Accutrak VPE Ultrasonic Leak Detector Full Review For HVAC/R

[@HVACRSurvival]

I may do a part 2 follow up video of tips and tricks that I have found with the ultrasonic detector. $$$$ Let me know any tips and tricks that you might have along with what brand you use . 🤫 Just a side note ...The factory does not recommend using the water method that I showed and that you've seen on other videos because it can cause other false sounds when the bubbles in the water are breaking (H2O) 🤣 However, it does help you narrow it down and or verify your in the correct area.

[@paulrozinski1488]

That’s the nice feature of the ultrasonic detector, you can use any pressurized gas ( nitrogen) to test. You don’t have to worry about leaking refrigerant into the atmosphere

[@matthewfreiermuth846]

Great video-just used mine today for the first time-located leak within 10 mins. Amazing technology

[@HVACRSurvival]

Awesome 👍👍

[@resurgensix]

Great analysis my man. I've been going back and forth with ultrasonic question but now I'm convinced I'm going to add this to my inventory.

[@HVACRSurvival]

It's not perfect but like you said it's another tool to help get the job done.

[@jimgill5706]

These AccuTracs are also great for finding ball bearings that are going bad. You put the brass rod on the bearing housing and you can hear them grinding. I have had one for about 15 years.

[@HVACRSurvival]

They have all kinds of weird uses besides just finding leaks👍👍

[@actechformallyyomama746]

I’ve used them for years. I’m on my second one and I’ve had it for about 8 years. It’s an Amprobe. It’s has a multiplier sensitivity with a sensitivity knob. I was looking for a leak in a unit that was surrounded by other units. I was having trouble picking up the leak due to the noise from the other equipment or so I thought. I shut down all the other units to find the leak. Turned out the back side of the compressor had cracked. This was causing so much noise I thought it was the other units lol. I’ve had trouble in mechanical rooms with fluorescent lighting. You can actually here them. I shut them off and use my flashlight. Used to be you would have leaks on the welded “U” bends but now that the tubes are rifled you can get a leak any where. These detectors are essential.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks ACtech, I researched Amprobe, Inficon and a couple others and this had the most positive reviews. As you mentioned there are good and bad places to use it.

[@waynehensley132]

I have been doing this for 20 years and have had that ultrasound for 17 years. Besides the H10 this is the best I have used and I am glad someone finally demonstrated it. You are correct when saying you have to get familiar with the sound and once you are this isn't a leak you can't find, only issue is when you are near fluorescent lighting you get a buzzy sound.

[@HVACRSurvival]

You're absolutely correct Wayne, I've been starting to just walk around with it and listening to different devices in the buildings to get used to it and what's normal and what's not. I noticed one thing that's really difficult is when you're in a kitchen and they're trying to run the dishes. The spray nozzle and and all the clanging dished make you stop and go back over that spot again. LOL since you have more years with this device, do you have any good recommendations on how to find a leak? Or tips? I want to do a follow-up video with a few more instructional things and I need any extra information that I can put in the video.

[@waynehensley132]

On very small leaks the tool works better using soap bubbles first and you will hear popping sounds as the bubbles pop if there is a leak. I have had to asked the kitchen staff if they could be quite for just a few minutes why I search for a leak because if it's too noisy the tool is useless. I put the sensitivity up to full blast, when I pick up something and as I move closer I lower the sensitivity until I pin point the exact leak. I hope this helps and again thanks for the review.

[@HVACRSurvival]

@@waynehensley132 thank you!

[@sknight0391]

Glad your enjoying the new ultrasonic leak detector. I knew you would love it after you had played with it for awhile. Definitely makes quick work of finding alot of those pesky leaks. 👍 I even heard a very large leak coming out of the bottom of a feeder tube on a Lennox evaporator coil all the way at the outdoor unit. At first I couldn't figure out what the noise I was hearing was until I went up into the attic and saw how large the leak was. The sound was transferring down through the refrigerant lines and was audible at the outdoor unit with the ultrasonic leak detector. Pretty amazing stuff. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I had a leak on Thursday that was in the evaporator coil of a Lennox package unit, my h10 could barely catch it because it was 410A but I found 5 leaks total with the ultrasonic in different locations of the coil. And that was with standing pressure from the refrigerant. I'm not saying it's good for everything but it definitely has some great places to be used.

