Get Familiar With the Tools Used By Heating & Air Conditioning Technicians
When a heater or air conditioner goes on the fritz, it’s up to professional HVAC technicians to come to the rescue like knights in shining armor. But instead of a sword or ax, these brave champions wield the unique tools of their trade. Considering their complexity and the many different ways they’re integrated into a home, from the gas lines to the electrical system to the air ducts, technicians need every weapon in their arsenal to “slay the beast,” as it were.
This article will lay out some of the most important and frequently used tools and equipment in every HVAC expert’s toolbox.
Basic Tools
Other essential tools include wire cutters/wire strippers, sheet metal shears, pipe and tube cutters, a pipe caliper, a cordless drill, a staple gun, a level, a fuse puller, a flashlight, and a small mirror (usually on a thin telescopic rod) for examining pipe welds or serial numbers tucked away at awkward angles.
Personal Protective Equipment
No professional heating technician or AC contractor goes out into the field without the proper safety gear. Technicians will wear goggles to protect their eyes from flying debris or dust, mainly when using power tools. They will also wear heavy-duty but flexible gloves that protect them from nicks and abrasions when working in tight spaces and direct contact with harmful refrigerant chemicals.
Pros also wear face masks or respirators to protect their customers and protect themselves against dust or any other airborne contaminants present where they’re working. Most technicians also wear steel toe boots as a precaution and ear protection when working with noisy tools in small spaces.
Special Tools & Devices
The emphasis on safety carries over into some of the more advanced tools HVAC professionals use. Pros will use an HVAC-specific multimeter to check electrical connections for live current before working on them. Then, the same device will measure motor amperage or test for shorts, electrical faults, or even temperature irregularities. Leak detectors of various types are used by AC and heating technicians to find dangerous gas or refrigerant leaks safely.
Other instruments are essential for performing maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics. Coil fin straighteners make it easier to clean debris off of heat exchange coils; a core removal tool allows for easy replacement of refrigerant valve cores; a vacuum pump is vital for purging and recharging refrigerant lines. Thermal imaging devices and psychrometers help technicians measure temperature, airflow, and humidity to diagnose tricky problems.
Armed with their experience, specialized knowledge, and this extensive array of tools, HVAC service professionals can head into battle with confidence and handle virtually any problem they encounter!
About Air Now
Air Now has been handling Sarasota’s HVAC needs since 1946. They always provide up-front pricing and a range of options to fit any goal or budget. Air Now also offers membership perks and 24/7 emergency service with no overtime charges, so don’t hesitate to call them for HVAC services in Sarasota, FL!
