Have you thought about whether you have all you need to properly do HVAC service? The duties of an HVAC technician include those of a plumber, a refrigerant specialist, and an electrician, among others. Therefore, it is necessary to know what tools do HVAC techs use, from basic and inexpensive to sophisticated and specialized.
If you’re just getting started in the HVAC sector, opening up your own HVAC business, or just interested in comparing load-outs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of what tools do HVAC techs use.
Different Tools that HVAC Techs Use
Having extensive knowledge and interest in HVAC is a requirement for every technician because it is a key component of field service management. Traditionally, HVAC professionals would have to lug a sizable tool bag from job to job.
Why Do the Right HVAC Tools Matter?
Given the scope of the HVAC industry, we will be using generalizations. The ideal list of HVAC service tools would be comprehensive, but there isn’t one.
After all, the requirements of the 10% of HVAC technicians who operate mostly in offices and the 10.5% of those who work in factories and warehouses could be quite different. As compared to the other 28% who service single-family homes.
Air conditioning and heating work can be done just about anywhere, but it is important to have the correct equipment. Time is money, so it’s important to have the right HVAC tool at hand rather than have to go hunting for it.
10 Essential Hand Tools that HVAC Techs Need
Having the fundamentals in your toolbox is a given. This section provides a brief inventory of items before going into the more specialized machinery.
1-Hammer
Pick a hammer that fits in the palm of your hand and is a good size for a number of uses. It needs to be portable and simple to carry, with a lightweight design and a comfortable grip.
2-Pliers
The best recommendation for a plier set is the one that has both a wire stripper and a pair of needle-nose pliers.
3-Screwdrivers
Carry a set with many different screwdriver heads with you. There can never be too many choices.
4-Hand Wrench
Your collection of this kind of hand tools that HVAC techs need ought to include both stationary and mobile components.
5-Cutters
Tubes and metal cutters are two of HVAC’s most useful tools for making precise cuts. A half-inch or quarter-inch cutter is the bare minimum you’ll need.
6-Tape measure
The importance of precise measurements cannot be overstated. The use of a 25- or 50-foot tape measure is appropriate here.
7-Flashlight
When working in confined spaces with limited lighting, technicians require a powerful flashlight.
8-Gauges
You should have pressure and leak detection gauges for your HVAC or refrigeration system in your emergency pack. Both are necessary for identifying problems and fixing them.
9-Multimeter
This device tests for the presence of voltage and alerts the user. These are similar to gauges in that they facilitate the diagnostic process.
10-Drill
While a corded drill will get the job done, having a cordless model will allow you to drill in places where an outlet isn’t conveniently located. The 12-volt batteries are compact and easy to transport, and higher-voltage (18+) setups provide significantly more muscle. Having a solution that can also charge your van’s 12V battery would be a good idea.
List of Other Tools that HVAC Techs Should not Miss
Aside from the basic HVAC tools needed by the technicians, there are also some tools that HVAC techs shouldn’t miss to bring with them.
✥Staple Gun
Without a staple gun, our list of tools that HVAC techs need would be missing something vital. For improved ventilation, it aids in assembling ductwork and fastening foil lines to joists.
✥Extension Cords
Anytime you are working on an HVAC system, you will need to have access to power tools. You’ll also want a sturdy, lengthy extension cord to plug them in efficiently and quickly. The recommended length for the cord is fifty feet. Make sure it’s not cumbersome to carry around.
✥Step Ladder
When cleaning or repairing vents or air conditioning units, you, the HVAC expert, will need to frequently climb to high locations. Therefore, a stepladder is a necessary tool. Pick a ladder that can be folded up and carried with minimal effort yet is still sturdy enough to support your body weight.
✥Tape Measure
A tape measure is an indispensable tool for determining the exact dimensions of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In these cases, a tape measure of 25 feet will do the trick.
What Specialized Tools Do HVAC Techs Need?
You will need some HVAC/R-specific specialized equipment in addition to your standard hand tools. Include the following in your service truck’s or workshop’s arsenal as part of the tools that HVAC techs need:
1-Thermometer
Aside from the tools mentioned above, HVAC techs also need a lightweight, compact, and durable digital thermometer. This tool will meet your needs and provide exceptional service.
Your unit’s and room’s heating and cooling needs can be estimated in a short amount of time through the use of this HVAC tool that techs need.
2-Flushing Solvent
The likelihood of line interruptions increases as the HVAC system matures. Contaminants in a line can be promptly flushed out with the help of a flushing solvent.
3-Crimper
This apparatus allows for the wrinkling of specific metals so that they may be positioned in front of pipework.
4-Psychrometer
The psychrometer analyzes air currents, air mixing, and relative humidity.
5-Thermal Imaging Tools
Technicians can correctly identify and fix near-term issues with the use of thermal imaging cameras, which are useful diagnostic tools.
6-HVAC Software
If there is a specialized tool that HVAC techs must use, the HVAC software is a must-have for the toolbox of every HVAC service provider. Invoicing and task management are made easier with modern software and apps.
What Advanced Tools Do HVAC Techs Use?
Check out the resources for high-end HVAC equipment down below:
✥Nitrogen Regulator
As a pressure reduction valve, a nitrogen regulator reduces the intensity of a pressured gas or liquid to a more manageable level. It relieves the pressure of a gas or liquid so that it can be used more easily. Due to the high-pressure present, the gas or liquid might be expelled all at once in the absence of a nitrogen regulator.
