How to Find Refrigerant Leaks - Kalos Meeting 

I put a schrader cap on the port of a 410 tank, open and close the valve. Then remove the cap to test. Works great.

I am a tech of 13 years and have developed some bad habits. These videos are a benchmark of how I need to do things. It is not that I am bad or stupid. Just was thrown in the field with little supervision other than a phone call for direction. Thank you for this!

I started working hvac with a 87 years old veteran with 40 years experience, first thing made me do is take coil out put a shader valve on it ,pressure it and submerge it on pool, or lake...lol now I know how much extra work I was doing

I love seeing the time and energy you invest in your crew's training. Speaks to the values of your company. Keep it up. As an experienced tech I still watch so many of your videos as refreshers and for good business philosophy. Never stop learning.

I've been a HVAC contractor for 35 years. Seen it all. This was a great video..

I found that when I managed a large department that the most common excuse for poor practice was the “we’re so busy” I had to get done. I always told the techs let ME worry about how behind we are not you. I would rather have you do 3 calls properly and completely than do 7 and I need to send someone back on 5 of them. Great job Brian as always

I'm glad Bert specifically pointed out the problem with Lennox equipment. We were primarily a Lennox dealeruntil the leak issues got so bad we had to go with another brand. Cracked discharge lines, cracked permanent suction, crack TXV bypass tubing, outdoor TXV rubs, leaks on the front and back sides of evaporator coils, leaks under the black coating they use to insulate the feeder tubes. And this has been going on for years.. And they don't show any interest in fixing the problems on their end. Way to contribute Bert 😎👍

This guy is the GOAT of teachers, lol!

Yep. I’m one of those ol’ techs that is learning the hard way to do proper steps. Thxs for reminding me of good refrigeration practices! Plus you teach me a thing or two alone the way. Been carrying double tools and backups for a good reason. Lol. Keep the info flowing.

i got my certicate of hvacr 19 years ago in Arizona,and when I see your videos I really missed those days in class . learning a lot with your videos. Thanks a lot.

Great job! These meeting videos are very informative and educational. Bad habits are giving good companies and good technicians a bad rap, thank you for doing your part to combat that issue! Thank you.

I very much appreciate your work as an educator. One thing that would help is if you would repeat the questions/comments of those in your live audience as they are nearly impossible to hear online. Thanks for helping us.

Man I really love these classroom teaching videos. Please keep them coming. And I would love to get your opinion on bluon thanks

Another excellent lecture. Love them and keep em comin. You’d be surprised at how many people these will actually help.

Hi and thanks for the help the other day. JASON OFTEL here. There are 3 detectors that will pick up sub 1ppm leaks. I use the srl8. After many years of success with h10 ge and Bach. Then srl2 was good after that. As long as the filter was kept clean. However the srl2 could find the small leaks. So then I started dyeing systems. Wow some of those leaks required a magnifying glass in the 6" range to see. Anyways thanks again wish I chose a shop that didn't end up being a sales positive employer. I'll continue being the customer retention department. Again thanks for the help even if we haven't met.

Thanks! I have been licensed for almost 40 years and still working a little and I do enjoy your classes if nothing else you remind me of my bad habits ! and yes I jest check my detector at the tank by jest taking off the schrader cap of what ever refrigerant the system is using

I like how honest you are. Appreciate your knowledge.

It’s a privilege to even be seated near this man Awsome Guy much love from Pgh Pa

I’ve been having success finding leaks by trace testing, usually I’ll leave whatever refrigerant is in system if there’s any, and shoot nitro in til pressures are 200 psi. It’s been working for me

Bert had no answer for the mistakes that people make doing leak detection because he doesn't make those mistakes being the greatest leak detector in the world.

I have the h10 and stratus both. The h10 is perfect for cases and HVAC and the stratus is awesome in a contaminated environment like a compressor room where the ppm readout really helps zero in on the leak location. Most of leak detection success is in the experience and skill of the tech and the actual tool you use is of secondary importance.

thank you so much, thorough leak detection is one of the things my school hasn't really helped us with. it really bothers me that the systems in our lab are always leaking.

Love these videos but it would be great to hear what they are saying as well. I'm fortunate enough to work for a company like this one with people who care enough to have meetings like this. Always great to get together on a topic or 2 and hear other perspectives. 🤙🏼

Another great classroom setting training video! Keep it up Bryan 👍

Man I wish I had an instructor that was as engaging with his students. My instructor was horrible. Basically paid to teach myself

Very good teaching as always and I laughed with some of the comments too. I wish I were closer to your school. Keep the good work. GBY

Very good class. Very good instructor. Thank you

Thank you so much for your classroom lessons I’m a young technician and I’m learning a lot of what not to do

Thought about getting the srl8, but iv found every leak so far by looking for oil stains, soap/water mix or isolated and pressure testing. Used dye a few times but I don't like putting that stuff into the system then it gets into your gauges.

Thank you for posting these instructional videos they’re great!

Excellent discussion and training. Thank you brother.