[@apr9286]

Awesome video, I'm thinking of getting a used one. Is this durable device that if I get a used one should be ok? Seller says Good working condition. $350 for the same kit in video with Koss headset

[@HVACRSurvival]

@@apr9286 I know it's been 2 months, sorry I didn't recieved a notification of your message, if your considering a used one, get the serial number and check with the factory what version it is and how old it is. I got this one used and it was the current version and like new for half of new. If you don't get to know the characteristics you will hate it. But once you do, it's faster than a electric sniffer.

[@RJMaker]

Great shot of that tiny leak on the end of the manifold. Awesome. Thanks for the video.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks for watching RJ!👍👍

[@sknight0391]

I would also recommend experimenting more with the "sensitivity' slider on the detector and the volume control on your earbuds. This will help you fine-tune your set up. Example: some leaks are so loud they will almost hurt your ears. so initially start turning down the volume on your headset and leave your sensitivity high until you've honed in on the leak and then you can start turning down the sensitivity on the detector and turning the volume back up on your earbuds to compensate. You can still maintain sensitivity without the overwhelming volume this way 👍

[@HVACRSurvival]

I might be going deaf because it doesn't seem overly loud to me LOL. And my earbuds are even louder than the Koss headphones were. Good point! Thanks for commenting.👍👍

[@Trickp01]

Because of this video, I'm ordering this within the next few days. Looking forward to future videos😊

[@HVACRSurvival]

I think you'll like it as long as you practice with it. It doesn't work on everything, but it has found things that my h10 Pro has missed because I couldn't reach deep in the coil. Not to mention it doesn't care what refrigerant it uses.

[@hvacgabe5889]

Nice review on the ultrasonic detector. I always thought it was just a microphone with the volume all the way up. Thanks for setting me straight. Keep up the videos my friend. 👍🏾

[@HVACRSurvival]

Nope, not at all. Thanks for watching Gabriel!

[@nes012003ify]

Just bought mine today. Can’t wait to use it!

[@HVACRSurvival]

Practice practice practice 👍👍 it takes time to lean but it works for most leaks but not all.

[@nes012003ify]

HVACR Survival thanks for tip! I’m new to the field and don’t have a leak detector this will be my first buy.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Congrats 👍. You'll still need a sniffer but the ultrasonic has its place to find weirdo leaks.

[@davejohnsonnola2758]

Good to see you back. Have seen their ads for this device for years. Not in the market for one but interesting nevertheless. Miss your tech vids but understand the complications involved. Be well amigo.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Im behind on new videos, thanks Dave for the kind words!

[@mwdub02]

Good to see back kid.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks man, I appreciate hearing that! Im trying to make the best if it. I rather show how I fix things, it was easier to record.

[@mwdub02]

N.W. Ohio HVAC Videos Could you switch companies? I miss those good videos you make bro.

[@HVACRSurvival]

@@mwdub02 The company is really good to work for, I see the reasoning, but I would be the loser if I did switch because if this and it's likely another company would also say no.

[@chicoabdallah3944]

I'm also having problem with Fieldpiece heated diode. Good video thank you for sharing.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thank you for watching, reach out to Fieldpiece. They're great company and have taken care of me several times when I've had problems.

[@reyrodriguez1005]

Just ordered mine, Thanks Rick!

[@HVACRSurvival]

Let me know how it goes!

[@mc20855]

good to see you again, thank you for video.

[@HVACRSurvival]

I've been wanting to make more but have been Limited because of the weather being cold and not permitted to record at work. I appreciate you sticking around and watching!

[@gregomyeggo4529]

I have an old school H10 and SLR8, but after seeing this I just might have pick one up!

