Top 10 Best Refrigerant Charging Scales
HVAC and refrigeration techs rely on refrigerant charging scales on a daily basis. Charging scales are not only used when adding refrigerant to HVAC and refrigeration systems but also for removing refrigerant. Having a high quality, reliable refrigerant scale is essential for ensuring that systems are safely charged with proper refrigerant amounts.
In today's market, calculated refrigerant charges are becoming the norm. In order to properly charge new systems with refrigerant, techs must have a refrigerant charging scale on hand. These scales make it a lot easier to calculate how much refrigerant (liquid or gas substance) should be placed in or removed from the unit.
A refrigerant charging scale is an excellent tool for HVAC techs; it helps get the job done effectively.
However, refrigeration scales come in different qualities with different brand names, and only a high-quality scale will provide an accurate reading. The precise reading will make the unit perform at an optimum level without a chance for error, and help you bill the client accurately.
This article will discuss the features, specifications, pros, and cons of the 10 high-end refrigerant charging scales. Let’s get on with it.
UEi Smart Refrigerant Scale
Wireless
UEi is a well-known brand for producing upgraded and modern refrigerant scales. This model, WRSX Smart, is a brilliant invention of UEi Test Instruments, and its most prominent feature is the wireless system.
The platform itself has a large display at the bottom that will show the precise measurement; you do not have to carry any wired remote.
Ideal Functions
Despite being wireless, the machine does not have any fewer features. In fact, the functions in this refrigerant scale are ideal. For instance, the three modes of measurement (oz, kgs, and lbs.) are shown at the same time on the screen while charging the refrigerant.
Rugged Platform
The platform of the refrigerant scale has a lined-embossed pattern that prevents any spillage or slipperiness. The scale has up to 330 lbs. of maximum capacity.
Pros
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Wireless
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Easy to use
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Portable
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Compact
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Lightweight
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Less complications
Cons
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Expensive
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Doesn’t come with a case
Features
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Wireless
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Large LCD Display with Backlight
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Rugged platform
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Three modes of reading: oz, kgs, lbs.
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Only 2-button function
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330 lbs. (Maximum Capacity)
Fieldpiece SRS3 Wireless Scale
Wireless
Fieldpiece SRS3 is a wireless refrigerant charging scale, and that's its most prominent specification. This machine is a combination of modern wireless electronics and rugged material to perform with efficiency.
This wireless protocol of this scale sends the measurement report directly on the remote display and on the phone when you have connected it to the Fieldpiece application.
Strong Material
The platform of SRS3 is made with thick aluminum; it maintains accuracy and lowers the slipperiness. The life of the scale is increased because of aluminum. The rubber pad and the bumpers save the tank and plate from any damage.
Pros
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Durable
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Portable
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Remote controlled
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Easy to use and control
Cons
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Expensive
Features
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Wireless
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Aluminum-made
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Mobile app-enabled
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Remote display
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Weight: 114 kgs
Yellow Jacket 68802 Digital Electronic Charging Scale
Solid Engineering
The Yellow Jacket's 68802 digital electronic refrigerant scale is a perfect eliminator of the tank to cylinder system refrigerant transfer.
Before and After Weight
This digital refrigerant scale saves the reading of the cylinder before and after the charging, making you sure about accuracy.
Direct Charging
Unlike other scales, this refrigerant charger charges directly into the system. Moreover, it has the capability to recover the charging from the system.
Pros
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Lightweight
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Portable
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Easy to use
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Time-saving, transfer-less process
Cons
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Limited functions
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Not durable
Features
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Max weight: 110 lbs.
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Item weight: 0.010 ounces
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Made in the United States
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Shows reading in real-time
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Manufactured by Ritchie Engineering Co.
Ritchie 68802 Digital Electronic Charging Scale
Time Saver
Ritchie 68802 is a quick electronic charging scale that shows the progress of the change of the energy as its happening. It indicates exactly when to close the valve and when to stop the charge. It saves a lot of time.
Rugged Scale
The sturdy, rugged scale works with all sizes of refrigerants, without any chance of error. It eliminates the cost and time of changing cylinders.
