What tool can a technician use to identify cooling system issues based on surface temperature?

An infrared thermometer is an essential tool for technicians when diagnosing cooling system issues based on surface temperature. It allows for non-contact temperature measurements, which means technicians can efficiently check the temperatures of various components, such as the evaporator, condenser, and refrigerant lines, without needing to make direct contact. This capability is crucial in identifying problems such as insufficient cooling, refrigerant leaks, or issues with airflow.

Using an infrared thermometer, technicians can quickly pinpoint temperature differentials that indicate performance problems. For instance, if the temperature of the surface of the evaporator coil doesn't drop within expected ranges, it may signify a refrigerant issue or an airflow problem. Similarly, abnormal temperatures on the condenser coil can indicate issues with heat transfer or overcharging of refrigerant.

In contrast, other tools like pressure gauges and manifold gauge sets are more focused on measuring the pressure of refrigerants within the system, rather than surface temperatures. A Fluke meter is primarily used for measuring electrical parameters like voltage and current, which doesn't directly provide insight into temperature variances that are often critical in diagnosing HVAC cooling system performance. Thus, the infrared thermometer stands out as the most effective tool for this specific task.