HVAC Shop Blog

Surface temperature probes are one of the most-used tools on a working HVAC/R technician's belt. When you need an accurate temperature reading from a pipe surface, motor housing, compressor case or coil, contact measurement gives you something an infrared gun simply cannot: direct thermal coupling with the surface itself. This guide covers probe types, accuracy factors and how to pick the right Testo surface probe for every job.

The Testo 115i is a wireless clamp thermometer built for HVAC/R technicians who need fast, reliable pipe temperature readings without holding a probe in place. Purpose-built for superheat and subcooling calculations and refrigerant charging workflows, it connects via Bluetooth to the Testo Smart App so both hands stay free for gauges and service valves. This guide covers who should use it, how to get accurate readings, and where it fits in your toolkit.

Most HVAC/R technicians carry more than one temperature probe — and for good reason. Pipe surfaces, motor housings, air streams and liquid temperatures each call for a different probe geometry. A Testo temperature probe kit gives you a matched surface, air and immersion set in a single purchase, all using Type K Class 1 thermocouples that work with any Type K meter you already own. This guide covers what's in the kit, when to choose it over individual probes, and how each probe type is used in the field.