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.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

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In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Edward's question about how to deal with customers who ask, "Why didn't you notice it last time?"

There isn't an easy answer to that question. The truth is that air conditioning and home health and comfort issues are complicated, and it's entirely possible that an issue simply went unnoticed (or the symptoms simply weren't apparent yet). The HVAC industry doesn't have a standard slate of tests that can give a comprehensive view of everything that's wrong with a system all at once. It's similar to how a doctor can offer a second opinion that differs from the first doctor you saw.

You have to determine whether the customer wants to place blame or solve the problem when they ask, "Why didn't you notice it last time?" Sometimes, we need to dig deeper to find the root of the problem. We can offer advanced diagnostics and be honest about what that will entail (including pricing), though it's natural for customers to be apprehensive about being sold options. However, we don't want to avoid pursuing solutions either.

There are ways to talk about previous sloppy or incomplete work without placing blame on another technician. The immediate problem is what requires attention, not the last person who worked on the system. Ask the customer to state their goals and the results they want to see, and you can forge a path ahead.

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.