Refrigerant Scale

HVAC service technicians use recovery machines and scales to evacuate various refrigerants from AC cooling systems. During the process, refrigerants are removed from AC systems, appliances, or vehicles and stored in an external tank. Then, refrigerants are ready for reclamation.

Used refrigerants need to be processed or reclaimed, and this process is described and regulated by the “Clean Air Act” approved in 1990. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview

All companies reclaiming refrigerants must be certified by the EPA – The United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/

Why this process is so important and thus regulated?

Most of the liquids and gases used in refrigeration contribute to environmental pollution depleting the ozone layer around earth. Therefore, we have an obligation to reclaim them in a cautious manner, as well as use less harmful material to provide comfort in refrigeration applications.

What is the role of a refrigerant scale in the recovery process?

The scale provides a means to recover gases and liquids in a safe manner by preventing overcharging storage tanks. HVAC techs use scales to make sure tanks are loaded to their full capacity, but no more than they can hold to prevent any accidents or explosions.

What are some types or refrigerant scales?

They may differ by capacity, either 110 lb or 220 lb.

They may be just plain scales showing the actual weight of a tank with material in it, or could be programmable. The latter can be programmed to charge a tank with a specified amount of refrigerant in order to avoid overcharging.

The latest trend is to use wireless scales, which communicate with all mobile devices. The wireless scales increase job efficiency or comfort, as a tech can stay in their vehicle during the process instead of sitting on the hot roof of a building.

Many US manufacturers of HVAC diagnostic equipment make refrigerant recovery scales. The most popular brands include: AccuTools, Bacharach, CPS Products, Fieldpiece, Inficon, JB Industries, Mastercool, Supco, TIF Instruments, UEi and Yellow Jacket.

Value Testers is an authorized distributor of over 50 manufacturers. We sell original brand new equipment that comes with a complete manufacturer’s warranty.