One of the key benefits of choosing RLS press fittings over brazing is the elimination of nitrogen purging, which saves time, effort, and costs – which is especially important as nitrogen prices continue to rise, as illustrated in the chart above.

As any experienced HVAC tech knows, nitrogen purging is a critical step in the brazing process to prevent oxidation inside the copper tubing. Flowing nitrogen gas while brazing displaces oxygen, which would otherwise cause scale formation on the interior tube surfaces, leading to reduced system efficiency and potential contamination.

By using RLS press fittings, the need for nitrogen purging is entirely eliminated. Avoiding nitrogen purging saves the time and effort of transporting nitrogen tanks, setting up the purging equipment, maintaining a consistent supply of nitrogen gas, and especially in 2024, saves significant (and increasing) nitrogen costs.

Costs are on the rise.

Throughout 2024, the price of nitrogen gas has generally seen an upward trend. This increase has been driven by strong demand from non-HVAC industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing. There have also been supply chain disruptions this year, including those due to hurricanes, which have contributed to the rising prices.

In addition to the main benefits of saving time and money, eliminating nitrogen purging means there is no risk of improper purging, which can compromise system performance and potential contamination. Plus, there is also an environmental impact, since the production, storage, and transportation of nitrogen gas contributes to the carbon footprint of a project. That means RLS press fittings offer a more sustainable installation process.

The benefits discussed above represent only a fraction of the overall advantages of replacing brazing with the much faster, easier, safer – and proven reliable – process of pressing with RLS fittings. You get connections in just 10 seconds, with no fire hazards, no hot work permits and no fire spotters.

RLS offers the largest size range (1/4” through 2-1/8”) and the longest track record (nearly 10 years, with more than 20 million installed fittings) for HVAC/R press fittings. RLS fittings are proudly manufactured in St. Louis, Missouri, where contractors can tour the facility and learn proper installation at the new onsite training center.

*Chart source: St. Louis Fed (fred.stlouisfed.org)