[@HVACRSurvival]

If you purchase it directly from the factory they have a 30 day return policy. That just shows the confidence that they have in the product. Also they do their own repairs all right here in the United States. And the repair rate is reasonable, I made sure to ask about that before I purchased it. Make sure you mention where you heard about it😁👍🏻

[@patrickg7569]

Good video. You should consider doing how to videos using maybe your own or friends equipment. There’s a guy on here, word of advice tv or something like that. He does all his videos using his home furnace and ac. Just a thought, either way your content is still good.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thank you Patrick, yes I've been considering doing some work at my church which is commercial equipment and residential so that I could do more of what I'm used to doing. I noticed most of my best responses was when I was doing Refrigeration equipment, I just have to be careful of the HVAC police because they're the reason why this all went to heck in a handbasket. There's scribed and watching me. Hence I work with them or should say him.

[@chrisparkinson9237]

I have just purchased the VPE-1000 second hand but the yellow waveguide is missing; I have searched online for replacement with no joy. Where can I get a replacement?

[@HVACRSurvival]

Contact the factory directly.

[@superiorcomfortheatingairl4636]

It seems to me if you wet the entire coil down as much as possible you would be able to distinguish the sound better

[@HVACRSurvival]

It might make it more stable or uniform. The factory told me they don't recommend using water.🤦‍♂️ I noticed some extra noise just from the natural air bubbles in the water popping, it eventually quieted down. Another scenario I had was when I did a search of the evap coil on a 2 door reach in cooler where I was able to put the hand held unit inside and shut the door while wearing the ear phones, it was easy to hear the leak then.

[@jayxiao3]

I just had one of this. Great review.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks Jay! Do you have any tips or tricks to add or advice?

[@jamestoy426]

Nice video been considering buying this I just have the h10 has worked great.how much did it cost

[@davejohnsonnola2758]

Love the little FU to your rat at the end!

[@Rodzilla408]

Thanks for the video Rick haven't seen you put up any videos in a while. I always look forward to watching your channel good quality and informational. What mic are you using when your out side I see there's a little breeze and it didn't pick it up.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks my man I really appreciate that! I would love to do more repair videos but I'm not allowed to video on the company's clock so I'm limited now. I will post a link to the microphone I used down in the description area, it's a affordable corded lapel mic I picked up on Amazon but was very highly rated. Thanks for noticing that!

[@wasimedoo1506]

How good is this product to finding leak is it better than the leak detector let me know please

[@HVACRSurvival]

It does good and like I said in the video it's another tool to the Arsenal, but it will not replace your leak detector. It really depends on what leak detector you have, what one are you using?

[@wasimedoo1506]

I am trying to get one but were I am from I have to get it order on the internet very expensive that is why I asking about it

[@dimitritrotsiuk3897]

Great review, thank you sir!!!

[@HVACRSurvival]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch it👍

[@heavydiesel]

Have ordered one, is the Klein speaker a useful addition?

[@HVACRSurvival]

Not really, I just use that so the video can hear what I'm hearing. The earbuds or upgraded headphones are the best option.

[@Sctronic209]

I have the same ultrasonic detector works great.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Do you have any advice, tips or tricks to make it better far as finding the leaks or verifying them.

[@HVACRSurvival]

HVAC 1, Do you have any tricks or tips?

[@Aden5742]

This tool is awesome!

[@HVACRSurvival]

I think it can find things that other means can't. It found one leak my H10 Pro missed. Owch...😂

[@harrydickson4575]

👍👍👍

[@douglaskahane141]

What is the model number of the Koss headphones?

[@HVACRSurvival]

The cheap ones are the good ones.? You can find on Amazon I thought I put a link to them in the description but maybe not.

[@michelgagnon6386]

I need that at Trane Quebec

[@bobo11112222]

1.Inficon stratus(ppm count love it) $800 2.Testo Heated Diode 2nd go to(pretty sensitive not bad) $300 3.accutrak(still getting use to it) promising $500 4.$20 Chinese brand cheap shit(mind blown, holy crap)

[@rogrog8974]

Wow

[@seek3n]

I just bought this thing and find it very hard to tell leak from all the electrical noises. Also do you know if it works with vacuum leak test?

