HVAC Specialty Tools
The HVAC industry relies heavily on a wide range of tools to perform duties such as installation, maintenance, and repairs on various types of HVAC systems. While hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches are essential, there are many specialty tools that play a crucial role and needed for specific tasks. In this article, we will discuss the specialty tools that HVAC technicians need in their tool box to execute any task at hand.
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Anemometer
Anemometer
An anemometer measures air speed, air velocity and air flow. The air flow rate is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) using anemometers to assess the performance of HVAC systems and equipment.
Combustion Analyzer
Combustion Analyzer
A combustion analysis is vital to determine the efficiency of furnaces and boilers—the analyzer assists with determining gas levels, pressure in the flue pipe, and stack temperature to diagnose the state of your system.
Digital Multimeter
Digital Multimeter
The digital multimeter is one of the most important tool in an HVAC technician’s toolkit. This tool is used to measure resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance among other things. HVAC systems rely on a complex network of electrical components, making a multimeter a crucial tool to diagnose and troubleshoot any electrical problems that may arise.
Flaring & Swage Tool
Flaring & Swage Tool
A flaring tool widens the end of the pipe, creating a tight, leak-proof connection between pipes and fittings. Swaging is similar to flaring. It opens the end of a tube, producing a deeper opening and a different shape than with a flare tool. There are drill bits available to create these openings.
Flaring & Swage Tool Drill Bits
Flaring & Swage Tool Drill Bits
A flaring tool drill bits widen the end of the pipe, creating a tight, leak-proof connection between pipes and fittings. Swaging is similar to flaring. It opens the end of a tube, producing a deeper opening and a slightly different shape than with a flare tool.
Leak Detector
Leak Detector
Because leaks are not uncommon, especially in older units, technicians use various leak detection tools to help locate leaks. These tools range from electronic leak detectors to dyes that give visual indications of the exact location in the HVAC refrigerant line.
Manifold Gauges
Manifold Gauges
Also known as refrigerant gauges, this tool is crucial to every HVAC technician. They are used for reading the pressure of various liquids and gases in a cooling system, as well as vacuum pressure in the process of testing or charging the equipment. They differ in the number of ports and manifolds.
Manifold Hoses
Manifold Hoses
You may need to purchase your hoses for your manifold gauges because they are typically not sold together. Quick Connect hoses are great. They are specially designed so you don’t need to worry about leaks outside of the unit.
Manometer
Manometer
The main function of a manometer is to measure a system air pressure. It can also check airflow, measure positive and negative pressure in ducts, monitor differential pressure across filters and coils, and measure differential pressure for clean room monitoring.
Mini-Split Tool Kit
Mini-Split Tool Kit
As it says it in the name, this kit is specially designed for Mini-Split systems. This includes a specialty torque wrench and Swaging/flaring tool specifically made for these systems
Mini Tube/Pipe Cutters
Mini Tube/Pipe Cutters
These cutters are used to cut smaller diameter tubes and pipes to specific lengths. Using a tube/pipe cutter helps to ensure a precise cut and minimizes the risk of leaks (up to 1 1/8″).
Nitrogen Regulator
Nitrogen Regulator
A nitrogen regulator is a tool that is used to regulate the flow and pressure of nitrogen gas. This tool is necessary during the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems. It is used to purge the system of any contaminants, ensuring that the system is clean and free of any moisture and air.
Oxy/Acetylene Torch Kit
Oxy/Acetylene Torch Kit
This kit is used for to braze or solder alloys together. For example, brazing copper pipes and joints.
Psychrometer
Psychrometer
The multifunction psychrometer is diagnostic measuring device used for indoor climate and environmental monitoring. With this gauge, an HVAC technician can determine the humidity of a room. In addition to measuring relative humidity and ambient room / dry-bulb temperature, the meter calculates dew-point and wet-bulb temperatures in degrees Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). High levels of moisture in the air will affect the comfort of your customer.
Recovery Machine
Recovery Machine
A recovery machine is essential for the installation and repair of air conditioning systems. It is used to evacuate refrigerant and moisture from an HVAC system. Without this tool, it would be impossible to maintain the proper level of refrigerant in the system, leading to inefficient performance and potential damage.
Refrigerant Scale
Refrigerant Scale
This digital scale is used to weigh refrigerant ensuring that the correct amount of refrigerant is added to the system during the installation and maintenance of an HVAC systems, preventing damage and ensuring optimal performance. It also is used to measure the weight of refrigerants when they are removed from an air conditioning system.
Refrigerant Scale
Refrigerant Scale
This digital scale is used to weigh refrigerant ensuring that the correct amount of refrigerant is added to the system during the installation and maintenance of an HVAC systems, preventing damage and ensuring optimal performance. It also is used to measure the weight of refrigerants when they are removed from an air conditioning system.
Schrader Valve Removal Tool
Schrader Valve Removal Tool
This tool is used to remove the schrader valve from the HVAC system. Removing the core is necessary when it is damaged or leaking. It is also better to remove it when you are recovering refrigerant or pulling a vacuum because the schrader valve is restrictive. It is also known as a valve core removal tool.
Thermometer
Thermometer
Temperature control is extremely important. You need to have an accurate thermometer to take temperatures and follow regulations. One with a magnetic mount comes in quite handy.
Tube Benders
Tube Benders
A tube bender allows the technician to bend pipes. You can purchase a kit that will produce various clean angles on line set tubing.
Tube/Pipe Cutter
Tube/Pipe Cutter
These cutters are used to cut copper or PVC pipes to specific lengths during the installation or repair process. Using tube/pipe cutters ensures a precise cut and minimizes the risk of leaks.
Vacuum Pump
Vacuum Pump
A vacuum pump is used to remove air and contaminants from an HVAC system after refrigerant recovery, creating a vacuum state. The deeper and more complete the vacuum, the more contaminants trapped within the system and its components are removed, including the oil from the compressor.
Summary
Having the right tools is essential for HVAC technicians to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently. The specialty tools listed above are all crucial tools in the HVAC industry to perform specific tasks. Investing in high-quality specialty tools will ensure that HVAC technicians can complete their work to the highest standard, providing reliable and efficient HVAC systems for their clients.
