All the Tools You Need to Start and Run and Grow an HVAC Business
If you are running an HVAC Business, you are well aware of the importance of tools in your operations. Starting from attending service calls to making installations, tools are an absolute necessity for carrying out most of your tasks. However, HVAC businesses don’t run on mechanical tools alone; there are other tools like software programs that businesses require to increase efficiency.
If you are still in the planning stage for your business, it is high time you learn about the different tools that you can utilize to start your company. Even if you are already in the field for some time now, it is always a wise strategy to keep up with the changing market practices to attain the desired growth for your business. So, without delay, let’s find out the tools you can use to run your operations efficiently.
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Table of Contents
Basic HVAC Tools
First, let’s talk about the tools that, although basic, are needed regularly. Since these tools are found in almost every household and don’t require their user to have specific skills, we won’t go deeper into their details. To name a few, this toolkit includes items such as the following:
- Screwdrivers
- Electric drills
- Assorted nut drivers
- Manual hand saw
- Pipe wrenches
- Pry bars
- Crescent and pipe wrenches
- Cutters
- Hammers
- Assorted pliers, etc.
Other simpler items like duct knife, flashlight, extension cord, ropes, etc. are equally vital for HVAC Service Operations.
Sheet Metal Tools
Not all HVAC businesses undertake sheet metal work. Also, to undertake this specific work, you would need a license. But even for sheet metal work, you need certain tools such as tubing cutter, staple gun, awl, crimpers, tongs, hand seamers, folding bars, etc.
The Technical Tools
You will also need several technical tools to undertake HVAC-related servicing work. The following is a list of the major technical tools essential for your business.
- A recovery unit is needed to take refrigerants out of air conditioners and cooling equipment so that there is no leakage.
- HVAC technicians need to carry a carbon monoxide detector with them at all times so that high levels of carbon monoxide around, while they are at work, can be detected. Since carbon monoxide is odorless, you need a detector to ascertain its presence.
- Another important tool needed is a thermal image camera which is heat sensitive and is used to locate troubled spots in a cooling device or air conditioner.
- Technicians also carry a megohmmeter, which is used to find out the absoluteness of the compressor in a system.
- Motor rotation in a system can be checked with a phase tester, which is again an important tool for HVAC technicians.
- There are gases and liquids inside an HVAC System. Technicians can study the pressure with the help of a refrigeration gauge, which is a must in an HVAC Technician’s toolkit.
- If the refrigeration gauge you use does not have a multi-meter, then you have to invest in a temperature sensor, which is required to measure the temperature of the HVAC.
- Technicians also need a vacuum pump so that any vapor inside the unit that they are fixing can be sucked out. It can also be used to suck out the refrigerant liquid which can later be repurposed. But one thing you have to keep in mind here is that these pumps are a little expensive.
- To be able to measure how much refrigerant is being put inside a unit, technicians need a refrigerant scale.
- Any refrigerant that has been recovered from cooling systems can be put inside a container, which is referred to as a refrigerant storage tank. If you want to be a competent HVAC Company, then you will have to invest in such a storage tank for higher efficiency in your service.
HVAC Specialty Tools
Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is a highly technical field. Mere mechanical skills would not suffice if you want to provide high-quality service to your customers. You need technicians with specialized knowledge and skills for that. Naturally, the job requires some specific, advanced tools and equipment to get the job done as well.
Here are some specialty HVAC tools and advanced equipment that can take your service quality to the next level:
- Digital Refrigerant Gauges
- Filter Puller
- Multimeter
- Core Remover
- Leak Detector
- Nitrogen Regulator
- Psychrometer
Don’t get an old-school analog version. Digital versions are more expensive but totally worth it because they do the calculations for you. This not only saves you a lot of time, it also prevents errors from manual calculations. You simply put your gauges on, put on clamps and temperature sensors, and you see all the information you need on the screen. Some models will even provide troubleshooting tips based on the readings. Some connect to apps on your phone to help you see what’s going on with the system.
Unfortunately, HVAC systems are not always designed with maintenance in mind. Sometimes filters can be hard to access. This tool has a telescoping handle that gives you additional reach and a hook to easily grab and pull the filter towards you.
