Home Construction Management HVAC Tools and Equipment
HVAC Tools and Equipment: 56 Things Your Business Needs
Building an HVAC business? This list of essential tools and other items can help you ensure you can tackle any challenge 2025 may bring!

As you build your business, you’ll want to know about all the different HVAC tools and equipment your team might use – and there are a lot of them!
On top of that, you’re also working with a budget and trying to spread out your purchases without sacrificing quality or functionality. Understanding the cost AND value of your mission-critical tools can help you manage your business’ money and keep your cash flow positive while equipping your team.
This guide will examine the essential (and nice-to-have) HVAC tools and equipment every HVAC worker needs, making it easier to build a toolkit that works for your crew.
Whether you’re saving up for a few items at a time or ready to invest upfront, you’ll get practical advice on what’s worth your money — and what you can skip for now.
Must-Have HVAC Tools List: An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
In this guide, we’ll break down the key HVAC tools into three categories:
- Basic Everyday HVAC Tools – These are the essential tools HVAC techs use every day, including hand tools, power tools, and safety gear. They are must-haves for any technician, and most of them are things HVAC workers need to buy on their own.
- Specialized Nice-to-Have HVAC Tools – These are more advanced, specialized tools that new service techs won’t have to get right away but are helpful to have as they gain experience and take on more complex jobs.
- Digital HVAC Tools – Having the right software is just as important as having the right tools in your bag. We’ll talk about some digital tools that can help streamline HVAC work, including HVAC software like Workyard, which is designed to make managing jobs and teams easier for your HVAC company.
Let’s dive into the details!
Basic Everyday HVAC Tools and Equipment

1. Hand Tools
a. Screwdriver Set
- Overview: A versatile set for various HVAC tasks, including tightening or loosening screws of different sizes.
- Price Range: $15–$50.
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, Wiha, Craftsman.
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Opt for magnetic tips to avoid dropping screws in tight spaces.
b. Nut Drivers
- Overview: Essential for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, especially in areas with limited space.
- Price Range: $20–$40 for a set
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, DEWALT, Milwaukee
- Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Amazon, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Consider getting a set with color-coded handles to easily identify sizes.
c. Pliers/Pliers Set
- Overview: Used for gripping, twisting, or cutting wires and other materials.
- Price Range: $10–$60 (depending on the set)
- Recommended Brands: Channellock, Klein Tools, Milwaukee
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Get a set with needle-nose, linesman (with cutter/crimp), channel locks (adjustable locking pliers), and diagonal cutters for full versatility.
d. Hammer
- Overview: A basic tool for driving nails, breaking parts, and other general tasks.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Estwing, Stanley, DEWALT
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Choose a hammer with a shock-absorbing handle to reduce strain on the hand.
e. Flashlight/Headlamp
- Overview: Crucial for illuminating dark work areas, especially in attics or basements.
- Price Range: $15–$50
- Recommended Brands: Streamlight, Coast, Energizer
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Go for a headlamp with adjustable brightness and long battery life (ideally 20+ hours on a medium setting) for hands-free work.
f. Wrenches
- Overview: Adjustable crescent wrenches and pipe wrenches are necessary for gripping, tightening, and loosening various fittings.
- Price Range: $20–$60
- Recommended Brands: Crescent, RIDGID, Channellock
- Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon
- Pro Tip: A 6-inch crescent wrench is often recommended as the most versatile size.
g. Cutters (Tube/PVC Cutters)
- Overview: Essential for cutting copper, PVC, or other tubing used in HVAC work.
- Price Range: $10–$40
- Recommended Brands: RIDGID, Milwaukee, Klein Tools
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, HVAC supply stores, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Get a cutter that’s easy to handle in tight spaces and check if it works with both PVC and metal tubing.
h. Duct Knife
- Overview: Designed for cutting through insulation and ductwork material.
- Price Range: $10–$20
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, Stanley, Milwaukee
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Home Depot, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Look for one with a serrated edge for cleaner cuts through insulation.
i. Tape Measure
- Overview: Used to measure dimensions and distances, a must for proper installation work.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Stanley, Milwaukee, DEWALT
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Choose a tape measure with a sturdy blade and a magnetic hook to make one-person measurements easier.
j. Tin Snips
- Overview: Used for cutting sheet metal, ducts, and other thin materials.
