Toolbox Talk: Digital Manometers

One of the most common phrases coming out of our Technical Support department during a troubleshooting call is, “We recommend a digital manometer for that.” If you are used to working mostly with motor-driven systems, you may not have had as much of a need for one; but (besides being fun to say) manometers are very helpful tools when you’re working on HVAC equipment and air-driven systems like Arzel’s.

Manometers are used for accurately measuring individual and differential pressures. They work by comparing two different pressures between fluids or gases; in this case, gases – specifically air.

When working with HVAC and air-driven zoning systems, manometers come in handy in quite a few instances:

• Troubleshooting in a variety of low-pressure systems (e.g.: pneumatic or air-driven systems
• Reading incoming and manifold gas pressures
• Testing pressure switches
• Performing Pitot tube traverse readings within ducts
• Observing differential pressures across filters or coils
• Measuring both supply and return static pressures in ductwork
• Diagnosing glitches that cannot necessarily be seen, such as a leak in a damper or pump or a weak vacuum

Besides being advantageous in various cases, they’re also extremely reliable: in addition to being found in your toolbox, manometers can be found in self-service blood-pressure devices.

While the more accurate and reliable models can run a little on the expensive end, they’re bound to be the best backup quarterback you’ll ever have for troubleshooting and diagnostics.