Self-Contained
This digital refrigerant scale is self-contained and is ready to use. It comes in the carrying case (can be used without the case), and will be used accurately when set on the surface.
Pros
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Industrial grade components
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High calibration standard
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Mechanical overload protection
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Long-life performance
Cons
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Limited functions
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Not wireless
Features
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Capacity: 110 lbs.
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LCD with high resolution
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Moisture resistant membrane keypad
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Oversized strain gauge bridge
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Battery up to 25 hours
CPS Products CC220 Charging Scale
Compact
CPS electronic refrigerant charging scale is designed with compaction and portability. With the company of the carrying case, you can take it anywhere you want.
Convenient
The CPS scale is backed by high standard capacity and shows reading in three different modes: oz, kg, and lbs., which is convenient for everyone. The reading is displayed on a large LCD with high resolution.
Electronic Functions
Not only the machine has LCD and different modes of reading, it includes an automatic off option which turns of the machine when not in use for 10 minutes or more. It saves battery timing and expands the machine's life.
Pros
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Compact
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Portable
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Durable
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High-end functions
Cons
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No backlight on LCD
Features
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High-resolution large LCD
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Wired remote
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Automatic off option
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Three modes of reading: oz, kg, lbs.
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Rugged, non-slip platform
Elitech LMC-200 Electronic Refrigerant Charging Weight Recovery Scale
Professional Design
Elitech’s refrigerant charger is made with a proficient design that makes it a lot easier to calculate the weight. It displays weight in three modes: kgs, lbs, and oz., up to the high capacity of 100 kgs (220 lbs).
Ideal for HVAC Service
If you are involved in the HVAC service, it is ideal for you. Its auto-off function will save a lot of your time. And the extra-large backlit LCD with high resolution can serve you even at the night time. Its high accuracy will not leave you erred.
Portable
This refrigerant scale is portable, comes with a carrying bag. You can take it easily anywhere you want. Moreover, you are free from any complications about its functioning; it can be operated with a wired remote control from a fair distance.
A Slip-Resistant Platform
Elitech's scale has a brilliant slip-resistant platform; it leaves no place for inaccurate readings. The platform is rugged where all sizes of refrigerant tanks.
Pros
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Multiple weight indications
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Battery life indication
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Portable
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Ideal for HVAC service users
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Comes with a bag
Cons
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No calibration function in the scale
Features
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Backlit LCD
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5 *AAA batteries needed for the remote
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Auto-shutoff scale
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Auto-shutoff backlight
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Long-life battery of up to 40 hours
Robinair TIF9010A Slimline Refrigerant Electronic Charging Scale
Upgraded Version
Robnair’s TIF 9010A is an upgraded version, bringing higher performance quality and more usability. It has three display modes: lbs./decimal lbs., oz, and kgs.
Compact Design
The design of this refrigerant charging scale is compact, which enables portability. You can take it anywhere you need.
Convenient
The scale is pretty convenient; it has a removable control box and a prop for stand/hook, enabling you to place it on your choice.
Pros
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Great resolution
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Uncompromised capacity
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Excellent specs and features
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Portable
Cons
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A bit expensive
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No auto-off
Features
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Upgraded version
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Three display modes
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Compact design
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Comes with a case
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Removable control box
Mastercool 98210-A Electronic Refrigerant Charging Scale
Compact and Sturdy Design
Mastercool’s refrigerant charging scale is one of the most popular equipments among HVAC service users. The design of this machine is compact, which enables portability and easiness. The rugged platform allows a non-slippery 9x9 surface, which can easily weigh any size of refrigerant with standard accuracy.
High-Standard Functions
Mastercool’s scale is backed by high-standard electronic functions. Its large LCD display allows easy reading from any angle. Apart from that, the capacity of this scale is 243 lbs., an all-time high.
Charging
Being an electronic refrigerant scale, this machine runs on battery. The battery is long-lasting enough to perform the desired functions. Before the charge is complete, the sound of the alarm will indicate enough time to turn off the supply to the refrigerant.
The battery is powerful enough to support a large display and an indication alarm.
Pros
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High-efficiency functions
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Sturdy and durable
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Compact design
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Ideal for HVAC service users
Cons
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Auto-off is after 3 hours
Features
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Large LCD with keypad
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Reading in oz, kg, or lbs.