- Price Range: $10–$25
- Recommended Brands: Wiss, Milwaukee, Crescent
- Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Go for aviation snips (left, right, and straight cut) for better versatility and control.
k. Wire Strippers
- Overview: Essential for cutting and stripping insulation from wires without damaging them.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, Irwin, Milwaukee
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Choose a wire stripper with multiple size options for different wire gauges.
l. Torpedo Level
- Overview: A compact level to ensure equipment, piping, and ducts are properly aligned.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Stanley, Empire, Johnson Level
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Magnetic torpedo levels can be helpful for working on metal surfaces.
m. Hex Keys
- Overview: Used to tighten or loosen hexagonal bolts in HVAC systems.
- Price Range: $5–$20
- Recommended Brands: Bondhus, Klein Tools, TEKTON
- Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon
- Pro Tip: A foldable hex key set will keep all sizes together and be more convenient.
n. Refrigeration Ratchet
- Overview: A specialized tool for adjusting refrigerant valves and other HVAC components.
- Price Range: $20–$40
- Recommended Brands: CPS, Yellow Jacket, Appion
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Make sure it includes a 1/4″ and 5/16″ square drive to handle most systems.
o. Telescoping Magnetic Pickup
- Overview: Helps retrieve dropped screws or parts in hard-to-reach areas.
- Price Range: $5–$15
- Recommended Brands: SE, Ullman, Titan
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Go for a telescoping pickup with a strong magnet and a long reach for maximum usefulness.
Boost HVAC techs’ productivity with Workyard’s precise time clock
See how it works
2. Power Tools
a. Impact Driver
- Overview: Great for driving screws into tough materials, especially sheet metal or ducts.
- Price Range: $100–$300
- Recommended Brands: DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon
- Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, you can start with just an impact driver, but having both an impact driver and a drill will give HVAC techs more flexibility for different jobs.
b. Drill (Power Drill/Hammer Drill)
- Overview: Used for drilling holes in various materials, a hammer drill is ideal for tougher materials like masonry.
- Price Range: $80–$250
- Recommended Brands: Bosch, Milwaukee, DEWALT
- Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon
- Pro Tip: If you’re often working with concrete or brick, a hammer drill will make your life much easier. For general use, a regular power drill should suffice.
c. Handheld Power Saw
- Overview: Used for cutting various materials, including wood and PVC.
- Price Range: $80–$200
- Recommended Brands: Makita, DEWALT, Bosch
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: A cordless power saw will offer better flexibility when working in tight spaces or outdoors without nearby outlets.
d. Angle Grinder
- Overview: Used for cutting, grinding, or polishing metal and other materials.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: DEWALT, Makita, Bosch
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Choose one with multiple speeds for versatility in handling different materials.
e. Extension Cords
- Overview: Necessary for powering tools when outlets aren’t close by.
- Price Range: $15–$50
- Recommended Brands: Iron Forge, Woods, Yellow Jacket
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Get a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cord for the best durability on job sites.
f. Staple Gun
- Overview: Used to fasten insulation and other materials securely.
- Price Range: $30–$100
- Recommended Brands: Arrow, DEWALT, Stanley
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Look for a staple gun with adjustable depth control to avoid over-driving staples.
3. Safety Tools and Equipment
a. Multimeter
- Overview: Essential for measuring electrical properties like voltage, current, and resistance.
- Price Range: $50–$200
- Recommended Brands: Fluke, Klein Tools, Amprobe
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: While a multimeter is versatile, a clamp meter makes measuring current easier without having to cut into the circuit. If your HVAC crew will be working around live wires often, a clamp meter might be a better investment.
b. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Devices
- Overview: Used to secure energy sources (like electrical or HVAC systems) to prevent accidental startup during maintenance.
- Price Range: $20–$100 (for a basic set)
- Recommended Brands: Brady, Master Lock, Zing Green Products
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Grainger, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: Choose a set with multiple lock types to cover various system components, especially if you’re working in larger commercial environments.
c. Gloves (Cut-Resistant Gloves)
- Overview: Provides protection when working with sharp objects, sheet metal, or other dangerous materials.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Mechanix Wear, Ansell, Superior Glove
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Look for gloves with level 5 cut resistance to provide the best protection without compromising dexterity.
d. Masks (Duct Masks)
- Overview: Protects from inhaling dust, debris, and other harmful particles during ductwork.
