Here is a collection of the best manometers for HVAC. After testing, we found that the SDMN5 is our main recommendation as we found how significantly the dual ports cut down on testing time.
Fieldpiece – Fieldpiece Dual-Port – SDMN5
An exceptional tool from Fieldpiece is this manometer with lots of features. It is portable but also strong and durable to serve you for a long time. The company is always listening to the requirements of their customers. They make sure to apply them to their new products.
This tool can measure static, gas, and differential pressure. A zero-adjust button is present on the face of this device. There is also a function that will conserve battery whenever this tool is not in use but automatically turn it on and off. Resolution mode can take static pressure, making it highly efficient. As we were testing, this device was extremely accurate, which will make your life easier.
We love the tough plastic frame that will protect this tool even through the harshest environments. It is colored in a high contrast yellow, making it easier to see at night. The device is 7.2 inches long and 2.5 inches wide with a thickness of only 1.2 inches, making it very slim.
On the back of this tool, you can find a magnet which makes it easier to mount on the side of a duct. On the top, you can find 4 buttons that will switch between units and different modes or zero out the measure. To power up this manometer, all you need is a 9-volt battery.
You can measure differential pressure or absolute pressure with this tool. With the help of the zero buttons, you can take multiple measures quickly and easily.
You can switch between inches of water, millibars, and PSI. The first two have a resolution of 0.01 inches each, and this is a fine measurement that will be useful for any purpose.
We love how easy the display is easy to read and how it shows more than just the pressure differential. It can display the absolute pressure on both sides, making this tool useful and ideal for HVAC installations. We tested this tool from Fieldpiece and were particularly pleased with the accuracy. More and more customers report the same satisfaction, one of the most accurate options.
| Brand | Fieldpiece Dual-Port Manometer |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.5 x 1.25 x 7.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.9 Ounces |
| Material | Plastic |
Pros
- We love the rugged design.
- The magnet to hang the device is very convenient.
- It had impressive battery life when we tested it.
- The dual port cuts down on the time you spend on the task.
- It’s great for the money.
Cons
- It was missing probe tips.
- We’d love if it had a backlight.
- We wish it came with a case.
[amazon box=”B000UV0F9U” title=”Fieldpiece ” description=”You can trust Fieldpiece.”]
Dwyer – Dwyer 477AV Handheld, Digital Model
This high-quality option is available with:
- Velocity
- Pressure
- Flow measurements
- And other interesting features.
This model has very high accuracy, with the differential pressure sensor offering a +/- 0.5% accuracy. It can display negative, positive, or differential pressure.
You can select between imperial or metric units displayed on the LCD panel. A built-in air velocity will provide high accuracy and save you time from stressful manual calculations with complicated formulas. A total of 40 readings can be saved individually by HVAC technicians, making this tool easier to use.
A digital display that is also backlit allows higher visibility in the dark. On the screen, you can always find the battery percentage, just like your phone’s. You will know exactly when this device needs charging. After 20 minutes of inactivity, this manometer will automatically shut down to save power.
You can manually adjust this shutdown time, so it happens earlier or later than the default setting. An audible and visual alarm will warn you in case of overpressure, over-velocity, or overflow. This way, you can take immediate action exactly when the problem is detected.
This device’s casing is made of aluminum, making it highly durable and long-lasting. On the back of this case, you will find a menu with all the options printed. A 9-volt battery and a wrist strap are included so you can handle this tool better.
| Brand | Dwyer® 477AV |
| Item Weight | 10.2 ounces |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Product Dimensions | 11 x 7 x 2.1 inches |
| Special features | Backlight |
Pros
- We love the range of features it offers.
- We love its backlight feature.
- It’s great at preserving the battery.
- It’s nice that it automatically shuts off to preserve the battery.
Cons
- Delivery was slow when we ordered it.
[amazon box=”B0100S5060″ title=”Dwyer® 477AV” description=”A worthy contender”]
Types
There are many types of manometers, and you should choose the one best suited for your needs. Let’s learn more about each type out there.
Piezometer
In this tool, tubes are usually connected to the pipes that hold the liquid. The purpose is to measure the pressure, and the instrument’s opening should be parallel to fluid flow for accurate results.
U-tube manometer
In a U-tube manometer, both tubes should contain the same liquid or liquids of the same pressure.
Differential manometer
They measure the difference in pressure found at 2 points in the same piping system. Usually, a U-tube will carry heavy liquids and will have 2 ends joined by pressure difference measuring points.
