What should be done to detect leaks on an air conditioning system?

To detect leaks in an air conditioning system, charging the system with nitrogen is an effective method. Nitrogen is an inert gas, meaning it does not react with any components of the air conditioning system and can pressurize the system safely. By increasing the pressure in the system using nitrogen, any leaks will become apparent through the sound or visual inspection of escaping gas. A common practice is to apply a soap solution to potential leak points; bubbles will form if there is a leak in the system, thus allowing for precise identification of problem areas.

While checking connections with a butane torch might be useful in other contexts, it is not suitable for this application as it can pose a significant fire risk in the presence of refrigerants. The argon/CO2 gas mixture is likewise not a common practice for leak detection and does not provide the same level of safety or effectiveness as pure nitrogen. Comparing low and high side pressures against specifications is essential for evaluating system performance but does not directly help in locating leaks. Therefore, using nitrogen to test for leaks is both safe and effective, making it the preferred method among technicians.