Let’s begin with a classic definition of an HVAC system:
“It is a system used to regulate the temperature of an area by transferring air between indoor and outdoor areas. In other words, it heats or cools a space for the residents’ comfort.”
You can find HVAC systems everywhere—from a residential building in your city to a jumbo jet carrying hundreds of passengers. It stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.The end goal of any HVAC system is pretty straightforward—keep the air circulating in a given space and prevent temperatures from rising too high or falling too low. The more efficient your HVAC system, the happier the residents of the space will be.Apart from the people using it, the technicians are the other most important stakeholders of an HVAC system. They are responsible for installing and maintaining the system in perfect condition to achieve total efficiency.However, most HVAC technicians of today are overwhelmed with all the tools, software, and information they have to deal with daily. To help simplify this, we have put together a list of basic and commercial HVAC tools that every service technician should have at their disposal. This list answers the million-dollar question—what tools do HVAC techs need?
Essential HVAC Tools List That Every Technician Must Know
Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are #1 in our list of essential HVAC tools. Without a set of different-sized screwdrivers, a technician will not be able to do anything. A screwdriver is a versatile tool. Obviously, Technicians can use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen different fasteners. But in a pinch, they can also use it to pry or give them leverage. These simple tools can be used for making minor adjustments to the HVAC equipment, electrical wiring, and mechanical systems.
Hammer
Any HVAC technician should have at least one hammer in their toolkit. A hammer will help them clear obstacles they will encounter when trying to complete a job.Here are some handy tips for purchasing the right hammer:
- Get a standard-sized hammer. If the hammer is too large or too small it might become counterproductive—stick with standard sizes
- Make sure to choose a lightweight hammer
- Ensure that the hammer has a good grip
- Using a hammer with fiberglass construction will help ensure durability over time
Pliers
Don’t forget to include a set of pliers in your toolbox. Having pliers in various sizes will allow you to deal with different bolts, pipes, and wires.Your plier collection should ideally include:
- Needle nose
- Tongue and groove pliers (Channel-lock)
- Linesman
- Open-face
- Wire strippers pliers.
Every type of plier has unique functionality. For instance, the needle-nose plier is commonly used to grab wires while working on a thermostat.Pro-tip: To protect yourself from shock, insulating these sets of pliers is important. Insulation also helps in the longevity and durability of the tool.
Wrenches
A wrench is another critical component in an AC technician’s tools list. You should have wrenches in at least three sizes: short, medium, and long. Also, mix it up with different types of wrenches like the crescent, fixed, adjustable, and pipe wrenches. A combination of these wrenches will help you be flexible and handle various tasks with ease. For instance, having a large pipe wrench will help loosen large pipes with ease.
Tape Measure
The importance of measuring lengths cannot be stressed enough in HVAC systems. HVAC technicians use a tape measure for everything from walls to pipes. Tape measures are an essential part of the HVAC technician tool kit. It sounds simple; however, these tools help ensure that you order the proper equipment and parts. Sometimes the measurements printed on filters and other parts have worn off over time, and taking a moment to measure is prudent. Measure twice, and order once! Installing the appropriate part is essential if optimum performance is to be maintained.Pro tip: Get at least a 25-foot measuring tape.
Drills
Many power tools and drills are available, but getting a cordless drill with a rechargeable battery will be most valuable for everyday tasks. Worrying about where to plug your tools in and carrying extra extensions cords is unnecessary. Instead, go cordless and bring a fully charged spare battery with you. This way, the drill never runs out of power. Do not forget to carry a variety of bits and attachments for your drill; having a selection with you will allow you to accomplish various tasks.
Flashlight
Most people have their HVAC systems (especially the wires and pipes) go through dark areas, so it’s not unusual for service technicians to work in the dark. Working this way can become quite cumbersome, so having a bright flashlight will be helpful. Even better—if you can get a headlamp, it helps keep your hands free to use on the job in front of you.
Multimeter
Without a doubt, a multimeter is a must-have safety tool for HVAC technicians. A technician can ensure they are safe from electrical hazards and live wires by using a multimeter to test lines before beginning work. Using a multimeter will help them check the flow of electricity and indicate the presence of any abnormal voltage that might be dangerous to them or represent a fire hazard.
Caulking Gun
A dripless caulking gun will help technicians seal any open ducts and fill the excess areas of drilled holes wherever necessary. Sealing with caulk will help prevent insects and rodents from coming through open spaces and damaging wires and pipes.
Nitrogen Regulator
A nitrogen regulator is a device that allows the adjustment of the pressure in a system. One use for nitrogen regulators is to reduce the pressure of high-pressure gases and fluids to a more usable form.
Conclusion
These are the ten most important pieces of hardware for an HVAC technician to carry in their toolkit every day.But you can do better. In today’s digital age, customers’ demand for efficiency and convenience is high. Technicians need more than these simple tools to be productive and stay well organized. Technicians also need software to help manage their jobs and simplify their scheduling.Powerful applications like Zuper can help. If you are looking for an HVAC software list, your list begins and ends with Zuper because it streamlines the entire HVAC work order management. It lets you take control of your scheduling, dispatching, and management of the field force.Some of the popular HVAC features offered by Zuper include:
- HVAC Estimation: If your team wants to present an estimate to the client, this feature would greatly help. You can even share the estimate digitally with the client from anywhere.
- HVAC Team collaboration feature: you can push alerts and notifications to your teams and customers.
- HVAC Invoicing Application: A paper-free invoice can be generated instantly for a hassle-free payment collection after every service.
For the full list of HVAC features offered by Zuper, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Wrapping Up
HVAC technicians need to arm themselves with all the necessary tools to efficiently complete tasks. The basic tools highlighted in this post are a great place to start. And when you combine it with an HVAC application like Zuper, the technician’s capabilities and efficiency are multiplied. To experience the power of Zuper yourself, you can begin your free 14-day trial by clicking here. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
