Testing | Monitoring | Tools

Going High Tech with HVACR Tools

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Battery power, wireless connectivity, and integration with smartphone apps are some of the common features of newer smart tools for HVACR professionals.

Continuous Monitoring Is Reshaping Refrigeration Service

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Continuous refrigeration monitoring helps contractors reduce emergency calls, improve fix rates, and shift refrigeration service from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, data-driven maintenance.

Serving 'Snowbirds': HVAC Strategies for Vacant Homes

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Jason Schreyer of Sunset Air and Home Services explains how contractors can help seasonal residents protect empty homes from humidity, storms, and system failures.

New Tools and Test Instruments Built for Speed, Safety, and Tough Jobsite Conditions

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Tool and test instrument manufacturers at the 2026 AHR Expo focused on innovations that make technicians faster, safer, and more efficient in the field.

Emerson Introduces Hybrid Continuous Gas Analyzer

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

This new analyzer provides precise monitoring of complex gas streams while delivering continuous, real-time data.

Veto Pro Pac Launches New Compact Utility Bags

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:43:08 -0500

How OTA Updates Can Make HVAC Smarter, After Installation

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

In the HVACR industry, the potential for equipment to become smarter after its installation is still relatively new. But as manufacturers explore how connectivity and software can improve performance, reliability, and customer service, OTA updates are emerging as promising possibilities.

Innovation Award Winners To Be Featured at AHR Expo

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

The 2026 AHR Expo Innovation Awards recognize 10 standout HVACR products chosen for their innovation, creativity, practical application, and potential market impact.

The CO Detection Blind Spot: A Safety Risk — and an HVAC Service Opportunity

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Most homeowners trust plug-in detectors to keep them safe from carbon monoxide — not realizing those alarms often won’t sound until CO has been circulating for hours. With heating equipment responsible for many CO leaks and testing inconsistencies across the field, HVAC contractors are uniquely positioned to educate customers, reduce liability, and offer monitoring solutions that shut down equipment before CO becomes dangerous.

Proactive Refrigerant Leak Detection Helps Protect Profits

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

By proactively detecting and repairing leaks, operators can cut operating costs, extend equipment life, and stay ahead of both maintenance and compliance requirements.

Dead Motors, Faulty Switches, and the Smarter Way to Diagnose Electrical Failures in HVAC Systems

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Learn how ohmmeter checks and hopscotching can save HVAC techs from costly misdiagnoses.

Stop Swapping Parts — Start Troubleshooting Smarter

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

A blown fuse or tripped breaker may point to deeper problems — here’s how to trace the issue before swapping parts and burning time.

Contractor Guide to Smart HVAC: Sensors, Portals, and Privacy

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Smart tools are becoming standard in HVAC, helping contractors deliver better installs, fewer callbacks, and stronger customer relationships.

A Technician’s Quick Guide to Non-Invasive System Checks

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

No ports? No problem. Here are three proven ways to check refrigerant charge without gauges.

9 of the Latest HVAC Tools to Enhance Efficiency and Performance

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Take a look at the latest HVAC tools designed with efficiency and precision in mind. From innovative leak sealants and coil cleaners to wireless automation systems and faster vacuum pumps, these tools are helping contractors improve jobsite performance and streamline workflows in 2025.

HVAC Q&A Episode 9: Tools for Working With A2Ls

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Tool manufacturers explain the broad categories of tools that might need an update to comply with new A2L refrigerant systems: leak detectors, manifolds, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, and gauges that can sense R-454B.

Making Maintenance Easier For HVAC Pros

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

At the AHR Expo, companies showed off the ways in which their products are designed to make contractors’ and technicians’ jobs easier — and perhaps bring in revenue, too.

HVAC Tools for A2L Compliance

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400

These tools can aid technicians while meeting potential refrigerant requirements.

Equipping Techs for the Shift to A2L

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

There are 4 main categories of tools to check for A2L compatibility, but that doesn’t mean HVAC technicians need to replace all their tools upfront.

A2L Refrigerant Leak Detection

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In part eight of this series, we talk with Richard Rodrigues of Sensata Technologies about the use of leak detection systems.

Air Balancing: Achieving Harmony in an HVAC System

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Utilizing air balancing techniques can transform underperforming zones and deliver more even temperatures across HVAC systems.

Detect and Protect: Everything Techs Need to Know About RDSs

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Starting in 2025, most new comfort cooling systems will use lower-GWP, mildly flammable refrigerants, which include a safety feature called the refrigerant detection system (RDS), which detects leaks and can be factory or field installed.

HVAC Q&A Episode 3: What Contractors Need To Know About RDS Field Installs

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Since A2L refrigerants are designated as mildly flammable, safety features like refrigerant detection systems (RDSs) are being incorporated into new residential/light commercial ducted split systems that contain more than 4 pounds of A2L refrigerant. Here’s what HVAC technicians need to know about installing those RDS in the field.

Refrigerant Detection Systems Sniff Out A2L Leaks

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

RDSs are generally required in A2L systems that contain more than 4 pounds of refrigerant and can either be field or factory-installed, depending on the manufacturer.

2024 Dealer Design Awards: Testing and Monitoring Products

mariataylor@achrnews.com (Maria Taylor) — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

The gold-winner allows a central point of data through a single instrument for heating, cooling, refrigeration, and IAQ.

2024 Dealer Design Awards: Hand Tools

bellolih@bnpmedia.com (Hannah Belloli-Oster) — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 07:00:06 -0400

In the Hand Tools category, a lightweight, aluminum magnetized wrench design for quickly running nuts up threaded rods takes home the gold.

2024 Dealer Design Awards: Electronic Tools

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 07:00:32 -0400

A new digital vacuum gauge is already making life easier for techs, one who said the gauge can be getting the necessary readings while they are taking lunch.

Better than Bubbles: The Ins & Outs of Electronic Leak Detectors

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Soap bubbles have long been thought of as the standard method for leak detection, but times, and technology, are changing.

Optimizing Pressure Sensors for HVAC Systems

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Businesses are increasingly looking to cut down energy consumption, driven by cost, sustainability initiatives, or a combination of the two.

Smart Tools for HVAC Professionals

mattjachman@achrnews.com (Matt Jachman) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Everything from your phone to your home is going “smart” these days. Here’s a look at the latest in smart HVAC tools from four different manufacturers.