Best HVAC Multimeter — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
For aircon and heating repair, testing, and diagnostics — the best HVAC multimeter is crucial. These machines are designed specifically for hot and cold electrical applications, offering a minimum 600-volt capacity, AC to 300 amperes, and the ability to test within one-tenth of a microamp — features not usually seen on standard multimeters. Furthermore, as much HVAC work is completed up a ladder and outside, many of these units are waterproof and boast impressive shielding to protect from accidental knocks and drops.- Measures voltage, current, and frequency.
- True RMS.
- Large display.
- Rugged construction.
Best HAVC Multimeters
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Best Compact
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Fluke 87-V Review Fluke 87-V Review | |
![]() |
Best Easy Operation
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Fluke 117 Review Fluke 117 Review | |
![]() |
Best Digital
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Fieldpiece HS33 Review Fieldpiece HS33 Review | |
![]() |
Best Lightweight
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Fluke 116 Review Fluke 116 Review | |
![]() |
Best Dual Temperature
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Extech EX505 Review Extech EX505 Review |
Things to Consider Before You Buy A HVAC Multimeter
Good for
Not Good for
TOP RATED HVAC MULTIMETERS
Quick Product Comparison
TRUE RMS | VOLTAGE | AUTO RANGE | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Fluke 87-V | 1000V | 0.78 lbs | $$$ | Check Price | ||
![]() Fluke 117 | 600V | 1.6 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
![]() Fluke 116 | 600V | 1.4 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
![]() Fieldpiece HS33 | 400AAC | 1.6 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
![]() Extech EX505 | 1000V | 1.9 lbs | $ | Check Price |
Our Verdict: Which Product Do We Prefer

For complicated and inherently temperamental heating and air-con systems — you need a versatile machine. And while all these top picks are excellent units, in my eyes, the Fluke 87-V is the consummate HVAC multimeter.
Boasting a massive CAT III 1000-volt safety rating, this industrial-grade tool can test temperatures up to a mighty 1994 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, incorporating a proprietary integrated shielding system — the unit avoids making false readings in noisy, high-energy, and high-altitude conditions.
Rugged construction and a molded holster protect the multimeter from knocks, bumps, and drops — often experienced when working with awkwardly-located HVAC systems. And, able to test voltage, current, and frequency on sophisticated variable frequency drive (VFD) signals — it’s the ultimate tool for engineers and air-con enthusiasts alike.
So, if you want to really turn up the heat in your electrical testing — take a look at the Fluke 87-V.
HVAC Multimeters – Buyer’s Guide
Construction Quality
One of the first things that can define a quality HVAC multimeter is definitely a durable construction. Don’t forget that HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning – a lot of your work will take place outdoors, and that’s where you could unintentionally drop your invaluable tool from a great height. To prevent damage in such scenarios, it’s of paramount importance to purchase a model that’s sturdy and has a durable construction. An HVAC multimeter with outstanding shock-absorption capabilities is guaranteed to last you for years.
Compact & Lightweight Design
Along with the durable construction, you will also have to make sure that your future model possesses a design that’s compact and lightweight. Why? Well, you’ll be carrying the device with you wherever you go, and if it’s compact and lightweight, it is also very portable. It won’t take too much space in your tool bag and it will feel comfortable while in hands.

Reliability & Accuracy
With so many different brands and models on today’s market, it is incredibly easy to purchase a model that just doesn’t show accurate results. That’s certain to make your work harder and is precisely why you should be very watchful and careful when purchasing a new HVAC multimeter. You will have to make sure that your future model features all the necessary measurements that you’ll be using in your job, such as frequency, resistance, voltage, current, and others. Models with a larger number of functions often sport higher reliability.

The Brand
Over the years, a number of brands have introduced their models into the market. But, like with all other tools, some of these manufacturers are selling poorly-constructed HVAC multimeters that can’t survive a fall and don’t show accurate readings. The secret is in buying from the well-known, respectable manufacturers that guarantee good performance, dependability, and reliability. Some of the best brands are Fluke, Extech, Fieldpiece, Milwaukee, Klein, UEI, and others.
Warranty
As you already know, an item that comes together with a warranty is something that shows that the company is confident that their product is not something that will break easily. That’s why it’s important to get a model with an extended warranty – it will act as your safety net in case your device malfunctions. As far as we’re concerned, you shouldn’t get an HVAC multimeter unless it comes with a warranty period of at least one year.
The Conclusion
As their name suggests, the HVAC multimeters have been specially designed to make work easier for the HVAC technicians. Typically, they combine a variety of measurement functions – such as frequency, current, capacitance, voltage, and so on. Considering the sheer number of different functions, you will agree that this tool is invaluable when it comes to testing all kinds of HVAC applications. The same goes for troubleshooting – it’s just something that a person working in this field can’t do without. Knowing that the HVAC technicians usually work in all sorts of inconvenient locations, the manufacturers made these types of multimeters to be sturdy and durable. That’s yet another advantage of these devices – one has to be really incautious to break an HVAC multimeter. It’s something that makes these devices very convenient even for the amateur DIY enthusiasts – it’s always nice to have reliable tools by your side.