I love the classroom discussions. So much.

excellent class¡¡¡¡¡ Very good instructor¡¡¡¡¡ saludos desde argentina

I really love this class room teaching wish I was there I have sooooo many questions

Excellent videos, you are great at what you do. I just wish I could get the full experience by being able to listen to the techs comments. Skeptical the videos coming

Bert's definitely got the Ron Burgundy stash going on

Really good video. Only thing I took from it though was using r22 as a trace gas, great idea

Thanks for the videos, I like to listen between service calls in Va.

Leaks go from big to small, glad I was paying attention, my man in the front row, flip that.

Good class. Thank you!

This was a good refresher on finding leaks. Thanks

Be nice if the classes questions had subtitles because it's impossible to make out what they are saying/asking. Appreciate these videos.

I use a halo style leaked director. I got in the habbit of change the filter and calibration once water gets in the filter it's be comes useless. works well when it works.

Lennox has a lot of leaks I’m finding on the tru suction tubbing and txv’s in the condensers.

Great explanation Brian !!!!!

When will we have another Bert Life episode? I saw him sitting there and realized you haven't uploaded one in a long time. I really enjoy his stuff.

“I’m pretty sure you said your the best leak detector in the world?” Student: naw Teacher: “yes… you… did👀🔥”

The Office vipes are strong in this video shout out to the camera man , Great video as usual thanks a lot.

Need more Bert life vlogs

Nice job! Congratulations

very good vid! first one I see. just a suggestion. add a room mic! so we can listen to the questions and coments?

There's more to just being observant or patient. An experienced tech needs to evolve and rise to the problem. Some system leaks are so difficult, one may end up cutting and capping off the lineset, condenser and evap sections, pressurizing each, then check which one has a pressure drop. Many times I was told the previous tech blamed the lineset, and many times I found leaks at the txv, solenoid stems that had tiny holes burnt in them when the coil burnt out, and tiny cuts in the coil tubes where they pass through the metal supports...sometimes caused by too wide of settings on a condenser fan cycling control. Last, when you do find and fix the leak, clean up any old oil deposits, and write on the unit when and where the leak was repaired...you may even want to mark the area with a paint marker and take a picture with your phone so you can show the customer and so you cover your butt.

9pm? that's a gas and go, and see ya in the morning.

Great info. and meeting.

yes always re-diagnose last techs diagnosis

U could have told them or weight it before and after at the truck less to carry

I personally like using a nu calgon leak sealant and adding refrigerant if it's a minor leak. Then I'll come back in 3 days to uv test it.

Sir where is that school located in USA or canada

I work on commercial equipment and currently I am opening a residential business, can you talk about coil cleaning agents and potential problems with plants animals and potential property damage? Do you have the customer sign a waiver or is there generally no problems? On commercial equipment we typically only use water unless we have a reason to use chemicals but try selling a maintenance and not use a cleaning agent?

can Direct Inject Sealant from Leak Savers fix the small leaks? Thanks

Iron city beer does NOT constitute pumping iron!

Get a battle of nitrogen and pressuring with 250 to a 300 psi and you find a leak

Testing for leaks is fun. Feel accomplished when finding the culprit. He said bubbles lol 😆

I find the JB Prowler leak detector does so well with 410 if there is no liquid in the system but still around 50 psi and you pressurize with nitrogen it will pick it up.

Ive used both for many years. I think to be effective you would need infra red and heated diode simultaneously to be fast and accurate. That being said, bubbles and intuition have always been faster and more accurate for me. Edit, a huge indicator ive noticed is with the black foam insulation is spots where the insulation looks burnt and flakes off like its burnt. Seems like the oil seeping onto it breaks down the plastic that its made of. As always verify.

If a leak is hard to find meaning you check from bottom to top, and top to bottom, but you still cannot find it. Is it good practice to run the unit to check for the leak?

i LOL'd at the keep an eye on it joke

When pulling a vacuum on an existing system, will remaining refrigerant oil in the tubes affect your vacuum reading? In my mind the oil will evaporate just like water and ruin your vacuum reading?

14:05 is where it starts... I have a question Bryan, what if your using an ultrasonic leak detector? I live in Utah Salt Lake City. The accutrak I use doesn’t get affect by being used outside. I just don’t use the koss earphones they came with because there crap. But I mostly work in commercial till this day it hasn’t failed me. Now being if I used an infrared or headed diode then yes I’m 100% with you. By the way I watch every single video you post and your an amazing instructor as well.

I usually isolated the condenser from the evaporator and test them individually.

I'm using the liquids soap,to find the leaks, and putting the evaporator and condenser in the waters with liquids soap while I put some air pressure in it.😀😀😀.that kind of techniques, I didn't learned from the school, but I do it on my own, then solve the problem. Done

I'm getting sea sick, was the tripod broken?

Safety glasses! hahaha

I like my ultrasonic finds smallest leaks every time.

Lol the techs looked that they have been overworked by the boss and now he is with his training. Just kidding keep with your great work!

Since you already recording the techs in the room it would be since to hear what their questions are. maybe have a mic passing between the guys.