- Price Range: $10–$50 (for reusable masks)
- Recommended Brands: 3M, GVS, Honeywell
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: A reusable mask with replaceable filters offers better long-term value than disposable options, especially if your crew works in dusty environments frequently.
e. Goggles (Safety Goggles or Safety Glasses)
- Overview: Protects eyes from debris, chemicals, or any flying particles while working.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: 3M, DEWALT, Pyramex
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon
- Pro Tip: Opt for goggles that offer anti-fog protection if your team often works in environments with fluctuating temperatures or high humidity.
f. Knee Pad/Kneeling Mat
- Overview: Protects knees during installations or repairs that require kneeling for extended periods.
- Price Range: $15–$40
- Recommended Brands: ToughBuilt, DEWALT, NoCry
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: A mat offers more flexibility, while knee pads provide better long-term comfort if your HVAC workers frequently move between tasks.
g. Ear Muffs/Plugs
- Overview: Protects hearing when working with loud equipment or in noisy environments.
- Price Range: $5–$40
- Recommended Brands: 3M, Howard Leight, Peltor
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Invest in a pair with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) if your team works around heavy machinery or on commercial sites.
h. Protective Shoes
- Overview: Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear that protects feet from falling objects, sharp debris, and other job site hazards.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: Timberland PRO, Wolverine, CAT Footwear
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Zappos, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: Look for shoes with steel or composite toes and slip-resistant soles, as HVAC work often involves slippery surfaces and heavy equipment.
Specialized Nice-to-Have HVAC Tools and Equipment

1. Core Removal Tool
- Overview: Essential for removing and replacing valve cores on refrigeration systems without losing refrigerant.
- Price Range: $20–$50
- Recommended Brands: CPS, Yellow Jacket, Appion
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Look for a tool that offers easy grip and a secure seal to avoid refrigerant loss.
2. Coil Fin Straightener/Coil Fin Straightener Combs
- Overview: Helps straighten bent fins on air conditioning and refrigeration coils to maintain proper airflow.
- Price Range: $5–$20
- Recommended Brands: Supco, Robinair, Yellow Jacket
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: Buy a multi-size comb to cover different fin spacing and make the job more versatile.
3. Thermometer (HVAC/R Thermometer)
- Overview: Measures the temperature of air, water, and refrigerant in HVAC systems.
- Price Range: $20–$60
- Recommended Brands: Fieldpiece, UEi, Klein Tools
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: Choose a thermometer with a fast response time and high accuracy to get real-time readings, especially for refrigeration work.
4. HVAC Data Logger
- Overview: Records temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions over time to monitor system performance.
- Price Range: $50–$200
- Recommended Brands: Lascar, Extech, Testo
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Look for a logger that allows easy data export via USB or Bluetooth for better reporting.
5. Manometer
- Overview: Measures gas pressure in HVAC systems, especially for diagnosing furnaces or gas lines.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: Fieldpiece, UEi, Testo
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Home Depot
- Pro Tip: A digital manometer offers more precision than analog versions and can store readings for later reference.
6. Gauges/Manifold Gauge Set
- Overview: Used to measure refrigerant pressure in cooling systems for both diagnostics and repairs.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: Yellow Jacket, Robinair, CPS
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Opt for a set with large, easy-to-read dials, and ensure it’s compatible with the refrigerants your team works with most.
7. Psychrometer
- Overview: Measures humidity and temperature to assess HVAC system performance, particularly in air balancing.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: Fieldpiece, Testo, Extech
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Look for a model that measures both wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures for more accurate readings.
8. Reciprocating Saw
- Overview: Used for cutting through metal, wood, and other materials during installations and repairs.
- Price Range: $100–$300
- Recommended Brands: DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: A cordless model offers the flexibility to work in tight spaces where power outlets aren’t available.
9. Caulking Gun
- Overview: Used for sealing ducts and gaps to prevent leaks and improve energy efficiency in HVAC systems.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Newborn, Albion, DEWALT
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Choose a drip-free caulking gun for cleaner, more precise applications.
10. Vacuum Pump
- Overview: Removes air and moisture from refrigeration systems to prepare for refrigerant charging.
- Price Range: $150–$500
- Recommended Brands: Robinair, CPS, Yellow Jacket
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Invest in a vacuum pump with a high CFM rating for faster evacuation on larger systems.
11. Nitrogen Regulator (Nitrogen Regulator Gauges)
- Overview: Regulates nitrogen flow for purging HVAC systems during installation or repair.
- Price Range: $50–$150
- Recommended Brands: Harris, Victor, Uniweld
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: A dual-gauge regulator will give you better control over both high-pressure and low-pressure operations.