This is a voltage tester for troubleshooting electronic components of the system. Be sure to get a version that’s designed specifically for HVAC technicians. You’ll see a temperature bulb symbol on the meter. It also will come with a thermocouple (an air temperature sensor that straps onto a pipe), and amp probes for reading amps on a motor.
When dealing with broken cores, this tool assists your techs with removal and replacement.
HVAC service techs use refrigerant leak detectors to confirm areas with moisture as a way of identifying the source of a refrigerant leak.
A nitrogen regulator acts as a pressure control valve. It reduces highly pressurized gas or liquid into a more usable form. Without a nitrogen regulator, the high pressure allows the gas or liquid to be released all at once.
Psychrometers measure and rate the air flow and air mixtures. The psychrometer also measures relative humidity.
HVAC Tools for Safety
Protecting your service technicians’ health and safety on the job, as well as your HVAC customers, is a top priority. Here are some specific safety items to include on your complete HVAC tools list.
- Gloves
- Masks
- Earmuffs/plugs
- Goggles
- Shoes
HVAC Business Tools to Increase Revenue
Up until this point, the items listed here could be guessed mostly by anyone familiar with HVAC operations. But here comes the interesting part. With the changing technological demands of the industry, HVAC businesses these days are leveraging a wide array of digital tools. And they are majorly targeted to run the office work smoothly. At the same time, these tools can significantly help HVAC companies increase revenue in various ways.
For an ever-growing HVAC business, therefore, you need certain business tools to smoothly run the operations of your company and increase your revenue and productivity. Here are some of such vital tools:
- Field Service Management Software
- Payment Software
- Communication Tools
- Accounting software
The first tool is Field Service Management Software. It is just perfect to handle all the important business operations. From organizing appointments to tracking your technicians’ location, from quoting work orders to automating invoicing—almost everything can be controlled seamlessly with this software.
Payment software can also help you immensely. Electronic payments are a great way to make money transactions easy for your business. If you want improved efficiency, then you must integrate one with your field service management software.
It is important to make sure your team of technicians communicate with each other efficiently. Whether it’s through phone calls, text messages, or online messages, you need to find out channels of communication that can be used on a sustainable basis. Even internet-mediated video communication could be a great option.
Accounting is a major arm of any business. And that is why using accounting software could be the key to increase your business productivity. From handling salaries and paying overheads to balance the books, everything can be adequately handled with good accounting software.
To have a more efficient system in place and increase your profitability, you must ensure that your field service management software and accounting software are integrated. That is to say, these two systems can import data from each other for various purposes. For instance, field service management software can borrow customer information from accounting software to create a work order. On the other hand, accounting software can take necessary information from the field service management software to create the invoice. This also eliminates redundant data entry and saves you time and effort.
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Other Essential Tools
Under this category, the first item you have is uniforms. Now, you must be wondering why on earth uniforms are considered tools? Well, they are tools because, without the right uniform, your technicians won’t be able to perform their work efficiently. Also, the uniform of your company can act as a branding tool for your business. Hence, whenever your technicians go out in their uniforms, people will recognize your brand through them. So, having a professional look uniform for your technicians can also boost your business in a roundabout way. Now, isn’t that one of the Best HVAC Business Tips you have ever come across?
Also, make sure your professionals feel protected with the uniforms you provide them. Therefore, it means your company uniform should include everything starting from boots, knee pads, and gloves to safety goggles and tool bags and boxes.
Some other essential HVAC business growth tools include marketing tools, financial payment partners, review automation software, etc.
You don’t just need tools to run your company. You also need them to grow your business at the same time. Without having amazing growth tools in place, you won’t be able to move beyond your current business status. And that is not what you would want for your business. Isn’t it?
With all the tools mentioned above, your business will stand more equipped than ever. And nothing work better as an HVAC business strategy than that of leveraging digital tools. In fact, it has become the biggest competitive advantage for HVAC companies today. So, if you want the best tool for your HVAC company, don’t miss out on the software and mobile applications. And your best bet in this regard is Field Promax.
Field Promax is currently the leading field service management software solution available for HVAC businesses. It is not just efficient and budget-friendly, it is tailor-made for small, medium, and large HVAC companies with great customization and comprehensive features. Plus, it is surprisingly easy to use.
Now, what makes you wait? If you are a start-up, then go ahead and invest in these tools for a great career in the HVAC business.