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High tank capacity of 243 lbs.
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9v battery included
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9x9 rugged platform
VivoHome Electronic Digital Refrigerant Charging Scale
Compact and Portable
The high-quality VivoHome electronic charging scale is backed by many features, and a prominent one is its compaction. The product is designed with easy-to-fit technology, making it lightweight and carriable, which promotes portability.
High-End Functions
The machine runs efficiently on a 9v battery with portable design and issues reading in three different display modes: kgs, oz, and lbs. The machine's screen shuts off automatically after 10 minutes, which saves battery.
High-Quality Build
VivoHome’s electronic digital refrigerant scale does not only provides precise reading, but that reading is shown in a large high-resolution LCD, visible from any angle because of its backlit screen. With a screen backed by high visibility, you will have no error while recording your reading.
Standard Platform
Similar to other machines, VivoHome’s platform is rugged with no-slip design. That is possible due to the machine's aluminum and silicon build, which creates high friction and prevents and slip.
Pros
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High precision
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High visibility
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Efficient functions
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Durable and trustworthy build
Cons
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Drains battery quickly
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Battery not included
Features
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220 lbs. weight capacity
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Carrying case included
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Wired remote
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Three display modes: oz, kg, and lbs.
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Non-slip platform
INFICON Wey-TEK Refrigerant Charging Scale
Excellent Specifications
INFICON's refrigerant charging scale is probably the best model yet produced by the company. It is backed by excellent specifications and long-lasting features. To start with, the product has a wired control handpiece that runs on a 9v alkaline battery. It is compact and portable, comes with a carrying case, which means you can take it anywhere you need.
Easy to Use
The handpiece, or wired remote, is easy to use and has a detachable communication cable for more convenience. Moreover, the screen on the handpiece shuts off automatically after being unused for 30 minutes, it saves battery timing and expands life.
Furthermore, the display measurements show in three different modes: oz, kgs, and lbs. Three ways are pretty convenient for all kinds of customers.
Strong Build
The Wey-TEK model of INFICON is not only backed by high-end functions, but its body is long-lasting and robust. The platform is large and all-metal-made, which makes it durable and versatile. Due to all-metal material, the platform is entirely non-slip and rugged.
The company offers a 2-year replacement warranty with all-time support of US Technician on email and phone. The customer support enables all users to buy the scale without any worry.
Pros
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High-end specifications
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Accurate
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Durable and robust body and platform
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2-year warranty
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Excellent for service and home users
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Available in a pack of 5
Cons
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Not water-resistant
Features
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Large LCD
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Wired remote
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Carrying case (waterproof)
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9v alkaline battery (included)
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Three modes of measurement: oz, kgs, lbs.
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High accuracy load cell doesn’t drift
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Auto-shut-off after 30 minutes
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220 lbs. of high capacity
Refrigerant Charging Scale Buying Guide
Before you decide which refrigerant scale to buy to fill up your HVAC equipment, you must know what you are getting into. The HVAC market is a vast place, consists of different brands and models. You must know the factors you ought to consider before jumping into the market and decide.
To make it easy for you, we have conjured a buying guide below, which will help you decide according to your needs.
Weight Limit:
The refrigerant scale's primary purpose is to weight the refrigerant. So, it is a must that your scale has enough capacity to measure refrigerants of all mainstream sizes. Most scales offer a maximum capacity of up to 220 lbs. (equivalent to 100 kgs).
However, some scales offer a capacity of up to 330 lbs. with a little bit addition of price. If you are in the HVAC service field, it is best that you buy the one with the maximum capacity to deal with every kind of customer. But if you are buying for home use, you should go for the one you need.
Size and Form:
The size is the most underestimated factor, people don't pay enough attention to it, but it's vital, especially for the dealers. Since the refrigerants are usually used on a remote job site, they need to be small, lightweight, and portable.
The compact scales are often lightweight and are easy to carry on every job spot. It fits easily in your tool kit. It is best if the refrigerant scale has a case; the case prevents damage.