[@HVACRSurvival]

Yes it will do vacuum leaks but this is not as easy to identify. The hardest thing to learn is what a leak sounds like. It's not what you think.

[@seek3n]

@HVACRSurvival I tried on another take down condenser today. It wasn't picking up the leak but my infilcon whisper did. I had to wet the coil and then it start to make a kind of fast clicking sound. I just hope I didn't waste money on this 😂

[@QnQoooo]

doesnt work too well or doesnt work at all when the system pressure is low.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Is that a question or a statement? It doesn't pick up every leak, There's certain instances where it works great and there's others where it doesn't.

[@QnQoooo]

@@HVACRSurvival I tried it on few evaps with low pressure. Didn’t pick up anything.

[@HVACRNorth]

good review.

[@HVACRSurvival]

Thanks 4 watching!

[@goldhammer561]

When are you coming out with new videos?

[@HVACRSurvival]

Because I can't record my jobs while at work, it now takes much longer to get something worth watching produced. I'm trying to come up with new ideas, but thanks to this major restriction, it has really delayed my videos.

[@davebrunson125]

Not a good ultrasonic. Get a better one you'll love it. That big of a leak you should hear 15-20ft. If you need to use water to enhance the sound it's not true ultrasonic. The most important feature when buying one is variable frequency control filter. My 30 yr old Fisher Scientific kicks ass. Mine works under vacuum too

[@damnitdang]

For 500 bucks.. i would expect that screen to be more up to date

[@rahilrocky6374]

How much.?

[@HVACRSurvival]

Depends which package you get. Ranges from 400-900

[@damnitdang]

But if the leak is further back in that condenser where you couldn't reach it.... it's almost useless to detect it

[@HVACRSurvival]

It's not perfect, it only makes noises if the leak has turbulence.

[@Paul-pm3bv]

looks like nice tool, but tooo expensive just to find a leak . most of the time it the coil i just use die most the time doing this for 20 years just replace coil unless it commercial then i fix it.

[@fvfgx]

3 years ago that was before the pandemic hit. Now there are no workers or something in the factorys I have order 2 and sent both back The one you have and the one tech T has is nothing nowhere close to what I ordered 1st one was from Amazon the 2 nd one was from true tech tools

[@HVACRSurvival]

The device does what I said it does the problem is it's very specific to when you can actually use it. There's a lot of times where it does not create any noise because the leak is not turbulent. I use my Inficon Stratus or D-tech 3 most of the time. I would say 98% of the time.

[@NikoTheDad]

Made in the USA!

[@HVACRSurvival]

Unbelievable in this day and age unfortunately... Hopefully this virus will help make people think more that it. I doubt it but I'm hopeful.

[@paulrozinski1488]

Just checked the price..... Ouch !!. It looks like price is the biggest discouragement of ultrasonic detectors. They may work really well but it will put a pretty big dent in ur wallet😮

[@HVACRSurvival]

That's why I bought my first one used on eBay for $250 and just recently sold that standard version one for $300. I really didn't need two of them. I kept the gooseneck version. They both were the same sensitivity.

[@jericosha2842]

@@HVACRSurvival is the goosneck worth the extra 100?

[@HVACRSurvival]

@@jericosha2842 I like it better, it kind of sucks it's a lot of money. I guess it depends on how tight you are on money. It's not a necessity but I do like it better and does seem a little quieter than the other one. I don't use these for every leak search, only when I have problems finding it or where I know it'll probably be better suited than my normally detector.

[@jericosha2842]

@@HVACRSurvival I gotcha. Thanks for replying. I'm thinking about using this as my primary so I might as well go for the gusto

[@jameshall5314]

made in usa but has china export label lol

[@HVACRSurvival]

It worked well yesterday but I hardly use it anymore. Inficon Stratus or Dtek3 find the leaks 95-98% of the time.

[@haunguyen-tr2zm]

it is junk. i cannot detect micro leak.

[@HVACRSurvival]

It's not great at anything that doesn't create turbulence. When it's a tiny leak it doesn't sound like a hiss, it makes weird clicks and pops every so often.