How to become a self sufficient AC DIYer

Alot of AC guys will probably get mad at me for sharing information this easily and readily available to the public. I feel that we should all live by the “to give a man a fish, or to teach a man how to fish” philosophy. So I decided to share this information with the masses. This information is meant for people who are pretty “handy” with tools. I don’t recommend doing anything that you feel uncomfortable or unsure about doing. As you may hurt yourself or the machine. I also want you to know that it is illegal to handle refrigerants without your Universal EPA license in the United States. They are fairly easy to obtain. I feel I can give you enough knowledge to safely save yourself a few bucks if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty in the process.

Always becareful when getting on roofs or climbing ladders. You could potentially get really hurt or even die. I am a professional and I fell through a sky light a few months ago while not paying attention to where I was stepping.

After falling through the skylight, and before my seven stitches.

First thing you will need is some of the AC technicians most basic tools. I have attached links to some I approve of getting.

Multimeter- these are mainly use to check voltage, continuity, and amps. Getting one with an amp clamp is quick way to check how much amperage motors are drawing. I also recommend getting one that reads microfarads for reading capacitors.
Refrigeration gauges- I recommend getting some for R-410A refrigerant. These are the highest pressures you will probably deal with. R-410A is one of the most common refrigerants you will encounter.
Screwdrivers-Both flat and phillips various lengths.
Channel locks
Wire strippers/cutters/terminal crimper
Needle nose pliers
Power drill or driver with 5/16″ and 1/4″ bits and phillips head bits
Tool bag
Ladder- to get on top of whatever roof you are trying to access.
Rope- to bring parts and tools onto the roof.

I will add some other posts with updates to various simple discrepancies in your system that you may encounter.

Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tradesman Pro Organizer Backpack Klein Tools 5541610-14 Tradesman Pro Organizer 10-Inch Tote Fieldpiece SC260 Compact Clamp Multimeter with True RMS Fieldpiece HS36 Expandable Autoranging True RMS Stick Multimeter w/Backlight Yellow Jacket 42006 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8 Yellow Jacket 41711 Series 41 Manifold with 2-1/2 Yellow Jacket 19109 Quick Coupler Sealright Coupler Fieldpiece BG44 Single Strap Bag System FIELDPIECE SPK1 Fieldpiece ATC1R Pipe-Clamp Thermocouple 1/8-Inch to 3/4-Inch for Refrigeration by Fieldpiece Klein Tools J203-7 Journeyman Standard Long-Nose Pliers, 7-Inch IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set, V-Jaw, 2 Piece, 2078709 Klein Tools 85078 Cushion-Grip Screwdriver Set (8-Piece)