Construction:
Suppose you are weighing the refrigerant of up to 300 lbs. Is your scale durable enough to handle that weight?
If you are using the scale to measure heavy quantities, you must buy the one with a sturdy, durable body so it can stand the weight.
Precision and Accuracy
Initially, every seller will tell you that the refrigerant scale you are buying is 100% accurate. However, it would not be true in all cases. You need to be sure that the scale you are buying is accurate; it is one of the first things you ought to check.
However, most scales indeed come with built-in errors, meaning the mistakes which cannot be cured and occur occasionally, but less chance of error indicates a better scale.
On the other hand, the precision is your personal choice. If you want to find out 100th of a pound, you can check if the scale is capable of measuring it precisely. But in most cases, you don't need that. Charging can be done with the 10th of a pound. Though while recovery, sometimes precision comes in handy.
Display and Reading
The refrigerant scale shows reading through screens, at least the modern ones. Going for wireless or wired one is solely your decision; it depends on what level of convenience you are looking for.
However, the digital screen matters a lot. For the use in sunlight, the screen with high-intensity illumination will perform excellently. If you work in the nighttime, you should opt for the one with backlit LCD.
The excellent quality scale shows reading in three different modes: oz, kgs, and lbs. The three modes work effectively for all users and help you get the precise weight. If you are involved in the HVAC service, you should demand the scale with three modes to satisfy your clients.
Most of the time, the scale shows reading only once, but some scales come with the storage capacity that can allow you to check previous recordings of weight. Although it is a unique and helpful feature, opting for it depends on your use.
Battery Charging
Modern refrigerant scales run on batteries. You should change your battery regularly. The concern here is to check the battery regularly for moisture, debris, corrosion, etc. Some scales show the battery bars on the LCD – you can opt for them if you need – with this, you would be notified before the battery runs out.
In some scales, the auto-off feature is an excellent provision to save the battery from being wasted.
Platform
The platform is among the most important things to look for in the refrigerant scale. Small platforms lead to dissatisfaction because they can't hold the size of large refrigerants. Refrigerants come in all sizes, shapes, and weights, so it is best that you choose the scale with the largest platform possible.
On the other hand, the platform has to be of rugged and sturdy material. The slippery platform might create a disruption during the measurement of charging, which can lead to an inaccurate reading.
Additional Features
To stay in the competitive market, brand sellers add multiple additional features to increase users' ease and convenience. One of the extra features is mobile app connectivity or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity.
These features are added just to highlight the brand in the market and create flashing advertising, but honestly, these features do worth your money and consideration. After all, they make it easier to use the machine.
Another additional feature is the battery. Some models include the battery, and some do not. Although a battery doesn't cost much, it sure provides excellent customer satisfaction.
Moreover, the carrying case is an additional feature, but it increases the efficiency of the machine. It protects the machine from damage, makes it easy to carry, and, eventually, expands the scale's lifespan.
Although you might have to pay a bit more price for these features, they add significant value to your money.
Price
Price is the most crucial factor. The affordability is always essential, whatever you are buying. Similar to most of the HVAC equipment, the refrigerant has a standard price range. The right refrigerant scale starts from $150 – going high with specifications – up to $200 or $300.
Remember, when the price increases, the quality increases too. But of course, you must set a price range and shop within it.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a refrigerant scale to weight the refrigerant for your garage or bedroom, you can either call an HVAC technician or do the job yourself. To do the job yourself, you ought to have a refrigerant charging scale precisely according to your need. However, the process gets complicated a bit if you are a technician.
If you are involved in the service field of AC or other HVAC systems, you must need a refrigerant charging or recovery scale, and you must consider some crucial factors before buying the refrigerant scale (listed in the buying guide). Going for the right kind of refrigerant scale is essential. Measuring the correct weight and recording accurate reading is crucial, especially when serving a customer. One wrong move can stain your service and cost the customer.
However, there are multiple good options – listed above – from which you can choose. These models are all from respectable and well-reputed brands, and some of them even offer a warranty.
To make it easy for you, we have added their features, specifications, pros, cons, and details one might require to buy a refrigerant scale. Additionally, the buying guide will help you sort out your requirements so you can buy according to them and provide an accurate value to your money.