When you start out in HVAC, you realize just how many tools you need. And I'm not just talking about service technician tools or hand tools.
To run a great HVAC operation, you also need the right software tools for your front office employees and management.
In this article, we'll provide a list of the best HVAC tools for each person in your business:
- Essential Hand Tools for HVAC Technicians
- HVAC Safety Tools
- HVAC Software Tools for Front Office & Management
Essential Hand Tools for HVAC Technicians
If you're looking at any HVAC tool list online, you will see slight variations. The key is to make sure you have the essentials. You can always add more advanced tools later, as you take on higher-level jobs.
Some companies start their technicians out with a basic bag of tools, but most places require you to supply your own tools from day one. If you're a company representative reading this, consider making that a perk of joining your team.
For example, you could create an incentive, "We supply the following tools and if you stay on for at least 6 months, they are yours to keep. If you leave before six months, we deduct the tool costs from your final paycheck."
If you're looking to start a career in HVAC, just know that if you have to pay for these tools out of pocket yourself, it can be a heavy upfront investment. You don't want to waste your money on the wrong tools or be missing an essential tool in your first day on the job.
Regardless of which camp you're in, this is the must-have list of HVAC tools for service techs:
- Cordless drill set (with battery backups)
- 11-in-one Screwdriver
- Pliers - linesman, needle-nose
- Wrenches - pipe, service, adjustable, allen / hex keys
- Multimeter
- Tube and pipe cutters
- Wire strippers
- Channel locks
- Pipe caliper
- Thermometer
- Valve core remover
- Filter puller (with telescoping handle)
- Awl + sheet metal shears (sometimes called tin snips)
- Utility knife (with spare blades)
- Long neck nut driver set
- Tape measure
- Saws - hacksaw, reciprocating saw
- Hand seamer
HVAC Safety Tools
HVAC can be a risky job. You're dealing with electricity, water, potentially harmful chemicals, sharp metal, power tools, and flames. You need to meet OSHA standards and your company's safety protocols. But more importantly, you want to stay safe so you can return home to your loved ones at the end of each day.
Here are the HVAC safety tools you need:
- Safety glasses and hearing protection (obviously)
- Gloves (to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and cuts)
- Inspection mirror (to see welds or serial numbers in those tough spots)
- Rechargeable flashlight or headlamp (for working in dark spaces)
- Extension cords (because outlets may be far away)
- Steel-toed boots (to protect your toes)
- HVAC tool bag (to carry all of your tools safely and effectively)
There are some other tools that I haven't listed here, either because they aren't used frequently, or because they're so large that the company should provide them. This includes tools like: an HVAC vacuum pump, nitrogen regulators, digital refrigerant gauges, adjustable ladders, and more. You’ll also want this pre-job safety checklist you can use on each new job.
HVAC Software Tools for Front Office & Management
You need a software that has all of the essential pieces for front office staff, technicians, management, and your customers.
- Customer Relationship Management
- Quotes & Estimates
- Billing & Invoicing
- Reporting & Dashboards
- Inventory Tracking
- Scheduling, Dispatching, & Routing
Some field service software options in the market include House Call Pro, Service Fusion, Service Titan, and more. Check out this article if you're interested in learning more about each of those job management softwares and how they stack up.
In conclusion, we've looked at 26 must-have HVAC tools for your business: hand tools for HVAC technicians, safety tools, and software tools. Get equipped with the best tools so you can do great work!
