Where to find HVAC tools in the UK

Tradespeople working in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rely on multiple tools. Our handy guide to HVAC tools in the UK highlights what you need and where to find them.

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HVAC trades cover a broad range of skills. You could be looking for induction heating tools or other heating engineers’ tools.

We’re also talking about refrigeration and air conditioning tools and equipment. Maybe you’re keen to find HVAC tool bags with tools or an air conditioning tools list.

Choosing HVAC tools in the UK

Let’s start with a few pointers on what to look for in tools for HVAC work.

The tools you need will depend on the type, size and complexity of jobs. HVAC work usually takes place at:

• Homes

• Offices

• Factories and warehouses

HVAC tool names can sound complicated for more specialised equipment. But there are also plenty of standard tools tradespeople need for most HVAC jobs.

Whatever tools for HVAC you’re looking for, make sure to check:

• Quality and durability

• How powerful

• Battery performance

• How long tools take to recharge

• Comfort when using tools

• Weight

• Size

Other things to think about with more expensive tools are:

• Where to store them, especially overnight

• Tools insurance

Tradespeople can face the threat of loss, theft or damage to tools. Although it’s another business cost, tools insurance might be worth considering.

Everything you need to know about tools insurance

Not having the tools you need for a job is more than just frustrating. It can quickly put a dent in your profits if you have to delay or cancel work. Why tradespeople should consider tools insurance Stolen, lost or damaged tools can be an unfortunate fact of life for tradespeople. It can happen

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Tooling up an HVAC business

If you’re thinking about HVAC tools, then starting up an HVAC trade business may also be on your mind. We’ve plenty of ideas to help you start out as an air conditioning engineer. The same goes for launching a heating and ventilation business.

Now, let’s look at these categories of HVAC tools in the UK:

• General tools from top brands

• Specialised HVAC tools

• HVAC-specific software for running your trade business

Comparing brands for general HVAC tools in the UK

Here’s a list of the more straightforward tools for HVAC trades:

• Hammer

• Drill

• Saw

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Nut drivers

• Tube cutter

• Wrenches

• Tape measure

• Spirit level

• Headlamp or flashlight

The basic tools will help with most jobs. But it is always advisable to have a wider selection to hand for difficult and specialist work.

Choosing a drill for HVAC work

Many tradespeople have clear views on the benefits of Makita and DeWalt across a range of tools.

Products receiving the thumbs-up from Checkatrade members include:

• Drills

• Hammer drills

• Screwdriver

• Multitools

We also put DeWalt up against Milwaukee for member comparisons. Recommendations here include:

• Drills

• Combi drillers

• Impact drivers

• High torque wrenches

Finally, here's how Bosch and Stanley fare in the eyes of our members. They gave opinions on:

• Cordless drills

• Parts availability

• Battery interchangeability

HVAC tool bags with tools

Another essential for HVAC specialists is having a sturdy, practical tool bag. Some HVAC tool bags with tools will include the tools themselves. More often, HVAC tool bags are usually sold separately from tools.

Here are some comparisons of HVAC tool bags:

• Veto Pro Pac HVAC tool bags

• TradePoint offers a range of general tool bags that can be suitable for HVAC specialists

• Wickes sells tool storage bags available

• Selco offers tool bags and tool rucksacks

It's worth noting here that Checkatrade members receive great deals from TradePoint, Wickes and Selco.

Selecting safety equipment

While not strictly tools, it’s important to consider safety products as well. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential with many tools. And it’s good business practice to take a safety-first approach.

Working in HVAC trades you may need:

• Protective goggles

• Masks for protection against dust

• Sound protection with ear muffs or plugs

Protective workwear is another important consideration. So, too, is practical clothing that’s handy for carrying tools.

Specialised HVAC tools

Looking at more technical tools for HVAC, we’re talking about things like:

• Induction heating tools, such as Draper and other brands

• Heating engineers’ tools

• Refrigeration and air conditioning tools

Refrigeration and air conditioning tools are similar. They work on the same principles of making things cooler.

Tools for HVAC work can include:

• Thermometers

• Multimeters

• Caulking and caulking guns

• Vacuum pumps

• Refrigerant leak detectors

• HVAC load calculators

• Psychrometers

Where to buy HVAC tools

We work hard to bring our members multiple benefits. We do this through our partnerships with tool suppliers. That includes great deals on trade supplies.

As a Checkatrade member, for example, you’ll find offers available from TradePoint, Wickes and Selco.

Finding the best places to buy HVAC tools needs a bit of research. We’ve done the homework for you with suggestions for the best places to buy tools.

Where is the best place to buy tools?

If you're looking for the best place to buy tools, you've got two main options: in-store or online. While that may seem obvious, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use. Keep reading to see how we can help you with the best value tools for your business. After all, what you want is good

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HVAC software for your trade business

So far, we’ve covered plenty of types of tools. There’s also a tool you could benefit from that you can’t pick up and hold.

Virtual tools can also be very useful to an HVAC trade business.

There are a broad variety of apps and software that may benefit your setup and help streamline your work.

• QuickBooks (for bookkeeping/accounting)

• YourGasFault (for relevant information relating to central heating)

• Sortly (for tracking supplies)

• AR Ruler 3D (for taking detailed measurements)

• Plumb App UK (for the plumbing side of the job)

• Checkatrade (for our members to manage jobs and more)

Specialised HVAC software aims to make managing jobs easier. It helps you plan staff, equipment, tools and time more effectively.

Grow your HVAC business with Checkatrade

If you’re involved in HVAC trade professions, we’ve plenty of ideas on how to start and grow.

We’re here to help our members with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Exclusive offers and discounts with suppliers like Tradepoint and Wickes

• Up to 75% off QuickBooks business software

• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance

• Reduced cost of workwear and branding

• Guaranteed work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)

• Dedicated trades apps for job management and quoting/invoicing

What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?

Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.

Learn more

Key takeaways

What are induction heating tools for HVAC engineers?

Induction heating tools heat metals used in HVAC systems, such as brass, aluminium and copper for bending and shaping materials.

What are typical heating engineers’ tools?

Heating engineers’ tools are typically used by plumbers and gas engineers. They range from hammers and drills to wrenches, pliers and tube cutters.

Where’s the best place to find HVAC tools in the UK?

There are lots of places where you can buy tools for HVAC systems. General HVAC tools are commonly used in many trade professions, so finding suppliers should be fairly easy.

What should be included in an air conditioning tools list?

Regularly required technical tools include a multimeter, leak detector, thermometer and vacuum pump. Plus general items like wrenches, screwdrivers, drills and a torch.

What are refrigeration and air conditioning tools?

Tools for refrigeration are broadly similar to those used in air conditioning. The technology used in both is based on the principles of heat exchange.

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