Chemicals

This category covers the consumables used at every stage of working on a refrigeration system: foaming and concentrate cleaners for condenser and evaporator coils (alkaline and acidic), split-unit cleaners, fungicidal and antibacterial products for disinfecting heat exchangers and condensate trays, leak-detection sprays (bubble action on flare and brazed joints), UV dyes, brazing fluxes and pastes for Cu-Cu and Cu-brass joints, compressor oils (mineral, POE, PAG) and lubricating, contact-cleaning and degreasing aerosols. These products keep heat-transfer efficiency up, condensate drainage clear and the system leak-tight.

When choosing a chemical, start with refrigerant and material compatibility: the oil must match the refrigerant (POE for R410A/R32 and most A2L blends, PAG for mobile systems, mineral for older installations) — never mix types. Check the pH of a coil cleaner (acidic for mineral scale, alkaline for greasy soiling), its safety on aluminium fins, and whether it is rinse or no-rinse. For leak detection, look at the working-temperature range and a non-corrosive formula; for disinfectants, check biocidal approvals. For aerosols, the propellant matters (must be safe around flammable A2L refrigerants), as does an available SDS safety data sheet.