Using the Right HVAC Tools is Important
Whether it’s for an emergency furnace repair job or preventative maintenance on an air conditioning unit, HVAC technicians keep a number of different tools in their trucks at all times.
Some tools are basic essentials that everyone has in toolboxes at home; others are more specialized for HVAC systems. Read on to learn about the HVAC tools professionals use for HVAC or boiler repair, installation, and everything in between.
The Essentials Toolkit
As with most home contractor jobs, the essentials listed below are important tools that most people have right in their own home toolboxes. A few of the most important essentials that HVAC technicians take with them to all jobs are:
Screwdrivers: Different systems will have different sizes and styles of screws, so it’s important that HVAC techs have a variety of sizes for both Phillip’s and flathead screwdrivers.- Wrenches: Like screwdrivers, most techs will have multiple sizes of crescent wrenches on hand. It can also be useful to have a few pipe wrenches.
- Flashlight/Headlamp: HVAC systems and ducts are usually in dark, cramped spaces. Bringing light is essential for techs in order to properly assess and repair.
- Pliers: Pliers are another toolset that techs will bring with multiple sizes and types so that they can easily cut through wires, bolts, or pipes.
- Hammer: The tech will probably bring a hammer with them, which is multipurpose and can be used in a variety of different jobs.
More Specialized Tools
In addition to the tools above, and depending on the job, HVAC techs may also need a few more specialized tools in their belts like power drills. These tend to be used in more complex HVAC reparations.
Some examples are:
- Thermometer: Determining the effectiveness of a system often comes down to its ability to control temperatures, so HVAC techs will bring a high-quality professional thermometer with them to check and monitor the system’s effectiveness.
- Multimeter: Multimeters check and confirm where and how much electricity is (or is not) present. This is important for checking the power of the system, and keeping techs safe while they work.
- Leak detector: These detectors confirm when moisture is present within the home’s HVAC system--something that can’t always be seen with the naked eye. Moisture indicates a leak so that techs know what to look for, and where.
- Pumps: Once the presence of moisture is confirmed, it needs to be removed using a pump.
- Psychrometer: This tool measures airflow, air mixtures, and reads relative humidity.
Tools for Safety Precaution
In addition to the tools needed to complete the job, HVAC techs need certain equipment for safety precautions. Hiring an HVAC professional that uses proper safety equipment is important--it shows that they understand the seriousness of their job, and will take the necessary precautions when working on a home’s systems. Some important safety equipment is:
Goggles: Dust and debris are common during HVAC repairs, so safety goggles are important to ensure techs can see what they are doing throughout the job.- Earmuffs: Using power tools over an extended period of time can damage hearing, so techs will use earmuffs as a safety precaution to protect their ears.
- Earplugs: Sometimes techs have to get in tight spaces to complete work. Using earplugs instead of ear muffs can be more practical at those times.
- Gloves: Cutting through metal and working with hot and cold temperatures mean HVAC techs need to protect their hands. Safety gloves are an important precaution that techs will absolutely bring with them to any job.
- Proper shoes: As with most home contractors, HVAC techs wear steel-toed boots to protect their feet.
HVAC work can be dangerous, which is why licensed technicians take these important safety precautions. In addition to the safety equipment they bring to each job, they also bring important training and knowledge in order to complete jobs without hurting themselves, or the system and home.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides accurate and fast service to customers in Danbury and surrounding areas. With licensed professionals available 24-hours a day, they’ll bring the right tools to repair any home’s plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems right away.
