What’s in your bag: 7 HVAC tools for entry-level professionals
The best way to prepare for a career in the growing Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry is through hands-on experience learning proper techniques from industry-experienced professionals. It also doesn’t hurt to have the support of leading industry organizations like HVAC Excellence or to take advantage of partnerships with HVAC standard-bearers like Yellow Jacket, who sponsors a training room at the Union, NJ campus and provides quality HVAC tools.
Above all, it's important that new graduates are well trained to succeed in entry-level positions by building their skills on standard professional equipment and tools. These seven HVAC tools are essential for HVAC professionals and are commonly used in Lincoln Tech’s HVAC training programs:
HVAC Tools
Wire strippers: These small, handheld tools look almost like a pair of scissors, but are designed to instead strip the insulation from electrical wiring. The blades often have notches, which help you cut the insulation without causing any damage to the wires.
Manifold gauge set: HVAC gauges allow you to read refrigerant pressures in an enclosed cooling system. A manifold gauge set is an absolutely essential tool for any professional HVAC technician, as it can quickly help troubleshoot whether a unit is running properly or why the system is possibly failing.
Nut drivers: Nut drivers are one of the HVAC technician's most commonly used tools. Why? Because many of the HVAC systems are put together using hex head bolts and screws.
Low Loss Fittings: When working on a system, it’s the law to not let refrigerant escape. This is when low loss fittings come in handy. After you remove the system, the fittings attach to the refrigerant hoses to prevent refrigerant from escaping.
Pliers: Along with wire strippers, you'll need a variety of pliers to work with plumbing and electrical wiring. Other types you'll need include needle-nose, open-face, channel-lock and linesman pliers.
Phillips and slotted screwdrivers: Because you'll be working with various types of screws, it's important to have more than one type of screwdriver. Screwdrivers come in a variety of lengths and types such as Phillips and slotted blades. These are the most convenient and practical options for HVAC technicians.
DVOM Digital Volt Ohmmeter: A volt ohmmeter typically measures voltage, current and resistance, and can be used to troubleshoot electrical problems when working with wiring systems.
Employers nationwide are expected to hire more than 75,000 HVAC technicians by 2024*! Ready to train for an HVAC career using the tools of a professional? Explore training programs in Brockton, MA; Mahwah and Union, NJ; Grand Prairie, TX; East Windsor and New Britain, CT; West Palm Beach, FL; Denver, CO; Columbia, MD and Atlanta, GA.