12. Leak Detector
- Overview: Used for detecting refrigerant leaks in HVAC systems.
- Price Range: $100–$400
- Recommended Brands: Inficon, Fieldpiece, Yellow Jacket
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Look for one with multiple sensitivity settings. This allows you to pinpoint leaks more accurately without false positives, especially in complex systems. Also, consider a detector that can handle all refrigerants, including newer HFO blends, to future-proof your investment.
13. Refrigerant Scale
- Overview: Measures the weight of refrigerant being added or removed from a system, essential for proper charging.
- Price Range: $50–$200
- Recommended Brands: Fieldpiece, CPS, Robinair
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Choose a scale with a high weight capacity and a tare function to zero out the weight of the cylinder.
14. Hand Seamers and Snips
- Overview: Used to bend and shape sheet metal for custom ductwork.
- Price Range: $20–$50
- Recommended Brands: Malco, Midwest, Wiss
- Where to Buy: Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Hand seamers with a comfortable grip reduce fatigue during long jobs.
15. Crimper
- Overview: Used to crimp sheet metal to create duct connections.
- Price Range: $30–$70
- Recommended Brands: Malco, Midwest, Wiss
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Look for crimpers with a compound leverage mechanism for easier operation.
16. Flaring Tool
- Overview: Used to flare tubing for creating connections in HVAC systems.
- Price Range: $20–$100
- Recommended Brands: Yellow Jacket, CPS, Ridgid
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: A ratcheting flaring tool can make the job faster and easier, especially in tight spaces.
17. Filter Puller
- Overview: Makes removing and replacing filters in HVAC systems easier.
- Price Range: $10–$30
- Recommended Brands: Supco, CoilJet, Malco
- Where to Buy: Amazon, HVAC supply stores, Grainger
- Pro Tip: A filter puller with an extendable handle will help in hard-to-reach areas.
18. Fuse Puller
- Overview: Designed to safely remove fuses from HVAC equipment.
- Price Range: $5–$20
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, Ideal, Cooper Bussmann
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
- Pro Tip: Choose an insulated fuse puller for added safety when working around live circuits.
19. Awl
- Overview: A sharp tool used to mark surfaces, start holes, or align components.
- Price Range: $5–$20
- Recommended Brands: Klein Tools, Stanley, Malco
- Where to Buy: Amazon, Home Depot, HVAC supply stores
- Pro Tip: Select an awl with a hardened steel tip for piercing metal ductwork or sheet metal without losing sharpness, and ensure the handle has a non-slip grip for better control in tight spaces.
20. Thermal Imaging Tools
- Overview: Detects temperature differences in HVAC systems to identify hot or cold spots.
- Price Range: $200–$600
- Recommended Brands: FLIR, Fluke, Seek Thermal
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Invest in a thermal imaging tool with adjustable emissivity settings to ensure accurate temperature readings on different surfaces, especially reflective materials like metal ductwork.
21. Flushing Solvent
- Overview: Used to clean refrigerant lines during repairs or installations.
- Price Range: $20–$50 (per canister)
- Recommended Brands: Nu-Calgon, DiversiTech, RectorSeal
- Where to Buy: HVAC supply stores, Amazon, Grainger
- Pro Tip: Choose a flushing solvent that is specifically designed for use with both R-410A and R-32 refrigerants to ensure it effectively removes contaminants without leaving residue in modern systems.
Digital HVAC Tools

With more jobs, tighter deadlines, and rising customer expectations, HVAC businesses need software solutions to streamline their operations and make their teams more efficient.
HVAC software like Workyard offers powerful digital tools designed specifically for HVAC businesses.
Workyard helps HVAC technicians and business owners in several ways, from cutting down on paperwork to providing precise labor cost tracking. Here’s how Workyard’s features can improve your workflow:
1. GPS Time-Tracking Tool
Workyard’s GPS time-tracking tool offers accurate, real-time tracking of your team’s location and work hours. This tool benefits HVAC businesses that rely on technicians working across multiple job sites.
With GPS time-tracking, you can:
- Monitor field workers in real-time, ensuring they’re where they need to be.
- Prevent time theft by verifying employees are clocking in and out from job sites.
- Improve payroll accuracy, as the data directly integrates into your payroll system, minimizing errors.
