Whether you’re a seasoned tech or still building your skills, these leak detection tips will sharpen how you approach every service call. We cover the step-by-step process that too many technicians skip: checking standing pressure before you do anything else, using all your senses (yes, your ears too), performing a thorough visual inspection for oil stains, kinks, and physical damage, and knowing when to reach for nitrogen and trace gas.

We also get into the real-world scenarios — frozen coils, systems that are completely flat by the time you arrive, leaks hidden under insulation, and lines running underground. Plus, the common mistakes that waste hours on a job site (like walking around with your detector while you’re on a 10-minute phone call ).

Key topics covered:

• Pre-detection checklist — standing pressure, visual inspection, system state
• Using your eyes AND ears to locate refrigerants
• Running vs. off system — why it matters for detection accuracy
• When and how to use nitrogen and trace gas
• Isolation technique for stubborn, hard-to-find leaks
• Knowing your equipment and maintaining your detector properly

If you want to stop missing leaks that other techs have already given up on, this one’s for you.