HVAC Diagnostic Tools

The acronym HVAC generally refers to a central air system for heating and cooling a building. This usually includes a furnace, blower assembly, an evaporative coil, a compressor and compressor coil, along with the air ducts used to distribute the conditioned air within the building. The term HVAC can also be applied to similar but smaller systems used in residences.

Having the proper HVAC diagnostic tools is important for anyone working in this field who wants to do the job well. Certain equipment is necessary for most HVAC projects, such as air conditioner, air filter, diffuser, boiler, circulation pump, duct material, valves, piping, an HVAC control system, anemometer, manometer, thermometer, digital clamp meter, and gas leak detector.

Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is used to maintain temperature inside by providing or extracting heat. Most air conditioners provide forced air. These types use air filters placed at the ventilation duct openings for collecting dust, pollen, bacteria, and mold from the circulating air. On the other hand, boilers require a circulation pump, which circulates liquids, gases, or a mixture of liquids and solids in a closed circuit to counteract the friction in piping systems.

Diffuser

A diffuser is an outlet vent that can be used for both all-air and air-water systems in order to ventilate the air while distributing airflow in certain directions. Diffusers are very important diagnostic tools, because indoor spaces can become overly heated or cooled without them. 

Duct Material

Ventilation ducts can be made from many different materials, such as polyurethane, fiberglass, phenolic, fabric, and flexible ducting.

Piping

Whereas duct work provides efficient air flow, piping provides efficient water flow. Piping can be made out of copper, concrete, glass, fiberglass, steel, plastic, and a variety of other materials.

Valves

Valves are also important HVAC diagnostic tools, because they regulate the flow of fluids within the piping system. They work by opening, closing, or partially closing pipelines, which can lead to lower gas and water bills.

HVAC Control System

The HVAC control system is set up at a convenient location in order to permit easy control of the cooling and heating systems.

Manometer

Manometers are used to measure gas and water pressure.

Anemometer

Anemometers are used to measure the airflow velocity.

Thermometer

Thermometers are used for measuring the water and air temperatures.

Digital Clamp Meter

Digital clamp meters are important, because they monitor AC current, AC voltage, and DC voltage.

Gas Leak Detectors

Gas leak detectors prevent combustible gas from escaping the gas heating system. Some are also capable of measuring radon.

The most important equipment to have is the air conditioner, air filter, diffuser, boiler, circulation pump, duct material, valves, piping, an HVAC control system, anemometer, manometer, thermometer, digital clamp meter, and gas leak detector.