The Ultimate HVAC Tools List Every Contractor Needs

Any contractor can’t do their job without the tools necessary to meet their customer’s needs. Sometimes the basic tools that contractors have don’t meet the expectations of an HVAC technician. When analyzing HVAC systems problems, you want to be equipped with the best tools for any scenario. Don’t know which tools to have in your belt and box? Here is an ultimate HVAC tools list that every contractor needs. 

HVAC Tools List

1. Mobile management software: HVAC technicians spend most of their hours in the field. A collaborative, HVAC mobile software solution is essential for the success of your HVAC business. Cloud-based software allows your technicians to document job site activity directly from their smartphone or tablet. If you have damaged equipment, a poorly installed electrical unit, or any other issues, you can take photos to document from anywhere on the job site.

Users submit daily reports from their mobile devices to note crew hours, equipment and material usage, and any other important notes that show project progress for your general contractor. Sorting through file cabinets is slow; why not search with a click of a button? If you want to thrive in this competitive market, transitioning to a mobile construction management software will be worth the investment.

Hand Tools

2. Hammer: HVAC technicians use hammers to complete various tasks. Depending on their preference, they can go for a carpenter style with a straight claw or one that is lightweight for their tool belt.

3. Pipe wrench: HVAC contractors and technicians need pipe wrenches when they work on systems with natural gas lines and/or connections to plumbing.

4. Pliers: for better manipulation of wiring or smaller connections, a set of insulated pliers is good to have handy and to reduce the risk of electrical shock. These include channel-lock, linesman, needle-nose, and open-face.

5. Screwdrivers: There are screws in thermostats, units, vents, and other systems. HVAC technicians need screwdrivers of all sizes for screwing and unscrewing screws.

6. Step ladder: for maintenance services, step ladders are essential for cleaning out vents and when a full-length ladder is not necessary.

7. Tape measure: Before the installation of air conditioners, furnaces, or vents, tape measures are a staple HVAC tool to measure spaces. 

8. Wire strippers: This tool, especially, is one that HVAC technicians use frequently. They use these to remove the protective coating of an electrical wire. Whether it be installation, maintenance, or repair, wire strippers are necessary to have in their tool belt.

Specialty Tools

9. Cordless drill: HVAC technicians need cordless drills if they have to drill anything in attics and crawlspaces. There is no restriction when it comes to distance like drills with cords, so they’re more reliable.

10. Extension cord: every contractor needs power in places far away from electrical outlets. Heavy-duty extension cords are necessary to handle the amount of power that technicians use.

11. Manifold gauge: HVAC techs use manifold gauges to inspect leaks in an air line, charge air conditioner units, and removal of refrigerant.

12. Multimeter: HVAC contractors face the risk of electrocution. Multimeters measures for electrical currents, resistance, and voltage in switches, wires, or outlets. Not only do electrical mishaps undue potential damage to HVAC contractors, but also the customer. 

13. Reciprocating saw: This saw, familiarly known by Sawall, can cut through almost anything. It’s valuable and essential for HVAC technicians to cut through drywall, sheet metal, pipes, or even wood.

14. Thermometer: Temperature is the variable that determines if a piece of equipment is needed or if refrigerant needs to be added. Infrared digital thermometers are popular among HVAC contractors because they take recordable readings and identify overheating compressors, breakers, or motors.

15. Tubing cutter: When repairing or installing HVAC equipment, contractors need to cut pipes, and tubing cutters can cut ones that are 1/8th” – 1-1/8th”. 

16. Vacuum pump: this specialty tool can suck moisture and air out of air conditioning lines. HVAC contractors need this to determine which lines are leaking before they charge the system with refrigerant. 

Repair Tools

17. Coil fin straightener: As an HVAC contractor you notice that units run harder, if there is inefficient energy usage, and unit failure because bent coil fins restrict airflow.

18. Megger: This is a measuring instrument that an HVAC technician uses to measure the insulation resistance of the electrical system. This is an important tool for quality control purposes; environmental conditions affect the quality of insulation resistance over time. This occurs in areas of extreme humidity, temperatures, and where there is a lot of dust and dirt.

19. Micron gauge: This tool measures the level of vacuum in air conditioning unit, and if it is appropriate with the system.

20. Refrigerant scale: Measures the weight of refrigerant as it is removed or added from the compressor. This tool helps ensure that the system has the appropriate amount to efficiently run.

21. Recovery unit: Since 1995, refrigerant recovery HVAC systems are mandatory. This mandated system makes sure that HVAC contractors and team members have a trustworthy recovery unit.

HVAC professionals have various tasks, and you and your team need to be prepared to ensure you can tackle any project. With this ultimate HVAC tools list for every contractor, you will be equipped with success.

How eSUB Can Help

eSUB is a cloud-based project management platform built especially for subcontractors. It seamlessly integrates with leading construction software systems so you can easily switch from your current document process to a cloud-based system to upgrade your construction project management process.

There is also an electrical contractor software to track productivity and day-to-day activities.

eSUB organizes all of your project information in one place, allows for smooth collaboration, and streamlines communication through its intuitive interface. It also works on your mobile, so you can track projects on the go—no matter where or when—and stay up-to-date.