Truck Stock for Heating Season

While having adequate supplies for cooling season is essential, being fully stocked going into the cooler months is just as important. If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, this guide to truck stock for heating season lists the top must-have items for building a comprehensive tool inventory so you can handle repairs with ease.

Electrical Components

• Capacitors – These essential parts provide the jumpstart needed to get HVAC equipment up and running, so remember to stock your truck with start, run and dual capacitors for furnaces and heat pumps.
• Contactors – Controlling the flow of electricity within the unit is important, so be sure to always have plenty of contactors on hand.
• Transformers – Devices that convert electrical power into the correct voltage are essential for safety and functionality–that’s why transformers should definitely be part of your truck stock for heating season.
• Fuses – Don’t forget fuses–they’re critical for protecting HVAC equipment from overcurrent or short circuits.
• Relays – Always keep a mix of electromechanical, solid-state and hybrid relays in your service van so you can make fast repairs without having to order parts.

HVAC Components

• Flame Sensors – In addition to being one of the most replaced furnace parts, flame sensors play a critical role in the startup process, making them a must-have part of your truck stock for heating season.
• Thermocouples & Thermopiles – These temperature sensors play a critical role in unit operation, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of Type K, J, T and N devices on hand at all times.
• Ignitors – Ignitors are widely regarded as critical pieces of hardware within HVAC units because they create the spark needed to ignite the gas, so remember to stock hot surface, spark and other types leading up to the colder months.
• Ignition Modules – Keeping a good supply of ignition modules in your service van will help you ensure safety and reliability in the units you maintain.
• Gas Valves – From solenoid to pilot safety, gas valves are essential furnace components that should always be a part of your truck’s standard heating season inventory.

Basic Tools

• Wrenches – Whether you’re tightening connections or adjusting lines, the versatility of wrenches makes them a critical part of HVAC truck stock inventory.
• Screwdrivers – Flat-head, spanner and Phillips screwdrivers should be a part of your year-round truck stock, not just for heating season.
• Manifold Gauges – Manifold gauges play an important role in managing the refrigerant cycle in heat pumps during the heating season.
• Multimeters – Testing and diagnosing electrical components year-round is important, so remember to have multimeters, such as those from Klein Tools, in your service van at all times. 
• Pipe Cutters – Pipe cutters are another tool that’s valuable year-round for removing and installing HVAC equipment.

Replacement Parts

• Motors – From ECM and blower to inducer and condenser fan, many types of motors have crucial roles in the operation of heating equipment, so don’t forget to keep some in your truck.
• Belts & Pulleys – Transferring power within the unit effectively is essential to normal operation, so be sure to have plenty of V-belts, sheaves and other options on hand.
• Thermostats – Although changing the battery might solve the issue, keep a few replacement thermostats in your truck for when new batteries don’t solve the problem.
• Control Boards – A faulty control board can cause a variety of issues, so stock a few in your service van for quick replacements.
• Switches – Remember to have a number of limit, pressure and other switches in your truck stock for heating season.
• Wiring Kits – Proper wiring can correct a lot of problems–that’s why it’s a good idea to keep some wiring kits on hand, too.

HVAC Supplies

• Refrigerant – Although refrigerant is mainly associated with cooling systems, it’s essential for servicing heat pumps during heating season.
• Compressor Oil – If you tend to service a lot of heat pumps, compressor oil is another truck stock must-have during the heating season. 
• Lubricants – Lubricants help reduce tear between moving parts in the motor and other areas of the HVAC unit, so keep some on hand at all times.
• Sealants – Sealants like caulk make ductwork repairs quick and easy. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, Red Devil HVAC Caulk Extreme Temperature Silicone can withstand temperatures as low as -60°F (-51°C) and as high as 400°F (204°C).
• Insulation – Fiberglass and spray foam insulation can help reduce heat transfer from pipes, helping the HVAC unit work more efficiently. For quick repairs, consider Great Stuff Pro Fireblock Foam Insulation Sealant–it loses its stickiness in as little as 3-10 minutes.

Various Consumables

• Filters – Changing the filter is an important part of furnace winter maintenance, so make sure you always have various types on hand.
• Duct Tape – Duct tape is useful for making repairs year-around, so it’s a good idea to always have a few rolls in your truck.
• Clamps & Clips – Clamps and clips are must-haves as well because they make secure connections between hoses and pipes.
• Fasteners – Stocking a number of bolts, nuts and screws keeps you prepared for making a variety of connections.
• O-Rings – Keep a variety of o-rings in your truck’s inventory so you can minimize the risk of leaks at connection points.

Safety Equipment

• Goggles – Safety glasses and goggles minimize the risk that fiberglass particles, metal splinters and fine dust poses to your eyes.
• Gloves – Harsh chemicals, sharp edges and dirty surfaces all pose risks to HVAC technicians, so make sure you always have at least one pair of heavy-duty gloves.
• Masks – Breathing in small particles day in and day out can damage your lungs, so be sure your service van is well stocked with face masks and respirators.
• First Aid Kit – Keeping things like bandages, disinfectant and eye wash on hand allows you to treat everyday injuries on the spot.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on hand during the heat season allows you to provide immediate solutions for customers who don’t have any or whose units are faulty. For a versatile option, consider Oluncle 2-in-1 units.