Author: Meggan Kessler

2025 ushers in a new phase of the transition to A2L refrigerants for the HVACR industry. In case you missed it, the big change is a transition to A2L refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP) and phase down in production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants with a high GWP. This change in refrigerant production, the new HVACR equipment required and resulting new regulations are being mandated by the EPA in execution of the AIM Act. Exactly how and when these new regulations impact you will vary based on the type of systems you install and service.

HFC Equipment Availability
As of December 31, 2024, manufacturers can no longer produce R-410A split systems, marking a major milestone in the HFC phase-down. In one year, December 31, 2025, will be the last day to install these systems. If you are doing a new installation of a residential or light commercial system you will need to plan accordingly.

For refrigeration professionals, the timelines differ slightly:

• Self-contained refrigeration units: Sales are allowed until January 1, 2028.
• Cold storage warehouses or supermarket refrigeration: Full system installations with HFC refrigerants will be prohibited starting Jan 1, 2026 and Jan 1, 2027, respectively.

The technology transition for variable refrigerant flow systems is moving on a slower schedule. There may be some relief from current implementation dates, but the EPA has not yet communicated those dates.

A2L Equipment & Install Changes
The transition to A2L refrigerants introduces important design and installation considerations:

• Due to A2L refrigerants’ mildly flammable nature, systems must include leak mitigation strategies such as automatic leak detection, shutdown mechanisms and blower fans to dissipate the refrigerant.
• A2L line sets will also require “Risk of Fire” labels and comply with local building codes. Consult your local building officials to understand all the new code requirements for A2L system installations to ensure compliance.
• Gray A2L cylinders have a red band or stripe to indicate the presence of the mildly flammable refrigerant. These cylinders require reverse-thread adapters, like the Fieldpiece A2L adapter extension, to differentiate them from HFC threads.

Recover, Recycle, Reclaim
Under the AIM act, the EPA outlines its goals to bolster the supply of HFC refrigerants in the United States by supporting recycling and reclamation, and mandating leak repair provisions for certain appliances. By 2028, the EPA is requiring reclaimed refrigerant be used for servicing existing equipment in addition to initial charges in certain systems for HVACR and heat pump equipment. This means that there is a need to recover and return HFC refrigerants to distribution. If you can reclaim and not mix refrigerants, you may receive money as well.

Documentation
Proper record-keeping remains essential when disposing of refrigerants. Ensure you log the following:

• Recovery location and date
• Type of refrigerant recovered
• Monthly totals of refrigerants recovered and sent for reclamation

For appliances containing 50+ pounds of HFC refrigerants, technicians must provide documentation of the amount added and any inspections performed to the equipment owner.

Stay Ahead of the A2L Transition
As everyone in the industry transitions to this new landscape, Fieldpiece is doing everything to ensure its tools are ready for the transition. Visit fieldpiece.com to see all the tools that are A2L-compatible. Fieldpiece will continue to support you every step of the way – helping you work easier, faster and better.

Why is it important to calibrate your combustion analyzer?

Calibration of your combustion analyzer is crucial to ensure accurate readings and ultimately, safe heating appliance operation. Combustion analyzers measure critical parameters like oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and combustion efficiency to help HVAC pros assess the performance of heating systems. Over time, sensors can drift due to exposure to gases, dust, and other contaminants, which can lead to inaccurate readings.

Without proper calibration, an analyzer might give false readings that could either falsely indicate that a system is operating within safe limits or fail to detect hazardous levels of CO. Inaccurate readings could also result in suboptimal efficiency adjustments, increased energy costs for customers or even cause equipment damage. In some extreme cases, incorrect calibration can lead to serious safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning. This is why regular calibration is not just a good idea—it’s essential.

Is combustion analyzer calibration mandated in certain regions?

Yes, in some cases, local jurisdictions have their own requirements for calibration frequency and documentation to comply with safety codes and emission standards. These rules can vary by country, state, or even municipality, and some locations may require proof of calibration to ensure that analyzers are providing accurate data, especially when used in industrial or commercial settings.

For example, certain safety authorities and organizations, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. or other local building code authorities, may mandate that all combustion analyzers be calibrated annually and used in their certified state. It’s a good idea to check with your local HVAC or safety authority to determine what specific calibration requirements apply in your region.

How often do you need to calibrate your combustion analyzer?

The general recommendation is to calibrate your combustion analyzer annually, though some manufacturers might recommend more frequent calibration depending on use. Heavy usage in harsh environments, or frequent exposure to high concentrations of gases, may require more frequent calibration to maintain accuracy.

