Best HVAC Tools: Essential Equipment List 

HVAC repair and installation require a wide array of tools. They are instrumental in supporting technicians in completing jobs accurately and quickly. But what are the best HVAC tools? 

The HVAC tools list includes these categories: hand, power, specialized, and safety tools. In this article, you’ll learn about each HVAC must-have tool. Explore what to use them for and how to find the right options for your business

Hand Tools

The must-have HVAC tools category number one is hand tools. These everyday necessities provide a foundation for your toolbox. You’ll likely need them at every job. 

Screwdriver

A range of screwdrivers is critical. Different sizes will ensure you can work in tight spaces or odd angles. 

The cost for a set of screwdrivers will be between $25-$75, depending on how many pieces it contains and the quality of the tools. Some brand options include: 

• Craftsman®
• DEWALT® 
• Stanley® 
• Milwaukee® 
• Klein Tools® 

You can purchase those through e-commerce sites or at your local home improvement store. 

Adjustable Wrench

This HVAC hand tool is another vital piece. An adjustable wrench enables you to loosen pipe connectors of any size. You may also want to include some fixed wrenches of standard sizes. 

The price range for a good adjustable wrench is $10-$50. You can find quality ones from the same brands listed for screwdrivers and tape measures and find them at the same retailers. 

Hammer

Find a lightweight hammer so it doesn’t weigh down your tool bag. You’ll need it for various tasks, and it should have an easy grip. Those made of fiberglass are durable. 

Some brands to consider include Irwin®, Husky, and Milwaukee. You’ll need to budget $25-$75. This is a tool that you’ll need a backup for in case of damage.

Staple Gun

Staple guns come in handy for securing joists and foil lines for increased airflow. They can also be useful for ductwork assembly. 

Companies producing high-quality staple guns include Stanley, Craftsman, and DEWALT. The cost ranges from $15 to $40. 

Flashlight

Depending on where the unit is, you might have limited overhead or natural lighting. A headlamp is a smart option that casts light into dark corners and is hands-free. It should be a durable, heavy-duty flashlight or headlamp designed for commercial use. 

Energizer, Milwaukee, Craftsman, and Gorilla Grip© all make good products. The budget for this would be $40-$100. 

Power Tools

Continuing the list of HVAC technician tools are power tools. This category represents anything that uses some type of power source, making it easier to perform various tasks related to HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation. 

Drill

Every HVAC technician should have a cordless, battery-powered drill. It’s a good idea to have two batteries so that one is always charged and ready. The recommendation for specification is one that’s at least 24 volts. Depending on the substrate you’re drilling into, you’ll also need various bits.

Top drill brands include Black and Decker™, Ryobi™, DEWALT, and Milwaukee. Expect to spend from $50 to $200. The cost differences relate to the voltage and accessories included. 

Saw

A power saw should also be in your toolbox. You’ll need one with a reciprocating saw blade (Sawzall), which is ideal for cutting through materials most common in HVAC projects. You want a highly durable saw, as it will get lots of use. Remember to replace the blades regularly. 

Compare options from Milwaukee, DEWALT, and Black and Decker. The low-end saws start at around $80; the most expensive can be over $400. The voltage, strokes per minute (SPMs), rating, and other features factor into the total cost. 

Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is another power tool that can assist with many tasks, such as cutting, grinding, shaping, deburring, and removing welds. It can work on many materials like metal, stone, and concrete. 

Some specific use cases in HVAC include shaping ductwork, fabricating custom fittings, preparing surfaces, cutting pipes, and more. 

Some brands to look at for angle grinders are Milwaukee, Metabo®, Makita®, and DEWALT. The costs can vary from $70 to $230. Costs may differ for cordless versus corded and the power and speed of the tool. 

Specialized Tools

The next category of essential HVAC tools is those with specialized uses. These items play specific roles in HVAC jobs, supporting diagnostics, maintenance, and repair. 

Multimeter

A multimeter tests electrical components and systems. They can measure voltage, current, and resistance. They are imperative when working around electrical hazards and live wires, keeping you safe. 

The price of a multimeter can be from $20 to $50. The top brands are AstroAI, Klein Tools, Triplett, and Fluke®. 

Psychrometer

Psychrometers calculate and rate airflow and air mixtures as well as relative humidity. You would use it when you need to understand and manage indoor air quality and comfort. The readings determine the dew point and wet-bulb temperature so that systems will operate more efficiently. 

