HVAC Tools List: 28 Essential Tools You Must Have as HVAC Technicians

Whether you are out installing a brand new air conditioning system at a commercial complex or repairing an existing heater in a residential space, you will need the best HVAC tools list to complete the job with excellence. However, choosing the right tools can often get confusing, especially for someone just stepping into the highly competitive HVAC industry. Not anymore, though!

Here, we have compiled a blog to walk you through all the necessary tools professional HVAC service techs require to accomplish various tasks at hand. What’s more? We have classified the list as essential tools, safety tools, and advanced tools. So, let’s get started!

28 HVAC Technician Tools List

Here are the 28 HVAC technician tool lists that every HVAC technician will require.

List of Essential HVAC Tools You Cannot Miss

1. Screwdrivers

   Since all HVAC systems would require you to deal with screws of some kind, it is wise to invest in a good-quality multi-purpose screwdriver. Consider getting yourself a screwdriver with a flathead and Phillips-head bit if you can’t go for a full range for starters.

2. Hammers

   Expert HVAC technicians have to keep a standard-sized hammer handy to remove a nail or put a system component in place. Make sure that the hammer you carry is lightweight, durable, and offers a comfortable grip.

3. Pliers

   One of the most basic HVAC tools, a set of pliers, is required to handle a range of bolts, wires, and pipes with ease. Don’t forget to include a needle-nose and side cutter plier in your HVAC tool kit. A plier with an insulated handle is even better for longevity and HVAC safety.

4. Flashlight

   For HVAC companies, flashlights are necessary to assess the cooling and heating functions in a system accurately. Opt for a headlamp to keep your hands free for the job.

5. Wrenches

   From pipe to crescent to fixed to adjustable, you need sturdy wrenches in your box of HVAC hand tools to carry out the job with utmost precision and care.

6. Cutters

   As an HVAC technician, you would often need to cut through things on the job, such as some metal and dust debris or tubes. For that, you require a decent set of cutters. Initially, half-inch or quarter-inch ones would do. For bigger projects, however, you would need wider cutters.

7. Drills

   For better mobility and efficiency, consider including a battery-operated, cordless drill so you can move freely on the field. Keep a set of diverse bits and spare batteries with you at all times to ensure the work doesn’t halt.

8. Gauges

   Gauges are essential HVAC tools to check pressure control valves and measure levels of refrigerants in any HVAC unit. They also help in refrigerant removals, leak detection, and charging air conditioner condenser coils. Depending on the type of job, you may need manifold gauges or refrigeration gauges.

9. Staple Gun

   Our HVAC tools list is incomplete without a staple gun. It helps assemble ductwork in addition to securing foil lines and joists for better airflow.

10. Extension Cords

    Working with HVAC systems means you’ll need to use electric tools at any time. And to plug them swiftly, you need a thick, long extension cord. Go for a cord about 50 feet in length. Ensure it is not too heavy to move around.

11. Step Ladder

    As an HVAC technician, you will often need to climb up to places for cleaning or maintenance purposes, say vents and air conditioning units. Hence, having a step ladder becomes crucial. Choose a ladder that’s easy to transport and robust enough to bear your weight.

12. Tape measure

    Whether it is cooling systems or furnaces, you will need a tape measure quite frequently to gather precise length in HVAC units. In such scenarios, a 25-foot tape measure is sufficient enough.

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List of HVAC Safety Tools You Should Include



13. Multimeter

    A multimeter, one of the critical HVAC safety tools, protects you from electrical accidents. Add it to your HVAC tools list to check the presence of voltage and electricity while working with live wires or sites with electrical dangers.

14. Goggles

    As an HVAC technician, you are at risk of damaging your eyes from dust and small particles. How can you avoid that? Wear safety goggles to shield your eyes and do your job efficiently.

15. Gloves

    Hand gloves are an important HVAC tool to guard your hands against getting rough by the day. However, select an appropriate pair that offers enough flexibility to easily hold smaller tools and screws.

16. Masks

    Of late, masks have become an essential personal protective gear for HVAC technicians to keep their breathing clean from alien particles.

17. Earplugs

    Your job as an HVAC technician involves rigorous usage of various power tools. As a result, earplugs become a must to keep your hearing ability intact.

18. Shoes

    From navigating different terrains to stepping up on high ladders, service techs have to be on their toes all day long quite literally. In such a case, it’s vital to adorn a pair of work boots with steel-toes. It helps refrain from slipping and protects your foot in case you or someone else drops anything heavy accidentally.

19. Protective Overalls

    Having smart protective overalls does a dual job of keeping you safe from potential injuries, as well as making you look like a thorough professional.

List of Advanced HVAC Tools



20. Thermometers

    Regulating and controlling temperature is a significant part of working in the HVAC industry, making thermometers your key HVAC tools. Go for a digital thermometer if you can that’s long-lasting, accurate, effective, and portable.

21. Reciprocating Saw

    With a good reciprocating saw, you can cut through a wide range of materials with just one tool, for instance, a Sawzall. It is one of such HVAC specialty tools that save your time without compromising the quality of your efforts.

22. Caulking Gun

    While working with an HVAC system, you would need to fill tiny holes and seal air ducts. A caulking gun comes in handy for such purposes. It’s best to settle for a dripless variant.

23. Pumps

    One of the best HVAC tools out there, pumps, helps you get rid of any signs of moisture from the lines. For optimum results, invest in a good-quality HVAC vacuum pump.

24. Leak Detectors

    An efficient leak detector is something you can’t miss to include in your specialized kit of HVAC tools. It helps recognize moisture areas to track down the leakage source, nitrogen regulator and eradicate problems in HVAC units.

25. Awl

    From scoring sheet metal for cutting it straight to punching holes in wood or sheet metal, it makes sense to invest in an awl to get different HVAC services done effectively.

26. Core Removal Tool

    The core removal tool comes in handy when you have to deal with a broken core. It not only simplifies the removal of the core but also makes the replacement process easier.

27. Hand Seamers

    With a right-hand seamer in your HVAC tool bag, it becomes possible for you to flatten or bend sheet metal hassle-freely. Go for the ones with insulated grips to avert unforeseen incidents.

28. Coil Fin Straightener

    The coils of air conditioning units tend to accumulate dirt over time. They also get twisted or clogged. That’s when a coil fin straightener comes to your rescue to clean out the dirt and straighten the coil. It also helps enhance the exchange of airflow and heat.

Conclusion
As an HVAC technician, you always need to be prepared to handle all kinds of HVAC services that might come your way. To do that competently, you need the right HVAC tools that we mentioned in this HVAC tools list. If you are only starting out, these prove to be enough. However, as you progress in your career, you may want to add a few more to your tool bag, which we will cover later.

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