Annual calibration helps to ensure that the sensors remain accurate and that any drift in the readings is corrected. Fieldpiece combustion analyzers, like the CAT45 and CAT85, are equipped with long-life sensors, backed by a 4-year warranty, but you will still need to comply with regional calibration frequency requirements.

Does field-swapping the sensors mean it’s calibrated?

The answer to this will depend on the product manufacturer. In some cases, new sensors may need to be 3^rd party calibrated to ensure they align with the analyzer’s electronics and software. However, the Fieldpiece CAT45 and CAT85 field-replaceable sensors are plug-and-play, sealed and pre-calibrated for the device. If you don’t need a 3^rd party calibration certificate, replacing the sensors may be the fastest solution, but not the most economical.

Where can I get my Fieldpiece CAT45/CAT85 calibrated?

If you’re using a Fieldpiece CAT45 or CAT85 combustion analyzer, the best option is to send your analyzer to a Fieldpiece-authorized calibration center. Fieldpiece partners with certified facilities that are equipped to calibrate your analyzer according to factory standards. Centers will calibrate the O₂ sensor, the CO sensor, verify temperature measurements, update firmware if required and provide a certificate of calibration. You can locate authorized calibration centers through the Fieldpiece website or by contacting customer support (714-634-1844).

Regular calibration of your combustion analyzer is key to maintaining safety, accuracy, and efficiency when installing and servicing combustion heating appliances. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines and getting your analyzer calibrated annually, you’ll ensure reliable readings and avoid potential hazards. Whether you’re using the CAT45 or CAT85, keep your tools up to standard by using authorized services to maintain peak performance year-round!

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

Refrigerant recovery, system evacuation, and charging are the “bread and butter” processes that HVACR techs routinely tackle. Removing one of the smallest components of a system, the valve core, significantly increases the speed and efficiency of these tasks. Valve cores can block up to 90% of the flow, therefore removing it to increase the flow rate makes a valve core removal tool an important part of any HVACR tech’s toolkit.

Why Pull a Valve Core

The initial, primary purpose of a valve core removal tool (VCRT) was to replace a damaged core on a charged system without losing the refrigerant charge. By replacing the damaged valve core without having to pump down the system, you save significant time on the job.

The time saving advantages discovered in using a VCRT to replace a damaged valve core led to the best practice of removing the valve core to recover, evacuate and charge systems faster.

Removing a Valve Core on a Charged System

One of the first steps before installing a VCRT is to understand the open and close positions of the ball valve to prevent accidental refrigerant loss. When installing a VCRT on a charged system, it’s important to hand tighten the tool at the service port to prevent leaks, but not overtighten. Overtightening creates more stress on the gasket causing it to wear out faster and potentially leak.

With the VCRT installed and the integral ball valve open, slide the capture rod towards the service port valve core and slowly turn the rod tip to align on either side of the valve core. You will feel the capture tip slot into place. To firmly secure the core into the tool, slightly press the cap to ensure the core is press-fit into the capture tip. Turn the VCRT cap counterclockwise approximately five full turns to unthread the valve core and slide the capture rod back out. You can now close the ball valve, isolating the charged system, and remove the capture rod assembly with the secured valve core.

Some VCRTs, like the Fieldpiece VC1G and VC2G, have an integrated sight glass that allows you to visually confirm that the valve core has been captured before removing the capture rod from the tool. Verifying the core is captured eliminates the “Did I get it?” game saving even more time. Additionally, you can check that refrigerant is flowing through the sight glass. Once the valve core is removed, your hose can now be attached to the VCRT to begin the recovery process.

Removing the Valve Core for System Evacuation

Once you have repaired the system, performed a nitrogen pressure test and are ready to evacuate the system, you can install your micron gauge on the VCRT side port. Note that the most accurate vacuum measurement is taken at the system service port location. A VCRT with two ball valves, like the Fieldpiece VC2G, allows you to directly connect, isolate and protect your micron gauge during refrigerant recovery and charging without additional fittings. With the system at atmospheric pressure, you can now swap your recovery hose with a larger diameter vacuum hose to further speed up the evacuation process. A tip while evacuating is to open and close the VCRT ball valve to remove any trapped air in the ball valve.

Another important tip is to not insert or remove a valve core under a vacuum. This will introduce air back into the system that you just evacuated. The system should be slightly pressurized prior to inserting the core. Simply reverse the removal process to install the valve core back into the service port. Note that the best practice is to install a new valve core every time you remove one.

Removing the valve core is a common and important step for faster recovery, evacuation, and charging. Make your job even easier by picking up a Fieldpiece valve core removal tool that eliminates the guesswork and helps you work smarter.