2. HVAC Scheduling Tool
Managing multiple service calls, installations, and maintenance jobs can be overwhelming without proper scheduling. Workyard’s HVAC scheduling tool simplifies this process by enabling you to:
- Easily assign jobs to technicians based on availability, skillset, and proximity.
- View team schedules in a clear, intuitive format to avoid double-booking or overlapping assignments.
- Reschedule jobs with just a few clicks when unexpected changes arise, keeping your operations running smoothly.
3. HVAC Dispatching Tool
Efficiency is key to maintaining customer satisfaction, and Workyard’s HVAC dispatching tool ensures your technicians get to the right place at the right time. This tool allows you to:
- Streamline dispatching by matching technicians with jobs based on location and urgency.
- Communicate real-time updates with field workers, providing them with directions, job details, and any special instructions.
- Track technician progress throughout the day to ensure they’re completing jobs on time.
4. Mobile App for HVAC Field Workers
Your technicians need to stay connected and informed while on the go. Workyard’s mobile app for HVAC field workers gives your team instant access to critical job information no matter where they are. The mobile app offers features such as:
- Instant job updates, so field workers are always aware of schedule changes, new assignments, and customer notes.
- Easy clock-in/out functionality from job sites, integrated with GPS tracking for accurate timekeeping.
- Job-specific documentation, allows workers to upload photos, notes, and completion details from the field.
5. HVAC Job Tracking Tool
One of the most critical aspects of managing an HVAC business is keeping track of job progress. Workyard’s HVAC job tracking tool gives you a complete overview of each project, including:
- Tracking job milestones and completion, so you always know how far along each job is.
- Organizing tasks and deadlines to keep your team on track and ensure projects are completed on time.
- Monitoring project costs, including labor and materials, to help you stay within budget.
6. HVAC Labor Cost Management Tool
Controlling labor costs is crucial to running a profitable HVAC business. Workyard’s labor cost management tool helps you analyze your workforce’s time and productivity in relation to specific jobs. Features include:
- Detailed labor cost breakdowns for each project, helping you identify where labor costs are high or low.
- Real-time labor cost monitoring, allows you to make adjustments to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Job-specific labor cost reports, give you insights into how long tasks are taking and where you can improve.
By integrating Workyard’s digital tools into your daily operations, you’ll reduce the need for paperwork, increase transparency, and ensure that your labor costs are always under control.
Boost HVAC techs’ productivity with Workyard’s precise time clock
See how it works
HVAC Tool Kits: Pre-Built vs. Custom Sets
HVAC techs need a reliable set of tools that can handle a variety of tasks.
An HVAC tool kit or tool bag is a collection of essential tools used for daily HVAC work, from installing equipment to making repairs. These kits often include:
- Hand Tools: Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hex keys, and wire strippers.
- Power Tools: Impact drivers, drills, and saws (sometimes optional).
- Specialized HVAC Tools: Manifold gauges, tube cutters, and refrigerant scales.
- Safety Tools: Multimeter, gloves, safety glasses, and a flashlight/headlamp.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about HVAC tool kits, including the pros and cons of pre-assembled kits vs. building a custom set.
1. Pre-built HVAC Tool Kits
Best For: Beginners who need a starter set quickly or those looking for a budget-friendly option
Pros:
- Convenience: Everything you need in one purchase, saving time and effort.
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than buying individual tools.
- Standardized Quality: Pre-built kits from reputable brands usually offer reliable, durable tools.
Cons:
- Lack of Personalization: Pre-built kits may include tools technicians don’t need or leave out tools they do.
- Quality May Vary: Some kits bundle high-quality tools with lower-quality ones, so you may not get the best for each tool.
2. Custom HVAC Tool Kit
Best For: Experienced technicians who know which tools they need or those who prefer to invest in high-quality, specialized tools.
Pros:
- Personalized Selection: You can choose exactly which tools you need based on your specific jobs.
- Higher Quality: Allows you to invest in top-notch brands and upgrade over time.
- Avoid Duplicates: You won’t end up with tools you already have or don’t need.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: Buying tools individually can add up quickly.
- Time-Consuming: Researching and purchasing individual tools takes more time and effort.
Recommended HVAC Tool Brands:
- Klein Tools: Known for high-quality hand tools and electrical tools.
- Milwaukee: Offers durable power tools and hand tools.
- DEWALT: A reliable choice for power tools and specialty HVAC equipment.
- Fieldpiece: Specializes in HVAC-specific tools like multimeters and gauges.
- Yellow Jacket: Popular for refrigeration tools and manifold gauge sets.