Saturate everything with Big Blue

Thank you for the content

Wish I'd seen thus Video a couple of weeks ago!

Nice video. The perfectionist in me wants to point out your error that the air we breathe is 60% nitrogen. Actually it is near 80%

Inficon D-Tek Stratus is where it’s at👌🏼

What do you think about ultrasonic leak detection

Wow! Only $89 for an electronic leak detection? Over here on the Gulf of Mexico we charge every bit of $300 for an electronic leak detection....& I think that price actually is our 20% discounted price!! & yes, people pay it. When it's 80+ degrees in their house....they will pay for it. & That does NOT include the repair to patch up the leak. If they want a leak search & a patch.... that's over $800. -Again, that $800 is discounted by 20%. So yeah, you guys have an insane deal on that!!!!

Anyone have issues with leak detectors going off from the glycol thats in soap sprays like big blu and the nu calgon stuff?

If there is a pin hole leak in the evaporator coil will it freeze up? Will you smell the freon (sweet noxious odor) every time the ac goes on? What else would cause a sweet sugary smell on a brand new hvac unit?

Pin hole hardest to find. You can spray bubble soap right on it and it won't show up. I use to spray bubble soap on my hand and when you come across the pin hole you will hear that whistle that any tech knows...just have to get it to blow a bubble then. Sometimes on the bottom of a line and hard to find.

I got mad leak detecting once, and I farted on my leak detector… I can confirm that the leak detector was working. As a bonus, I was no longer mad after. lol

FYI, in Florida if a commercial AC loses more than 10 % freon per year it has to be replaced or repaired.

I use yellow jacket 69386 reference for 410a

10 ton package ac have it micro leak r410 a system 20 day it's empty I put 240psi but not found leak some time evaporator show oil but there is not found how solv please 😢

As always info sir. 😎👍

Can you braze with propane???

And does this school have website on goohle

Great vid. Here's a question, did these guys want to be there or they were forced to be there? Nobody (except that one guy) seems smiling or engaged. They seem tired - was it a 7AM meeting? You could use mics in the audience too, we didn't hear them.

Nice job and video

Is it a good practice when looking for a leak at Condensing unit, to pump down the system before hooking up you gages; to minimize the release of refrigerant while threading on your hoses to the service ports? I am asking because, I used to have low-loss fittings on all of my hoses. I had the JB Kobra hoses with low-loss fittings. I paid quite a bit of my bet for them. I took very good care of them. & A month or so after using them, they started leaking. I was NOT happy because the whole point of spending the extra money for them is to minimize release of refrigerant when hooking & unhooking my hoses. If I suspect a leak outside at the Condensing unit, it's crucial to minimize that release, so that I don't get a false positive with a leak detector. & if I inject UV dye into the system, I really do not want any blow-back when disconnecting my hose, because then I get the dye on me, my equipment; whick gets tracked onto the customer's property as I touch things. Yes I wear gloves, but still it creates a problem, not to mention that it leaves me to wonder if the system got the full, proper dosage of dye, needed to find a micro-leak. So I threw out my low loss fitting hoses & now I just use hoses with ball-valves on them. So I pump down the system before I hook up my hoses. I start to thread my hoses on the schräder valves, but not all the way. As the system is pumping down, I'll hold in the contactor if there is a low pressure switch or some sort of technology that opens the Y circuit when the pressures get too low. I listen for the distinguished sound of the compressor when the system is close to being pumped down. As the liquid line sweats & looks like it's about to form frost on it's lowest point, I start tightening my closed off ball-valves hoses to the high & low side schräders. By the time my hoses are all the way threaded on, no refrigerant has been released because the system is pumped down. So, I'll release the manually held in contactor or pull the disconnect switch; which ever is the most convenient. This way, I do not run the compressor in a vacuum. Then with the system off, I slowly re-open the high side valve with my refrigeration wrench. I wait until the high & low side pressures on my gages equalize (I've already opened up my manifold by this point). Once pressures have equalized, I put the disconnect switch back in to bring the system back on. Now, if I find the system to be low on refrigerant, I do not have to worry about my leak detector giving me a false positive when searching around the valves & my hose connections. Also, I do the same thing before disconnecting my hoses, to minimize the release of refrigerant when un-hooking my hoses. It's a lot of extra steps to take. But I don't want to keep spending money replacing low loss hoses/ fittings. I thought they'd be a great investment, & instead they were a great loss of my hard earned money. I get paid by the hour, so I don't mind spending a little extra time pumping down the system to hook & un-hook my ball-valve hoses. Yes I know ball-valves also leak, eventually. But they are cheaper than the low-loss hoses that I originally bought. & I have had these ball-valve hoses for almost a year & they (knocking on wood) are not leaking.

Saludos desde CHILE

Nice job!

Hello sir. Heat diode was inconclusive si I did nitrogen pressure to 350 psi on R410. It didn’t go down even by decimal, vacuum even went downtown to m 500 microns, We charged system but week later it was low again, what am I missing

Awesome!