What is the purpose of pressurizing a system with an inert gas during leak checks?

Pressurizing a system with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, during leak checks serves the primary purpose of safely checking for leaks without introducing contaminants into the system. Inert gases do not chemically react with any of the materials within the refrigeration system, thus preventing any potential harm to components or the environment.

When conducting a leak test, it is important to avoid introducing substances that could interfere with the refrigerant or cause reactions that compromise the system's integrity. An inert gas maintains a pressure that allows technicians to identify any weak points or leaks within the system without risking contamination that could occur if a refrigerant or another potentially harmful substance was used for the test.

Using an inert gas also ensures that during the leak detection process, the conditions remain stable and safe, allowing for accurate readings and assessments. This method is widely accepted and recommended in the HVAC field for these reasons.