35 Essential HVAC Technician Tools for 2024

According to Grand View Research, the global HVAC systems market size was estimated at $233.55 billion in 2023. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030. Perhaps even more impressive, the HVAC industry is forecasted to create 13% more HVAC mechanic and installer jobs by 2028, per Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association. This is considerably more than the average for all occupations. All of this to say: there’s great potential for those who are hungry and willing to take on challenges.

Growth sometimes calls for revisiting the basics, however. It can be physically demanding to work in the elements and perform at optimal efficiency during long days. Having the right HVAC tools can mean the difference between undue frustration and a job completed with ease. The same goes for software and other business management tools that can help you stay on task, better manage your time, and offer a seamless HVAC customer service experience.

That said, here’s a guide to the tools—physical and otherwise—that can set you up to reach the next level of success in your HVAC operations in 2024.

Essential HVAC Tools

No two jobs are the same, but having the basics covered will help HVAC techs tackle whatever the day throws your way, no matter the weather. Here’s a list of the staples (in no particular order) you should have on hand for every call:

 32 HVAC Hand Tools

1. Screwdrivers and nut drivers
2. Pliers
3. Hammer
4. Flashlight/headlamp
5. Pipe wrench
6. Multimeter
7. Gauges
8. Nitrogen regulator
9. Leak detector
10. Gloves
11. Fieldpiece
12. Goggles
13. Hand seamers
14. Pipe wrench
15. Refrigerant scale
16. Coil Fin Straightener
17. Thermometers
18. Adjustable pipe wrench
19. Crimper
20. Tubing cutter
21. Pumps
22. Nitrogen regulator
23. Leak detector
24. Refrigerant scale
25. Psychrometer
26. Hand seamers and snips
27. Crimper
28. Flaring tool
29. Manifold gauge
30. Thermal imaging tools
31. Flushing solvent
32. Extension cord

This list is by no means exhaustive, as more complex jobs might require specialty tools and equipment. But sending techs out into the field with even a basic toolkit will help them feel more confident and prepared.

HVAC Business Management Tools

Naturally, you wouldn’t send your techs out in the field empty-handed. However, the success of your HVAC business hinges on more than just the nuts and bolts of the work—literally. HVAC contractors need to think beyond physical toolsets to stay competitive and get more out of their workday.

Behind every successful HVAC business is a suite of software tools they can use to their advantage. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to know where to start and which one is best. Here are five business management tech tools that can significantly benefit HVAC contractors’ operations and help them up the ante on customer satisfaction.

Podium

Podium is an automated platform that helps HVAC companies easily interact with prospects and customers at the most critical times. You can expect:

• 24/7 support: Podium’s CSR fills in the gaps so you won’t miss any inquiries, day or night.

• Customer engagement: Enhances customer interaction by offering quick, conversational touchpoints that build relationships and trust.

• Time savings: Streamlines lead management and follow-up processes, saving time and increasing team productivity.

• Scalability: Grows with the business, easily adapting to increasing volumes of interactions and expanding customer base.

• Multi-channel integration: Prepares businesses for the future of omnichannel communication, beginning with messaging and expanding to email and phone.

But don’t just take our word for it. Mountaineer Heating and Cooling offers a real-world example of how embracing automation in the HVAC business can help them intentionally grow and scale.

In just 18 months, Mountaineer Heating and Cooling reported impressive gains. The turning point was when the company introduced a customer-focused experience for payments, communication, and appointment scheduling with Podium.

Previously, they had relied on a failing phone system, slow payments from customers, and no way to capture missed leads that went to voicemail or didn’t even register on their phone system at all.

It was time for a change. With Podium, Mountaineer Heating and Cooling is seeing immediate results—at least 2 additional sales leads every week, a record-breaking start to the year in revenue, more than 200 hours saved every year, a 10x increase in Google reviews, and so much more.

ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is a full-service software solution marketed to home service businesses. It offers features such as:

• Scheduling
• Dispatching
• Invoicing
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Real-time reporting

Overall, it can help contractions better manage operations, improve customer service, and save time.

Housecall Pro:

Housecall Pro can help the busy HVAC contractor manage elements of their daily operations, such as:

• Job scheduling
• Dispatching
• Invoicing
• Payment processing
• CRM
• Marketing automation

Users report that this platform can help them be more responsive and deliver better customer service. Plus, the interface is intuitive and the learning curve is low.

Jobber

Jobber helps small to medium-sized HVAC businesses stay organized and provide a more satisfactory customer service experience. Its features include:

• Job scheduling
• Invoicing
• CRM
• Time tracking
• Online booking

Jobber offers a free 14-day trial.

FieldEdge

FieldEdge’s mobile app helps office staff and technicians better collaborate and get more done. Users can unlock features such as:

• Scheduling
• Dispatching
• Customer management
• Invoicing
• Accounting integration

ServiceFusion

ServiceFusion helps HVAC companies manage key areas of their business, such as:

• Job management
• GPS fleet tracking
• CRM

The platform’s integrated VoIP phone systems help contractors connect with customers in real-time.

AI in the HVAC Industry

Not only can automation help support HVAC contractors in achieving their goals, it can also positively impact homeowners. Machine learning algorithms can help keep indoor environments comfortable longer, while reducing the associated costs, for example. Here’s a look at the specific ways in which automation in HVAC will positively impact consumers and their homes:

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

AI-driven HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption, which leads to lower bills. These smart systems look at patterns in energy consumption and weather forecasts and adjust settings to cut down on waste.

This concern is timely, as heating and cooling account for about half of the energy usage in a typical home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The government advocates for installing and using high-efficient equipment that meets certain standards to achieve goals around energy reduction.

Personalized Comfort Control

Today’s sophisticated HVAC systems can take into account the preferences of individual occupants and their schedules and adjust accordingly.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality impacts health and well-being, and automated HVAC systems can offer peace of mind in this way. These systems monitor air quality in real-time and alert occupants of any respiratory threats. They can trigger air purifiers to turn on, helping to keep the air safe for even the most vulnerable populations.

Despite COVID-19 infection numbers being drastically reduced, the virus is still of concern. Per the EPA, it’s estimated that Americans spend, on average, 90 percent of their time indoors. That’s especially true for people who have acute breathing disorders or are elderly. Pollutants inside are often 2 to 5 times higher than those found outdoors, per EPA’s data.

Optimized System Design

AI has influenced HVAC system design. For instance, a data-driven approach can help HVAC contractors install systems that are context specific. Informed by AI, HVAC system design can support the unique needs of the building. This customization can reduce installation costs and improve overall performance.

Intelligent HVAC Controls

Intelligent HVAC controls help contractors better understand the condition and performance of HVAC systems. The future of HVAC is here and that means contractors can use this technology to predict maintenance needs, diagnose issues, and provide custom recommendations. This hands-on approach can add months or years to equipment and even make systems perform better.

Podium’s AI CSR: The Smarter Way to Manage Your Business

Smart HVAC systems mean it’s a new era in managing indoor environments. These advancements are dynamic and the limits and practical applications are still being tested. What we do know is that the technology of today will impact the homes of the future. Forward-thinking HVAC contractors know that today’s investment can mean tomorrow’s gains.

Meet Podium’s AI CSR, your HVAC business’ secret weapon. Podium’s tools like Webchat, Reviews can set you up for success. This solution can give you and your team hours back in your day, while helping you own your competition. Let Podium’s AI CSR handle the complexities of your day-to-day operations so you can focus on growing your business and winning more happy customers. Watch a demo today and you could be well on your way to getting more leads and making more money.