It’s crucial to take your HVAC leak testing strategies very seriously, because property owners depend on it!
Homes and businesses all throughout the United States rely heavily upon their HVAC systems, especially during the summer and winter months when temperatures tend to get extreme.
This widespread reliance upon HVAC technology is one reason why HVAC leak testing strategies are so important for countless home improvement businesses. HVAC systems often experience leaks during assembly and manufacturing processes, and it’s even more common for older HVAC systems to develop leaks due to long-term wear and tear.
HVAC leaks are often very difficult to detect, which is why Zaxis is fully committed to supporting HVAC manufacturers and installers with top-quality leak testing equipment. Below is a detailed overview explaining how our team supports HVAC leak testing strategies!
Common Causes of HVAC Leaks
It’s first and foremost important to understand how HVAC leaks are caused, because the tough truth is that HVAC leaks have various different causes.
For example, automotive AC systems can sometimes leak due to inadvertent or persistent vibrations, as well as faulty hoses, seals or valve fittings. It’s also common for residential HVAC systems to simply get worn down after long periods of ongoing pressure, which can then create leaks.
Because there are so many different common causes associated with HVAC leaks, different leak testing methods are often required to fully understand the extent of a leak. HVAC leak testing always has to start at manufacturing plants, but even HVAC service providers need to be prepared to test and pinpoint micro-leaks.
No property owner wants to deal with poor HVAC performance due to a leak, and this is why home improvement businesses and HVAC service providers need precise leak testing methods and top-quality equipment!
Different HVAC Leak Tests Have Unique Sensitivities
It’s also important to keep in mind that you’ll have different leak test options available to you, depending upon the type of HVAC leak that you’re detecting.
Large HVAC leaks can often be detected through basic dunk tests and more complex vacuum decay leak tests. There are other simple ways to identify HVAC system leaks as well, including oil spotting. This simply means checking for oil spots on or near your HVAC system’s tubes and joints, because the odds are that you have a leak when oil is noticeable.
What’s particularly difficult about detecting HVAC leaks is that they often develop within the system’s evaporator coil. For these more advanced leak tests, you’ll need to consider options like differential pressure testing, occlusion leak testing and chamber leak testing.
Utilizing Pressure Decay Testing For Commercial & Residential HVAC Systems
HVAC system parts are always thoroughly leak tested during the manufacturing process, and this includes detecting and pinpointing micro-leaks. One of the best ways to find micro-leaks within both commercial and residential HVAC systems is through what’s known as pressure decay leak testing.
In this type of test, an HVAC system or component is filled with air until a specified amount of pressure is obtained. This pressurized air is allowed to settle, and then any subsequent pressure decreases are measured in order to signify whether or not a leak is present.
Pressure decay testing is known as a cost-effective strategy for detecting HVAC leaks, and this type of testing is also sometimes paired up with tracer gas testing to detect even the tiniest of micro-leaks!
Contact Zaxis To Source The Best HVAC Leak Testing Strategies For Your Business!
There are many components found within HVAC systems that need to be leak tested, and HVAC leak tests are often much more complicated than most manufacturers and service providers would assume. This is why it’s so crucial to fully understand how to utilize different leak testing options while verifying the functionality of HVAC assemblies, and the Zaxis team is here to help with these all-important tests.
We offer state-of-the-art, industrial leak detection systems that are specifically designed to meet the needs of dynamic manufacturing environments. We also offer superior leak testing products that are better suited for HVAC service providers who need accurate test results while at client properties.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 801-264-1000 to get in touch with our specialists today and learn more about how we can support your company’s HVAC leak testing strategies!
