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35 Essential HVAC Tools for Service Engineers
Servicing HVAC units for commercial or residential clients isn’t always easy. You need a skilled workforce with access to the right set of HVAC software tools and equipment. Some smaller jobs may require engineers to bring along their own basic set of tools. Some bigger-ticket items on the other hand will need far more advanced equipment.
We’ve put together an HVAC tools list that includes 35 essential items for your engineers to use in the field. With these, you’ll be able to deliver a more professional service to your customers.
Our guide includes:
- Essential HVAC tools
- Advanced HVAC tools
- HVAC safety tools
Essential HVAC tools 
1. Screwdrivers
One of the most basic but crucial items in this HVAC tools list, we recommend keeping a range of screwdrivers so you’re prepared for any sized screw. A full range of screwdriver bit sizes is preferred, although a multi-purpose screwdriver with a Phillips-head bit is a necessity.
2. Pliers
Pliers are required when handling sets of wires, bolts and pipes. Service engineers need small, medium and large pairs, as well as needle-nosed pliers. To increase durability, we recommend investing in an insulated set.
3. HVAC Software
An effective service management system is just as important as the physical tools needed by HVAC engineers. Joblogic’s all-in-one HVAC software allows field service businesses to manage their entire operation from a single system. With this, they can ramp up daily efficiency, generate bigger tickets, and provide better customer service.
- Optimise engineer routing.
- Improve scheduling and service dispatch.
- Manage estimates, invoices, and payments in one place.
- Communicate with field staff in real-time.
- Integrate with QuickBooks.
4. Hammer
This is another tool that serves many different purposes for HVAC engineers out on jobs. It is best to have a standard-sized hammer unless specific tasks may demand something different. A lightweight hammer is an engineer’s best option. It is best to choose one with fibreglass construction and an easy-grip so the tool is as durable and convenient as possible.
5. Tape Measure
From air conditioners to furnaces to everything in between, it’s important that HVAC engineers can accurately measure the length of these various units. We recommend having a 25-foot tape measure on hand in an engineer’s toolbox.
6. Torch
HVAC field staff will always need a reliable torch to see the heating or air conditioning installations clearly. Certain tasks may also mean field staff need to use both hands, so a head torch can be useful so they can keep their hands free in dark spaces.
7. Spanners
Another essential item on our HVAC tools list is a wide range of spanners, including fixed and adjusted as well as crescent and pipe spanners. Field staff can use a number of different sized spanners to complete jobs, ranging from small and medium to large.
8. Step Ladder
A simple but important piece of equipment. Some jobs carried out by your engineers will require some height, so a lightweight 4-foot step ladder will be sufficient for these tasks.
9. Cutters
In case sturdier material needs to be cut on a job, metal and tubing cutters are vital HVAC tools that should be carried at all times. Quarter-inch or half-inch cutters may do the job, to begin with. As your field staff begin to take on a greater variety of projects however, adding a wider set of cutters to their toolbox may be necessary.
10. Drills
For added convenience and efficiency, a cordless, battery-powered drill is the best option for HVAC engineers. With a charging battery kept in their toolbox, your engineers will never run out of power while in the field.
11. Refrigerant Scale
When field staff need to charge an air conditioning unit with refrigerant, a specialised scale is needed. This will maintain the temperature of the area in and around the system. This piece of equipment measures the weight of refrigerant as it’s added to and removed from the system’s compressor. This ensures the unit has a sufficient amount to run efficiently.
12. Gauges
A must-have for air conditioning tools, refrigeration gauges determine pressure for various types of refrigerants. They can also be used to identify any leaks.
13. Extension Cords
Whilst working on-site, field staff may need to use many different electrical tools to complete their tasks. Extension cords allow engineers to use these tools at a further distance from the power source, a useful benefit for larger job sites. A thick cord that is easy to transport is ideal, with an optimal length of around 50 feet.
14. Staple Gun
Keep a staple gun in your engineer’s toolbox to secure joists and foil lines to increase airflow.
Advanced HVAC Tools 
This section of our HVAC tools list features parts that are more specialised and expensive. However, they are still vital to your engineer doing their job effectively. HVAC businesses will supply these advanced tools to ensure their customers’ equipment is kept in good working condition.
