be difficult to find using oxygen-free nitrogen and leak detection spray alone.
How Trace-A-Gas Supports More Efficient Leak Detection
When used with a suitable electronic leak detector, Trace-A-Gas offers sensitive leak detection and real-time results. It can help technicians identify small leaks more efficiently, including around insulated or difficult-to-access pipework where applying leak detection spray may be impractical. Locating leaks supports targeted repairs and can help reduce repeat work and maintenance costs.
Find Out More About Trace-A-Gas™ in New Zealand
Looking for a more effective way to identify small refrigerant leaks? Explore Trace-A-Gas for more details or contact A-Gas New Zealand on 0800 992 427 to discuss your requirements.
