Calibrating Refrigerant Gauges

As we’re approaching the beginning of Spring, refrigerant gauges will start seeing a lot of use again. As a result, it is crucial that the HVAC contractor perform weekly calibrations to ensure correct measurements are being taken. Simply adjusting the gauge to zero will not calibrate the gauge. Digital gauges need to be checked for accuracy as well.

As usual, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, along with these easy gauge calibrating tips:

• Hook your gauges to a tank of refrigerant and get the ambient reading.
• Convert temperature to pressure by using a pressure/temperature (P/T) chart.
• Compare the readings on your gauges to those from your P/T chart.
• If the readings do not match then adjust your gauges until they match.