15. Thermometer
In the HVAC industry, temperature control is crucial. You must ensure your engineers have a digital thermometer that is portable, durable, and effective. This will eliminate the potential of any inaccurate readings.
16. Core Removal
When your field staff need to deal with broken cores, a core removal tool assists them with removal and replacement.
17. Coil Fin Straightener
HVAC engineers will often work with air conditioning units, which can get dirty or clogged. A coil fin straightener clears debris to improve airflow by cleaning and straightening the coils.
18. Multimeter
This is an extremely important safety device. At times field staff will be required to work near electrical hazards, which puts such importance on safety tests. Keeping a multimeter means HVAC engineers can test to determine the presence of electricity and the voltage.
19. Saw
The Sawzall, a reciprocating saw blade, is considered to be the best saw to cut through different materials in the majority of HVAC jobs. Durability is a vital factor, and the Sawzall has this in abundance. The blades must be replaced frequently to eliminate dull blade use.
20. Caulking Gun
A dripless caulking gun allows engineers to seal air ducts and fill holes when needed. You must make sure it is kept in good working condition to avoid future problems.
21. Pumps
An HVAC vacuum pump helps to remove any moisture from the lines, so it is important that you make sure your pump is powerful enough to do so.
22. Nitrogen Regulator
Acting as a pressure control valve, a nitrogen regulator reduces highly pressurised gas and liquid into a usable form. If you don’t use a nitrogen regulator, the gas or liquid can be released all at once due to the high pressure.
23. Leak Detector 
If a leak is not apparent it can be difficult to notice, by which it is too late. HVAC field staff use leak detectors to identify areas with moisture to find the leaking source quickly.
24. Psychrometer
This HVAC tool is used to measure and rate the airflow and air mixtures, as well as the humidity.
25. Hand Seamers
Using hand seamers your mobile workforce are able to flatten or bend sheet metal using their hands. Find a pair ideally with insulated grips to make the job easier.
26. Crimper
Engineers can use a crimper to wrinkle various types of metal in order to connect it to the next section of piping.
27. Awl
The awl is used to score sheet metal so HVAC field staff can cut it straight. They are also useful for punching holes in wood and metal if necessary.
28. Thermal Imaging Tools
There are many complex problems engineers must diagnose for customers based on largely general information. Thermal imaging cameras allow HVAC service engineers to accurately determine the cause of a problem and fix it with little trouble.
29. Flushing Solvent
With ageing refrigeration lines, the likelihood of obstructions within the line increases. Keeping hold of a flushing solvent can quickly clear contaminants from the line and ensures your customers’ appliances can work efficiently.
30. HVAC Mobile App
A mobile app will allow HVAC engineers to remove the paper trail and communicate with their office team in real-time. This is a great solution for minimising admin errors and completing work orders at the first attempt. Engineers can:
- Receive new work orders to their mobile device.
- Capture new job information on the go.
- Collect customer signatures on-site.
- Take payments from customers on the spot.
- Send information back to the office in real-time.
HVAC Safety Tools 
Ensuring the safety and protection of both your HVAC engineers and customers on the job is a top priority. Below are some of the specific safety items your field staff will need as part of their HVAC tools list.
31. Gloves
HVAC engineers must wear gloves every day, so it is crucial that they are not only comfortable but effective. Look out for a pair of durable gloves that have enough thickness to provide protection but also allow enough movement to hold smaller tools.
32. Masks
A face mask is another piece of protective equipment that has become increasingly important for the safety of engineers and customers. Make sure your field staff keep multiple masks in their vehicle and discard each one after they’ve been worn.
33. Goggles
Certain tasks your HVAC engineers complete carry the risk of small bits of debris kicking up. A pair of goggles with magnification allows your mobile workforce to see smaller components more clearly. This will reduce the chance of mistakes.
34. Earplugs
Some power tools can be extremely loud and prolonged use can damage your ears and affect hearing. Industrial strength earplugs will be sufficient to protect your engineers’ ears.
35. Shoes
Our final recommendation on this HVAC tools list is no less important than any of the previous items. HVAC engineers will travel between many different job sites and will have to walk on various terrains. This means they need to be equipped with the appropriate footwear. A pair of heavy steel-toed boots prevent your field staff from slipping and help to protect their feet from falling objects.