Repair of your HVAC system, including your air conditioner, takes specialized knowledge and experience, and technicians need a range of tools to repair these complex systems. Being knowledgeable about the types of tools used can help you ask your HVAC technicians informed questions. To learn more about the types of tools (such as wrenches, pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, dies and more) used to repair HVAC systems, keep reading.
Types of HVAC Tools
HVAC tools can be divided into three categories: basic, specialty and advanced.
Basic HVAC Tools
Some basic HVAC tools you might have around your house include screwdrivers, nut drivers, pliers, and wrenches. At a minimum, a multi-purpose screwdriver, including a Phillips and flat head, is needed for HVAC repairs. However, other kinds of screwdrivers, including a cabinet bit, keystone bit, Allen recess and slotted screw may be needed as well. A magnetic nut driver set can be incredibly useful, and you may require hex-head nut drivers. Pliers are also common tools most households have. Usually, they’re made of alloy steel and can be used to cut wires. Needle-nose pliers are used to reach into crevices or equipment with small openings.
Wrenches are suitable for some HVAC fasteners. Open-end wrenches can slide onto a nut or bolt more easily than other kinds. Pipe wrenches have a unique shape and toothed head that allow techs to easily grip pipes and other tricky surfaces. Typical wrench sizes used for HVAC repairs are 1″ across flat, 15/16″ across flat, 5/8″ across flat, 1/2″ across flat and 7/16″ across flat. Adjustable wrenches can be used on various sizes of bolts and nuts, but keep in mind the grip may not be ideal and may result in a damaged nut or bolt.
HVAC repair can require cutting, drilling and fastening metal. Tools needed for these tasks are less common in the home but are still considered to be basic HVAC tools. For drilling, power drills are used to install or repair equipment. Drilling wood, plastic, masonry and metal requires different kinds of drill bits — a twist drill bit is often used to install plastic or metal components.
Taps are used to make threaded holes in metal parts and are made of hard alloy steel. Three common types of taps for HVAC unit repair are bottoming, plug and taper. HVAC technicians may use a taper tap to start a cut on the metal, then a plug type to cut blind holes and finally a bottoming tap to cut full threads to the base of the hole.
Hacksaws are used to cut copper tubing or other metals. Most have a range of blades that can be fitted depending on the type of metal you’re cutting. Blades are rated by their size in inches and number of teeth. A general guide to use is the thicker the metal you’re cutting, the more inches and teeth your blade will need. Professional technicians tend to use higher-quality blades made from tungsten or molybdenum steel.
A few tools are used for holding components together during repair, including staple guns, vises and crimpers. Staple guns may be needed to assemble ductwork during HVAC installation. Vises are used to hold parts together and are made of soft metal, such as copper or aluminum, to prevent damage to your HVAC parts during installation. HVAC technicians may use hand seamers to flatten or bend sheet metal, and then snips to cut the metal. Crimpers are then used to adapt sheet metal parts to pipes. Files are used to clean and smooth cut metal surfaces or metal parts. They can be single- or double-cut with lengths ranging from four to twelve inches.
All HVAC techs should wear safety gear, such as gloves, safety glasses and masks, to protect themselves from dust and debris. When working with power tools such as drills, technicians use ear protection. Heavy work boots are essential for grip and foot protection if a heavy or dangerous object should fall.
Specialty HVAC Tools
Techs may use specialty tools, including gauges and gauge hoses, in addition to basic tools for your HVAC repair. A refrigeration gauge measures the pressure of the refrigerant to help identify leaks. A manifold gauge set may be used to diagnose high and low pressure in the system.
Multimeters are a specialty tool used to check electrical components. Psychrometers measure air flow, evaluate air mixtures and measure relative humidity levels. Techs may also need refrigeration tools, including refrigerant leak detectors, scales and storage tanks. Your tech may use refrigerant recovery machines as well.
Advanced HVAC Tools
Occasionally, your HVAC repair may require technicians to pull out their advanced tools — typically nitrogen regulators, which reduce the pressure of gases or liquids. Technicians use these regulators to make sure gases and liquids under high pressure are safe to work with.
Other essential tools to repair your HVAC include extension cords, a tape measure, adapters, a step ladder, flashlights, utility knives and more.
Common HVAC Issues
Common breakdowns with HVAC units can include thermostat malfunctions, clogged air filters, dirty condenser coils, drainage issues and electrical failures. These are simple issues you can likely take care of yourself. For example, cleaning condenser coils is a basic task, as is replacing or cleaning an air filter. Electrical issues, such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker, can be easily identified and repaired as well. When your system experiences a breakdown, first look for issues with the thermostat, AC condenser coil, drain lines and simple electrical components.
Can I DIY My HVAC Repair?
HVAC units have many components that must be installed properly for your system to function as intended. It’s important to note that the list of HVAC repair tools we’ve discussed here isn’t exhaustive, and if you don’t have a large tool collection at home, costs to purchase needed tools can be considerable. HVAC repairs are often expensive, and it can be tempting to try to DIY your repair. Unless the problem is small and can be resolved fairly simply, or you have some experience with more complex issues (and a tool collection to support the repair), I suggest calling in an expert.
FAQs About HVAC Repair Tools
What basic tools do I need for HVAC maintenance?
The basic tools needed for HVAC maintenance include screwdrivers, pliers, multimeters, fin combs and cleaning brushes.
How can I safely clean my AC’s condenser coil?
Cleaning the condenser coil is a critical AC maintenance task. To clean the coil, turn the unit off and wait for the fan to completely stop. Then clear all debris and remove the top grille for easier access. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove loose dirt, and follow with a commercial coil cleaner (or mix mild deterrent with water). Spray the cleaner and allow it to sit on the coil for a few minutes to loosen any remaining dirt. Then rinse the coil, gently, and allow the unit to dry.
Be sure to straighten any fins with a fin comb if they’re bent from the cleaning. Then reassemble your unit and turn the power back on. Experts recommend cleaning the condenser coil once a year.
What safety equipment should I use when working on my HVAC system??
Safety needs to come first when working on your HVAC system. Safety equipment you’ll need includes safety glasses or goggles, work gloves and a respiratoror dust mask. Closed-toe shoes, ear protection, hard hat, voltage tester, and a first-aid kit are also essential.
Remember to always turn off power to the unit before you begin work. If you are uncertain of a repair, contact a professional. HVAC repairs can require specialized training and certification, so DIY isn’t always an option.
