# Ref Tools vs Bluon HVAC

The clearest difference is rating: Bluon HVAC at 4.8 against Ref Tools's 3.9. Bluon HVAC also leads on ratings volume (4.5K vs 52). Ref Tools's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Bluon HVAC holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bluon HVAC has 4.5K ratings behind it against 52, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Ref Tools's written reviews are positive against 55% of Bluon HVAC's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Ref Tools ships an update every 6 weeks, Bluon HVAC monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ref Tools | Bluon HVAC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541/reviews) | **[4.8 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluon-hvac/id1357521880/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 52 | **4.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **57.6% of reviews** | 55.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 98 MB | 170 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Danfoss A/S](https://appshunter.io/developer/423984644) | [Bluon, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1357521879) |

## What reviewers say

### Ref Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-tools/id472312541)

This app provides HVACR technicians with essential tools and information for field service. It includes refrigerant calculators, troubleshooting guides, product finders, and access to spare parts. Listen to educational podcasts to enhance your knowledge on the go.

**Highlights:** Refrigerant Slider for P/T calculations, Solenoid valve coil testing tool, Refrigeration system troubleshooting guide, Product data finder, Spare parts ordering, Low-GWP refrigerant comparison, TXV Superheat optimization, Educational podcasts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bluon HVAC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluon-hvac/id1357521880)

Access a vast database of HVAC models, manuals, and part lists to speed up your work. Utilize an AI-powered troubleshooting tool or connect with experienced technicians for real-time support.

**Highlights:** 500,000+ HVAC unit database, Manuals and part lists, AI troubleshooting tool (MasterMechanic), Live support from veteran techs, HVAC industry upgrade tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🤖 Helpful tech support
- 💯 Comprehensive database of manuals and information
- 🛠️ Useful tools and calculators
- 🤝 Great customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall for advanced features
- 🔒 Limited access without company account
- 🔍 Missing manuals for some equipment models
- 🗣️ Removal of helpful forums

**Reported bugs**

- Login/password reset issues
- Frequent crashes or loading problems

**Requested features**

- Individual technician subscription option
- More comprehensive coverage of HVAC equipment models
- Ability to access full manuals without restrictions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ref Tools free?

Ref Tools is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bluon HVAC free?

Bluon HVAC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Ref Tools or Bluon HVAC?

Bluon HVAC is rated higher. Ref Tools averages 3.9 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Bluon HVAC averages 4.8 from 4.5K ratings.

### Do Ref Tools or Bluon HVAC have ads?

Bluon HVAC shows ads; Ref Tools does not.

### Which is updated more often, Ref Tools or Bluon HVAC?

Ref Tools ships an update every 6 weeks, and Bluon HVAC monthly. Most recently, Ref Tools was updated on September 19, 2026 and Bluon HVAC on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*