What Tools and Equipment Do You Learn to Use in HVAC School?

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In HVAC school, you learn to use a variety of tools and equipment that cover diagnostics, testing, and safety. Your program teaches you how to use the right tools to perform installations, diagnose issues, conduct tests, detect leaks, take measurements, and handle refrigerants—and to do it all safely and to code. The equipment and tools you use in school are the same used by trained and licensed HVAC technicians. The goal is to help build your knowledge, skills, and confidence, and to prepare you for work in the field. Curious about the tools you use in school and on the job? Check out our list:

HVAC Diagnostic and Testing

The HVAC diagnostic and testing tools you use measure system performance, identify issues, and ensure heating and cooling equipment operate safely and efficiently. They include:

  • Manifold gauges that measure refrigerant pressure
  • Digital thermometers and temperature probes
  • Multimeters to test electrical circuits and components
  • Clamp meters and amp meters to measure electricity flow
  • Leak detectors
  • Psychometers to measure humidity and air properties
  • Combustion analyzers to evaluate furnace and burner performance

Refrigerant Handling for HVAC

Refrigerant handling tools are used to safely measure, recover, store, and transfer refrigerants while maintaining system efficiency and meeting environmental regulations.

  • Refrigerant scales that measure the proper amount of refrigerant
  • Vacuum pumps to remove moisture from refrigeration lines
  • Refrigerant recovery machines and recovery tanks
  • Charging hoses that increase the level of refrigerant
  • Thermometers and temperature probes

HVAC Soldering

You use a variety of soldering tools to join metal components and create secure, leak-free connections in HVAC systems, especially in piping and electrical work. Among those tools are:

  • Torch kits that include handles, tips, and hoses
  • Fuel cylinders
  • Solder and brazing rods
  • Strikers and lighters to ignite the torch safely
  • Tube cutters
  • Sandpaper and emery cloth
  • Deburring tools and reamers to remove sharp edges
  • Pipe fitting brush

Ductwork Tools for HVAC

Ductwork tools are used to measure, cut, shape, and assemble ducts that distribute heated and cooled air efficiently throughout a building. Some of those include:

  • Sheet metal snips to cut sheet metal
  • Hand seamers to form sheet metal
  • Crimper to seal and end on a round duct
  • Pittsburgh machine to interlock seams
  • Cordless drill
  • Sheet metal screws
  • Pop rivet gun to join pieces of sheet metal together
  • Hammer and mallet

General Tools

You also use more general hand tools for everyday tasks such as assembling, adjusting, and securing HVAC components during installation and maintenance and they include:

  • Screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers
  • Utility knife and wire cutters
  • Clamp meter to measure current
  • Voltage tester
  • Cordless drill
  • Saws
  • Tape measure

HVAC Safety Equipment

HVAC safety equipment protects you and your clients from potential hazards on the job, including electrical shocks and injury from sharp materials and extreme temperatures. Using proper safety gear helps prevent injuries and keep your work environment safe. Among the equipment you learn to use in HVAC school are:

  • Goggles and face shields
  • Hard hat
  • Heat-resistant gloves
  • Steel-toe boots
  • Respirator
  • Ear plugs
  • Insulated tools to reduce electric shock
  • Wet rag to control heat
  • Fire extinguisher

If you’re ready to enroll in HVAC school, contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in HVAC/R that can prepare you for an entry-level job in as few as 10 months. Our instructors have years of experience in the trades and can teach you to use the equipment and tools outlined above. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.