This List of Gear Covers Everything You Need to Knock Out Any Job
Every well-known team that ever used a service vehicle ensured it was stocked with exactly what they needed to get the job done.
The A-Team? They’d never leave on a new adventure without that GMC Vandura packed to the gills with the right gear – from spy equipment to signature cigars.
The Avengers? You can be sure their Stark Industries Helicarrier is always packed with the latest technology of villain-defeating and universe-defending gear.
The same rule applies for your HVAC service truck. When you want to guarantee you can handle any job in front of you, you have to take the right steps to fully equip your van – especially during the summertime when you’re at your busiest, and service calls are coming in back-to-back.
Your List of Must-Haves to Ensure You Can Meet Any Service Call
To reference another set of famous Hollywood vehicles, the Jurassic Park-themed Ford Explorer XLTs should have taken a tip from the A-Team. If those Explorers had been outfitted with a couple more flare guns, some battery-powered walkie-talkies – and maybe even an extra goat or two – the whole gang would have likely made it back safely to headquarters, despite a T. Rex attack and a major island-wide power outage.
Similarly, you don’t want to encounter any roadblocks or diversions when you’re out for the day – or night – in your service truck. You work hard to provide expertise and signature service for your customers to ensure their comfort and have them thinking of you the next time they need an HVAC specialist.
Learn with O’Connor recommends the following five items to ensure your customers – and your business – find success, no matter what kinds of repairs or maintenance needs you encounter out on the job:
- Refrigerant & Supplies – Always ensure you have an ample supply of refrigerant – the key chemical compound to ensure your customers’ HVAC air is cool and refreshing, and makes them glad they chose you for the job. Don’t forget the additional accessories for fixing leaks – hoses, gauges, gaskets, and more.
- Multimeter & Voltage Testers – Electrical problems are very common reasons why customers call their local HVAC technician. A state-of-the-art multimeter and a voltage tester allows you to quickly identify electrical issues, so you can make repairs that will provide steady current to the system.
- Condenser Coils, Lines, and Drains – Another set of important components for your truck are the tools you need to turn hot air into cool air and collect the condensation that runs off from the system. Improper condenser coil setups can cause issues with mold, smell, and improper cooling functions, so you want to include these items to tackle any repair in this part of your customers’ systems.
- Filters & Cleaners – Sometimes the best service you’ll provide is a superior cleaning and a new, effective filter. Customers understand this part of their HVAC systems best, so being able to provide them with a less technical – but very important – service will keep them coming back each season for a tune-up.
- Fan Motors, Blades, & Pullers – Without a way to drive cool, filtered, fresh air through the system so it can cool your customers down, an HVAC system is useless. A high-tech fan motor – and all its important components – are absolutely necessary for your truck. This is another common repair HVAC specialists make, so if you’re prepared, your customers will become returning customers.
As you can see, these items allow you to cover several key repairs, so that you’re not empty handed when you arrive for a service visit. Whether you’re supplying refrigerant for a depleted system, testing power outages and electrical issues, replacing a faulty motor, or providing maintenance for optimal performance, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Pack the Basics
Be sure you don’t forget the following basics, which come in handy on any job, large or small:
- Screwdrivers
- Socket set
- Pipe wrench
- Variety of pliers
- Tin snips
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Drill (fully charged if battery-powered)
- WD-40
- Extension Cords
- Ladder
- And more
Consider our list of top-five items – as well as the basics – as an HVAC technician’s necessities for a fully stocked service vehicle, so you can meet every challenge on the job with confidence.
The last thing you want to do is ask your customer to borrow a screwdriver. Even a seasoned HVAC specialist with superior knowledge will appear less experienced if they don’t have what they need in front of them. A little preparation in advance is one of the most important parts of your job.
How a Fully Stocked Truck Gives You the Advantage Over Other HVAC Technicians
Even if a service call only requires one of these five items, it’s important to keep your truck fully stocked. Not only is this a convenient and smart choice for you, but it gives you the advantage over other HVAC specialists in your area. Here’s why:
- You can provide value to a customer by pointing out additional services – and if you have the right supplies, you can provide additional key support right on the spot.
- No more having to head back to headquarters – or the hardware store – to get the parts you need. You’ll be able to move from job to job to make as many service calls as possible during the day.
- Your customers will be impressed that your supplies are loaded and available. No one wants to wait for a part, especially when they want cold air fast during a sweltering summer.
Your Truck Is Fully Prepped – Now Gain Even More Expertise and Grow Your Career
Now that your truck is outfitted for another hot summer, it’s time to stock up on one more thing: new industry knowledge.
Learn with O’Connor’s HVAC School offers highly affordable courses taught by experienced, qualified teachers. These courses help HVAC technicians like you grow your career, expand your skill set, and provide excellent HVAC service that will help you turn your summer service calls into long-term business relationships.
Covering basic air conditioning knowledge, diagnostics, and even advanced industry equipment and trends, our wide variety of classes are sure to meet you at your level of experience in the HVAC industry. Even better, breakfast and lunch are included with our classes, which are enrolling now with limited seats still available.
Find out more about our HVAC School at Learn with O’Connor.