✥Reciprocating Saw
Many professionals in the HVAC industry believe that a reciprocating saw blade is the most effective tool for making precise cuts. This tool has proven its durability time and time again. Sharpening a blade is a waste of time and effort, so it’s important to replace it regularly.
✥Caulking Gun
Air conditioning and ventilation work necessitates sealing air ducts and plugging up microscopic cracks. A caulking gun is useful to accomplish this. The drip-free version is the one to go for. Maintaining a well-oiled caulking gun will save you from further cleanup hassles.
✥Leak Detectors
In your specialist HVAC toolkit, you must have a leak detector that is both accurate and easy to use. It aids in spotting damp spots, which in turn aids in locating the water leak, the nitrogen regulator, and ultimately the solution to HVAC issues. To pinpoint the origin of a refrigerant leak, HVAC technicians use leak detectors to verify damp spots.
✥Core Removal Tool
The fractured core can be removed with the help of the core removal tool. The process of removing and replacing the core is simplified. In many circumstances, HVAC tools like the core option come in handy. This tool aids your technicians in the removal and replacement of broken cores.
✥Hand Seamers
Sheet metal may be easily flattened or bent with the help of a right-hand seamer, which is an essential tool for every HVAC technician. Buy the ones with the insulated grips to avoid any accidents.
✥Coil Fin Straightener
Over time, debris can collect on the coils of an air conditioner. They can also become tangled or blocked. If the coil’s fins have been clogged with debris, a coil fin straightener can help you out. Furthermore, it aids in the improvement of heat and air circulation.
If air conditioning condenser coils become dusty, blocked, or twisted, a coil fin straightener can assist in eliminating the debris. This air conditioning device is used by service technicians to straighten and clean coils in order to increase heat transfer and air movement. These air conditioning devices are cheap and very useful.
✥Vacuum Pump
One of the most important items for HVAC service technicians to have is a vacuum pump, which is used to evacuate the refrigerant lines of moisture and air. One-stage and two-stage models exist, with the latter producing a greater vacuum depth and speed at the expense of initial cost.
✥Refrigeration Gauges
As a technician for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, you will frequently interact with refrigerants and will thus require a set, or more than one set, of refrigeration gauges. To determine if the HVAC unit needs to be purged, brazed, or recharged, use the corresponding gauges.
✥Multimeter
A multimeter is an indispensable tool for HVAC repair technicians, even if they are not electricians per se. In order to collect accurate temperature measurements, we advise using the multimeter tailored to the needs of HVAC workers. This multimeter is essential equipment for any HVAC technician’s toolbox.
A List of HVAC Safety Tools You Should Include
Prioritize security first! Having the following items on hand can help ensure your safety in case you forget something more advanced (and use it seriously).
1-Safety Glasses
When working with any kind of power tool, but especially when working with metal, eye protection is essential. Even the most skilled HVAC technician could end up in the hospital from a stray shave or shrapnel.
2-Durable Gloves
One of the most useful HVAC ‘tools’ will forever be a good pair of robust work gloves for the same reasons. There is a high risk of injury when dealing with sheet metal, boilers, and possibly caustic chemicals. Grainger’s 15-gauge Biopolymer-coated gloves are a great choice and only cost $6 for a pair. Stock up in case of an emergency.
3-Ear Protection
Using power tools inside a building can be dangerous, even if you don’t enjoy loud noises (like when you’re listening to music). Either one-time-use earplugs or full-coverage earmuffs should do the trick. Don’t scrimp on the safety equipment.
4-Protective Overalls
Wearing protective overalls that are both stylish and functional serves two purposes: it shields you from harm and also gives you the air of a competent expert.
5-Work Boots
This is an investment-worthy item. Work boots with a steel toecap or a hard toecap that are crafted from high-quality leather will endure a lifetime. The rush you’ll get when something big falls on your foot at work will more than makeup for the pain.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Do heating and cooling businesses supply equipment?
Contractors typically supply a list of essential instruments. These include pliers, screwdrivers, refrigerant gauges, wrenches, and the like. They provide these for technicians to own, and some may even offer a monthly allowance to help offset the cost.
Q: What exactly is it that goes wrong with HVAC systems?
A malfunctioning HVAC system may leave you with little or excessive cooling and heating, respectively, which can drive up utility bills and waste energy.
Q: Which HVAC models are most commonly seen in homes?
In residential buildings, the most typical kinds of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are split systems for both cooling and heating. They employ a conventional thermostat to regulate the temperature in the entire building and are divided into a heating and cooling unit.
Q: What qualifies as HVAC equipment?
The abbreviation “HVAC” refers to the systems used for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Home comfort controls, such as thermostats, ducting, and air conditioners or heat pumps, are all part of this system, which is responsible for regulating the temperature within your house.
Q: Does handling HVAC equipment include hefty weights?
One can do this by performing diagnostics with hands and head. You won’t be doing any heavy lifting like you would in the HVAC/R industry, but you will be on your feet and switching between tasks for a substantial portion of the workday. Luckily, this task may be made easier with very little equipment.
Final Thoughts
As a technician who works with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). For example, there is an airconditioning in home not cooling, you should always be ready to handle any and all types of HVAC services that may be sent in your direction. You’ll need the appropriate HVAC tools, some of which are included on the list of HVAC tools that we’ve provided here. Even if you’re just getting started, you’ll find that these are sufficient. However, as you advance in your profession, it is possible that you will wish to add some additional tools to your tool bag.
