If a tech tells you 'your AC just needs a recharge,' get a second opinion. Refrigerant is a closed-loop substance — it doesn't get used up. Low charge means a leak, and ignoring it costs you money every season. Here's how proper leak detection actually works.
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EPA Section 608 requires technicians to repair leaks above a threshold rate, not just top off the system. Beyond the legal issue: refrigerant is the most expensive consumable in HVAC. R-410A pricing has tripled in five years. R-22 is over $100/lb on the secondary market. A 3-lb recharge today, then again next year, then again the year after, costs more than finding and repairing the leak the first time.
We follow a sequence that catches 95% of leaks in one visit.
Slow leaks under 1 oz per year often won't trigger an electronic detector. We inject UV-fluorescing dye into the system, run the AC for 48–72 hours, then return with a UV lamp and yellow filter glasses to scan every joint. Dye finds leaks nothing else can.
After fifteen years of Florida service calls we know where to look first. Evaporator coil U-bends from condensate corrosion. Schrader valve cores at the service ports — a $4 part that fails on 1 in 5 systems older than 5 years. Brazed joints inside the air handler that flexed during shipping or install and developed micro-cracks.
Modern aluminum-and-copper coils develop microscopic 'ant-trail' tunneling from VOCs released by new construction materials, certain cleaners, and pool chemicals. It's invisible until refrigerant starts leaking, usually within 5–8 years. There's no repair — the coil must be replaced. We see this constantly in newer homes near St. Lucie West and Tradition.
Single accessible braze joint leak — repair, $300–$600. Multiple coil leaks or formicary corrosion — coil replacement, often warranty-covered. Entire system 12+ years old on R-22 — system replacement saves money long-term. We lay out all three options with honest numbers.
Pressure test with nitrogen at 350 PSI for 30 minutes minimum. Pull a deep vacuum to 500 microns, isolate the system, watch for vacuum decay (rises mean residual moisture or a remaining leak). Weigh in the factory charge — never trust pressure-only charging. Verify superheat and subcooling within OEM spec. Document the leak location, repair method, and final charge for your records.
“My highest recommendations for Devon and the Maritime Air team — thorough, honest, and on time. They explained everything in plain language and didn't push any unnecessary upsells.”
“Devon has provided thorough maintenance and excellent service. Truly family-owned care — they treat your home like it's their own. Highly recommend for Treasure Coast homeowners.”
“Working with Devon on my HVAC system was a great experience from start to finish. Fair, clean install, and the system has been running perfectly through Florida summer heat.”
Real installs and repairs we've completed across the Treasure Coast.
Refrigerant doesn't get 'used up' — if your system is low, there's a leak. Topping off without finding the leak means the same call in 3–6 months, plus EPA fines for venting refrigerant to atmosphere. Wrong work, plain and simple.
Four tools, used in order: visual inspection for oil staining at joints, electronic halogen detector for active leaks, soap bubble test on suspect joints, and nitrogen pressure test for slow leaks. Stubborn leaks get UV dye added and a 72-hour return visit.
Fast leaks: 30–60 minutes. Slow leaks (under 1 oz per year): up to 2 hours including pressure test, sometimes a second visit after dye circulation.
Depends on location. Leak in an accessible joint or fitting — repair. Leak in the evaporator coil of a 10+ year R-22 system — usually time to replace. We give you the honest economics.
Evaporator coil U-bends (corroded by humidity), Schrader valve cores at the service ports, brazed joints at the compressor, line-set rub-throughs in the attic, and TXV brazing.
Modern R-410A and R-454B refrigerants are non-toxic in normal exposure, but they displace oxygen in enclosed spaces. A large leak in a small mechanical room can cause asphyxiation. R-22 (older systems) is being phased out partly for ozone reasons but isn't acutely toxic either.
Microscopic tunneling corrosion in aluminum and copper coils caused by VOCs in indoor air. Looks like 'ant trails' under a microscope. Florida coastal homes with new construction materials see it within 5–8 years. Coil replacement is the only fix.
Leak location accessibility, refrigerant type and quantity needed, whether the coil itself needs replacement, warranty status, and whether burnout cleanup is required from contaminated oil.
Call (772) 236-4277 or schedule online. Class-A licensed across the Treasure Coast.