Common brands are Fieldpiece©, General Tools®, Triplett, and Extech. On the low end, psychrometers cost around $100. The most expensive can be $300 or more. 

Manifold Gauge

Manifold gauges check pressure, and HVAC technicians use them for diagnostics and service. As a diagnostic tool, it can provide information on whether the system is operating correctly. They can determine if there are leaks, add or remove refrigerant, and troubleshoot to find root causes. 

A manifold gauge has two main gauges: one for low pressure and one for high. There are different diameters, with the most common being 2-1/2” and 3-1/8”. 

Reliable brands for these gauges are Yellow Jacket®, Blackmax, and Pro-Set. Prices range from $120 to $350. 

Thermometer

Since temperature control is so critical in HVAC repair and maintenance, add a thermometer to your toolbox. A digital one that’s portable and durable is a must-have. Depending on the job type and scope, you may opt for an infrared thermometer. 

A standard digital thermometer is around $20. Infrareds are between $100-$150. Brands to consider include UEi Test Instruments, Klein Tools, and Fieldpiece. 

Safety Tools

HVAC work can be risky. There are electrical concerns, and equipment can be heavy. It’s important to bring in the best HVAC tools for safety to reduce the chance of injury. 

PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of several different safety tools, such as: 

• Thick gloves: They need to be strong enough to protect hands while also providing dexterity for working with smaller tools and screws. Milwaukee and Gorilla Grip are reputable brands with costs from $15 to $40. 
• Goggles: Protecting your eyes from metal and dust debris requires a good set of goggles. Some also have magnification to bring smaller objects into focus. You’ll find goggles from DEWALT, 3M©, and Scotchgard, which cost around $20-$40. 
• Ear plugs: If there’s loud, consistent sound at a work site, you should have some industrial-strength ear plugs in your toolbox. 3M, DEWALT, and Milwaukee all manufacture these. Pricing ranges from $12 to $35. 
• Protective shoes: HVAC projects can involve working on ladders, negotiating various terrains, and handling heavy objects. Thus, it’s crucial to keep your feet safe. Ideally, the boots should have a steel toe and be non-slip. You can find these from Cat®, Wolverine®, Carhartt®, and Timberland®. They can cost $115-$300, depending on the brand, style, and features. 

Voltage Tester

A voltage tester provides assurance of the current status of wires. It will signal if a voltage is present. There are contact ones, like multimeters, and non-contact ones. The latter doesn’t require you to touch the wiring. It reads voltage by looking at the electromagnetic field. 

The non-contact voltage testers can be inexpensive at $15-$25. Milwaukee, Klein Tools, and Fluke are common brands. 

Safety Harness and Fall Protection

Should your HVAC job require climbing to a height of 6 feet or greater, you’ll need a harness and fall protection equipment. This is the mandate from OSHA. 

The harness should meet OSHA guidelines and have the correct features to suspend you should you fall from a ladder or surface. 

The top brands for safety harnesses include 3M, FallTech®, Miller by Honeywell®, and Guardian®. Depending on the size needed and its capabilities, you may pay $125-$400 for a complete set. 

Technology Tools

HVAC technicians can also benefit from technology tools while working. They can make manual tasks much faster and help with calculations. 

HVAC Calculator Apps

There are several HVAC calculators you may need on the job, such as: 

• Load calculators: Determine the BTU range for any building by inputting square footage, the number of windows, and climate. Options include EnergyPlus™, Wrightsoft®, and EDS. 
• Duct calculator: Calculate duct size using airflow or dimensions with this tool. You enter parameters to identify sizes that fall within the friction loss bounds. 

HVAC Service Software

Owners and technicians can streamline appointments, estimates, and more with the right HVAC service platform. Some of the capabilities include: 

• Tracking accounts 
• Managing workflows 
• Scheduling employees 
• Syncing payments to financial software 
• Creating dynamic estimates 
• Invoicing and payment receipt 

Most systems are highly customizable to your specific needs. 

The Complete List of the Best HVAC Tools

Use this list and its information on features, brands, and pricing to build the best HVAC toolbox. You can compare options and build a budget. 

With these must-have HVAC tools, technicians will have all they need to complete jobs correctly and quickly. 

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