The 8 CFM Vacuum Pump from Fieldpiece Instruments earned its place atop the Electronic and Hand Tools category.

Taking home the golden honors in the Testing and Monitoring category of this year’s Dealer Design Awards is the T6 Electrical Tester from Fluke Corp. The product, first introduced to the marketplace in September 2017, went through years of research before launching.

Smart tools continue to grow in the HVACR industry, spurring manufacturers to create connected, digital devices that will make work in the field less manual and more automatic.

While “smart” tools and tablets are becoming more and more common in an HVAC tech’s toolbox, there are still plenty of things an app just can’t do.

Technology is redefining how consumers control their homes. That includes everything from lighting to mood music to heating and air conditioning.

How does a tech know the a/c compressor he or she is diagnosing is actually failed and that the problem is not a crankcase heater, condenser fan, or rubbed out wire?

I see techs in the field get the most frustrated when they have a low-voltage short they can’t seem to locate. The challenge techs face with low voltage diagnosis is a combination of poor process and some root misunderstanding about what they are looking for.

HVACR technicians are special individuals. They have the intelligence, aptitude, and knack for problem-solving. In fact, they are expected to know how to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment of all types, sizes, and ages.

The air duct calculator, or “ductulator,” is a commonly used tool for designing and installing duct systems. Unfortunately, many designers and technicians receive limited instructions on its correct use.

Last year was a notable one for Testo Inc. as the test and measurement manufacturing company celebrated its 60th anniversary. However, 2018 promises to be just as momentous as Testo US will reach its 35th anniversary milestone.