Maintenance and Care of HVAC Tools
Taking proper care of HVAC tools not only prolongs their lifespan but also ensures they perform optimally every time you use them. Here are some best practices to help you maintain and protect tools, and tips for keeping track of them on the job.
Best Practices for Tool Maintenance
1. Cleaning
- Wipe down tools after each use to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- For metal tools, use a dry cloth and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
- Clean power tools with compressed air to clear dust from vents and moving parts.
2. Storage
- Store your tools in a dry, cool place to prevent rust or moisture damage.
- Use a sturdy, well-organized tool bag or box with dedicated compartments for each tool.
- Keep power tools in their cases to avoid accidental damage during transport.
3. Calibration
- Regularly calibrate measurement tools like multimeters and manifold gauges to ensure accuracy.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines on when and how to calibrate tools, and use professional services if necessary.

Read more about HVAC:
- HVAC Industry Trends and Outlook for 2025
- The 7 Best HVAC Software Solutions for 2024
- HVAC Technician Job Description: Skills, Background, and More (w/ Job Post Template!)
- HVAC Installer Job Description: Skills, Background, and More (w/ Job Post Template!)
- HVAC Training: The Best Courses and Schools for HVAC Careers
- 75+ HVAC Facts and Statistics You Need to Know in 2025 (w/ Infographic!)
- HVAC Apprenticeship: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring New HVAC Pros
Wrapping Up
Having the right tools — and knowing how to maintain them—can make all the difference in the technicians’ efficiency and success on the job.
But as the HVAC industry becomes more competitive, a combination of physical and digital tools can help your team accomplish more tasks without wasting time on needless paperwork.
With HVAC software like Workyard, you can streamline your operations, accurately track labor costs, and reduce paperwork–all through the same app. Its GPS-powered time tracking and workforce scheduling features ensure your team is in the right place at the right time, helping you deliver better service and manage your costs more effectively.
Learn more about its features and how they can benefit your business—or try it free for 14 days to see how it works.
HVAC tools are the hand-held or powered devices that HVAC technicians use to install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These tools help technicians perform specific tasks like cutting, tightening, measuring, and diagnosing problems in HVAC units.
You can find HVAC tools and equipment at several different places, both in-store and online. Major home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a wide selection of HVAC tools and some equipment.
For more specialized tools, you may need to visit HVAC supply stores like Johnstone Supply or Grainger, which offer a broader range of professional-grade products.
Online marketplaces like Amazon also provide a wide variety of HVAC tools, often at competitive prices. If you’re looking for specific brands or hard-to-find items, visiting a dedicated HVAC supply shop or ordering directly from manufacturers is a good idea.
The best tools for HVAC technicians include a combination of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment.
Basic hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a good tape measure are used daily. For electrical work, a reliable multimeter is essential to test voltage and troubleshoot problems.
Specialized HVAC tools like manifold gauges (for measuring refrigerant pressure) and a vacuum pump (for removing moisture and air from refrigerant lines) are also must-haves as you progress in your career.
Look for durable brands like Klein Tools, Milwaukee, and Fieldpiece when building your tool kit.
The best HVAC tool kit depends on your specific needs and experience level.
For beginners, a pre-built kit like the Klein Tools HVAC Starter Kit is a solid option, as it includes essential hand tools like pliers, wire strippers, and screwdrivers. If you’re looking for something more advanced, brands like Fieldpiece and Yellow Jacket offer kits that include specialized tools like manifold gauges and multimeters.
Customizing your own tool kit as you gain experience is also a good option, allowing you to invest in higher-quality or specialized tools over time. Prioritize the basics first, and then add more advanced tools as your career progresses.
To keep HVAC tools from rusting, it’s important to store them in a dry, cool place and clean them regularly after use.
Wipe off moisture, dust, or debris from tools, especially after working in humid environments. Applying a light coat of oil to metal tools can also help prevent rust from forming.
Investing in a toolbox or tool bag with proper compartments will also keep your tools organized and protected from the elements. If you’re working in wet conditions, make sure to dry your tools thoroughly before storing them.
Some HVAC companies provide employees with basic tools, such as meters or gauges, especially when they’re just starting. However, most HVAC technicians are responsible for purchasing their hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers.
Over time, technicians will likely build their custom tool kit based on the jobs they perform most frequently. For larger equipment, such as vacuum pumps or refrigerant scales, companies may provide them, but this varies by employer.