HVAC Shop Blog

The Fieldpiece DR82 is Australia's go-to mid-range infrared refrigerant leak detector for commercial HVAC technicians. This complete guide covers how the DR82's infrared sensor works, where it outperforms heated diode technology, correct zeroing and probe technique for real Australian jobs, and how it compares to the TEK-Mate, SRL2, and D-TEK Stratus. Essential reading for any tech considering the step up to professional infrared detection.

The Inficon TEK-Mate is Australia's most widely used entry-level refrigerant leak detector — and for good reason. This complete guide covers how the TEK-Mate works, where it performs best, correct probe technique for Australian conditions, sensor tip maintenance, and how it compares to mid-range and premium options. Essential reading for apprentices, residential techs, and anyone considering their first professional leak detector.

Confused about heated diode vs infrared leak detector technology? This guide explains how each sensor works, compares sensitivity, false alarm resistance, and sensor lifespan side by side, and tells you which technology suits residential splits, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration work in Australia.

Picking the wrong refrigerant leak detector costs you time, refrigerant, and repeat call-backs. This complete Australian buying guide compares every detector type — heated diode, infrared, UV dye, ultrasonic — across budget tiers from under $300 to $700+. Covers top brands including Inficon, Fieldpiece, and Javac, with straight application advice for residential splits, commercial HVAC, and large refrigeration systems.

Inficon and Fieldpiece are the two dominant refrigerant leak detector brands in Australia — but they suit different types of technicians. This guide compares every model head-to-head: TEK-Mate vs SRL8, DR82 vs D-TEK Stratus, heated diode vs infrared, and standalone vs Job Link ecosystem. Find out which brand fits your work pattern and budget before you buy.

If you work on air conditioning and refrigeration systems in Australia, you already know that refrigerant leaks can turn a simple service call into repeat visits, lost time, and frustrated customers. This guide explains the main types of leak detectors used in HVAC, how each method works on real jobs, and how Aussie tradies can choose the right setup for faster, more reliable fault finding.

Choosing the right leak detector for Australian HVAC work is not just about price. This guide explains how to compare sensor types, refrigerant compatibility, field performance, and long-term ownership costs so tradies and service teams can buy with confidence and avoid costly call-backs.