Refrigeration Hoses

Quality HVAC hoses are the link between your manifold gauges, the system and your recovery or vacuum equipment, so a reliable HVAC hose set makes every service, charge and evacuation faster and safer. Our range covers refrigerant charging hoses for HVAC/R technicians working on split systems, commercial refrigeration and automotive air conditioning.

Choose from colour-coded 3-piece charging hose sets, 1/4 to 5/16 refrigerant hose sets for R410A and R32 service ports, premium rubber hoses with triple swivel ends, ball valve and safety valve hose sets that reduce refrigerant loss, short extension hoses and large-bore vacuum hoses. Lengths range from 200mm extensions to 72" (1.8m) sets, from brands including Fieldpiece, WIPCOOL and JAVAC.

Need help matching a hose to your gauges or refrigerant? Read our guide below or contact our team.

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Choosing the Right HVAC Hose Size and Fittings

The most important thing to check when buying HVAC hoses is the fitting size at each end. Most manifold gauges have 1/4" SAE ports, which match the service valves on older R22 equipment and many refrigeration systems. Modern split systems running R410A or R32 use 5/16" SAE service ports. A 1/4 to 5/16 refrigerant hose lets you connect a standard manifold to these systems without extra adapters, which can leak or restrict flow.

Hose sets are colour-coded: blue for the low side, red for the high side and yellow for the charging or utility line. Most charging hoses include a valve core depressor at the system end to open the Schrader valve.

If you need adapters, couplers or replacement seals, browse our ac hose fittings and hvac fittings ranges to find compatible parts for your setup.

Standard, Premium and Low-Loss Hose Sets

Standard charging hoses suit everyday servicing and are an economical choice for a spare set in the van. Premium hoses add tougher outer jackets, triple swivel ends that resist kinking, and higher pressure ratings for working confidently with high-pressure refrigerants like R410A and R32.

Ball valve and low-loss hose sets let you shut off the end of the hose before disconnecting. This reduces the refrigerant released to atmosphere and helps protect your hands from refrigerant burns. It also keeps air and moisture out of the hose between jobs, which helps keep systems clean during charging.

Whichever style you choose, check that the working pressure rating suits the refrigerants you handle. Inspect hoses regularly for cracks, worn gaskets and damaged ends. Replace gaskets as soon as they show wear, as they are a common source of small leaks.

Hoses for Vacuum, Recovery and Digital Manifold Work

Charging hoses are not always the best choice for evacuation. Standard 1/4" hoses and core depressors restrict flow, which slows the vacuum and can make it harder to reach a deep vacuum. For faster evacuation, many technicians run shorter, larger-bore vacuum hoses such as 3/8" lines between the vacuum pump and the system, combined with core removal tools.

Short extension hoses are handy for reaching awkward service ports or keeping a gauge or probe close to the connection. Spare yellow hoses in different lengths make it easy to replace a damaged line or set up a dedicated hose for recovery or charging from a cylinder.

If you’re upgrading your setup, pair quality hoses with digital manifold gauges for accurate pressure, superheat and subcooling readings. Keep a full spare set in the van so you’re never caught short on site.

FAQ of Refrigeration Hoses

What size hose do I need for R410A and R32 systems?

R410A and R32 systems use 5/16" SAE service ports, while most manifold gauges have 1/4" SAE ports. A 1/4 to 5/16 refrigerant hose connects the two directly, with no separate adapter. This gives a cleaner connection with fewer potential leak points. Always confirm the hose is rated for the pressures of the refrigerant you’re working with.

What do the blue, red and yellow refrigerant hoses mean?

The colours follow the manifold gauge layout. Blue connects to the low-pressure (suction) side, red to the high-pressure (liquid or discharge) side, and yellow is the centre utility hose. The yellow hose is used for charging, recovery or connecting a vacuum pump. Keeping to the colour code helps avoid connection mistakes on site.

Do I need ball valve or low-loss hoses?

They are not essential, but they are highly recommended. Ball valve hoses let you close the end of the hose before disconnecting. This reduces refrigerant loss, lowers the risk of refrigerant burns and keeps air and moisture out of the hose. Many technicians consider them standard practice when working with high-pressure or flammable refrigerants.

What length HVAC hose should I choose?

60" (1.5m) and 72" (1.8m) hoses are the most common lengths and give enough reach for most split system and refrigeration work. Shorter hoses hold less refrigerant and speed up evacuation, so they are useful for vacuum work and tight spaces. Many technicians carry a standard set plus a few shorter spare hoses.

How often should refrigeration hoses be replaced?

There is no fixed interval, so inspect hoses regularly. Replace a hose if it is cracked, kinked, bulging or has damaged fittings, or if it fails a leak check. Hose gaskets wear faster than the hose itself. Replace them as soon as they flatten or crack, as worn gaskets are one of the most common causes of small leaks.

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