If you are working with HVAC systems and have recovered from the refrigerant, you will want to have a vacuum pump handy. These will help remove any unwanted water vapor or air left in the system after the recovery has been completed.
This is the best way to ensure that any refrigerant left behind would be able to be used later, especially if you are using it on the same system.
Here is everything that you will want to know about HVAC vacuum pumps, including the factors to consider and much more. If you need to know more information, keep reading our comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Top 10 HVAC Vacuum Pumps
There are so many options for HVAC pumps that it can be confusing when you first start to look at them. However, if you know what the top models are, then you can make your choice easier, so here are our top 10, including:
-
Best Overall: ZENY 3.5 CFM Rotary Vane Economy Vacuum Pump
The best of the lot is this model, and the inlet port is 1/4” in size with a pressure scale of 0~400psi and 0~140psi with a 1.2-meter hose. This is very quiet while working, but still high inefficiency, so you know the work is getting done fast. It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy for the casing, and the oil drain plug is on the bottom of the machine, which makes it easy to access.
The handle is cushioned to prevent it from slipping while you are carrying it and the motor is easy to start. This also has an intelligent radiator so when something is stuck it will turn itself off to prevent any burnout or other damage.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are searching for only the best of the models, then this one is going to be one you definitely want on your list.
-
Runner Up: Robinair (15310) VacuMaster Vacuum Pump
If you don’t mind spending a bit of extra money on your HVAC vacuum pump, then this would be the perfect model. It is designed to be used in refrigerator and air conditioner servicing, and it is a single-stage device. This model oil tank’s capacity is 8.5 oz with the non-skidding feet to keep it in place while you are working.
This model’s free air displacement is 3 CFM, and the motor is powerful with 110V/60Hz voltage and 1/4 HP and is thermally protected. An inlet is designed for the highest level of airflow while preventing any backflow of oil.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you want something that will last a long time, even if it means spending a bit more money, this would be the model for you to look at.
-
Best Budget Option: Kozyvacu TA350 Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump
Another great option you can opt for is this model, and it is lightweight and made with aluminum to have a high-quality body and build. The motor is a direct drive that allows it to start easily and be free of any maintenance. You can also use the viewing window to see the oil level, and the drain valve is located on the bottom, and the reservoir is tilted to allow for easier draining.
It has a higher volume fan inside to prevent it from overheating while being used for longer periods. This model’s FAD or free air displacement is 3.5CFM with a ¼ HP power and a voltage of 120V with a frequency of 60HZ. The oil reservoir capacity is around 280 ml, which means it is large enough for your daily needs.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, this will be an ideal model for you to check out for your professional needs.
-
Favor cool (FC-36T) 3.6CFM Vacuum Pump
This model is a single-stage pump with a 3.6CFM, and it is made of cast aluminum to keep it rust and weather resistant. The motor, which is direct drive style, makes it much easier to turn on than others, and it doesn’t require much maintenance. There is a window for checking out the oil level on the bottom with the angled reservoir to make draining faster and simpler.
The fill port for the oil is on the top and it can be access from either the right or left without any issues. This has a convenient and easy to hold handle so you can move it without hassles.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are one of those who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a low-quality machine, then this is a high-quality one to make sure to look at.
-
PBautos 1/3HP 4.5CFM Vacuum Pump
Another option that will be ideal for all types of refrigerator or air conditioning servicing is this model. It has a 4.5CFM with 1/3 HP and an oil capacity of 225ml. This is made with a direct driven motor so you don’t have to worry about it turning on and the cooling fan is built-in to keep the entire machine cool.
There is a window for checking the oil level so you don’t have to guess at how much you are putting in. This will be easy to use in your professional usage as well as for medical experiments, wine degassing and even automobile maintenance as required.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you want something that you can plug in and start using, then this model would be ideal, so make sure to have it on your list.
-
Robinair (15500) Economy VacuMaster Vacuum Pump
If you want a handle that you can easily grip, then this model is the way to go and this is an economy version. This is one has a oil capacity of 7.5 ounces and it has non-skidding feet to ensure that it won’t move from where you place it. It has a 5 CFM and 1/3 HP with a motor that is thermally protected and there is an inlet to allow extra air to flow through easily.
This is going to be a great model if you want something that will last you a long time and that will work in all areas of your career.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For those who are looking to spend some money and get something high-quality in return, then this would be the model to look at.
-
Robinair (15115) Single Stage Vacuum Pump
Another good option if you are looking for the top brand is this model and it is perfect for the refrigeration or even HVAC servicing needs. It has a 10 ounce capacity for oil with feet that are non-skidding so it doesn’t shift while being used. The free air displacement is 1.5CFM with a 1/5HP motor that is protected thermally.
The sight glass is going to be very easy to read and you can easily find the port to fill the oil quickly.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t mind something heavy, then this model will be great to have in your tool shed or even in your work truck.
-
Orion 4.5CFM Vacuum Pump
This model is made with some lightweight, yet high-quality cast aluminum to keep it from getting rusty or damaged. The motor is a direct drive one to ensure it operates and starts smoothly and doesn’t require maintenance. There is a viewing window where you can glance and see what the current level of oil is and if you need to add more.
There is a cooling fan that is built-in that will ensure that the entire machine doesn’t overheat while it is being used no matter how long it will be on for.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are looking for something that you can use at home for your vehicles or any DIY projects, then this would be the perfect model for you to buy.
-
Robinair (15301) Economy VacuMaster Vacuum Pump
If money isn’t an issue and if you want the best model that is available from a top brand, then this one should be on the top of the list. This has an oil capacity of some 7.5 ounces with a 3FM for air displacement and 1/3 HP for the motor, which is thermally protected.
The sight glass is going to be very easy to read and you can easily fill and drain the oil without any issues because of the angle valve.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t have a budget, then this might be the perfect model for you since it can handle everything easily.
-
Robinair VacuMaster 15510 5CFM Vacuum Pump
Another good option from the top brand is this model and you can use it for all of your refrigeration and air conditioning servicing needs, including for cars. The oil capacity is around 10 ounces with an air displacement of 5CFM and a ½ HP motor, which is protected thermally to reduce heat and damage from long usage.
This one comes with oil and the handle would be easy to grasp so you can store it away or take it with you when you are heading out on a job.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For those who want a model that is fast and that comes from the top brand in the industry this would be the perfect model to look at.
HVAC Vacuum Pump Buying Guide
You should ensure that you know everything to know about vacuum pumps, including how they work and the advantages to owning one. The more you know, then the easier the decision would be in the end.
How AC Vacuum Pumps Work
These vacuum pumps are going to be great for air conditioning systems and they will work to draw out all of the debris in the air. The pump will start and the air is going to be directed into the pump where the air would be collected and the water and other oil would be removed. This would then be ejected out of the machine and back into the room and not only can these be used for your refrigerator and your air conditioner, but they can also be used for your vehicle as well.
Advantages of Owning a Vacuum Pump
It would help if you also thought about the myriad of benefits you would enjoy when you have one of these pumps handy. All this means is that you won’t just be using these pumps on your current HVAC system or your customers. These can also be used on water and sewage lines, small appliances, your cars, and much more.
If you have one sitting in your garage, it will last a long time, and you don’t have to worry about purchasing one right one you need it. These would be used regularly, especially if you are working in the HVAC industry. These are something you would use daily, so having one would make your job much easier.
This will be a great investment since you don’t need to buy an expensive one, but one that works. This will save you some money and time on costly repairs to your home if you are a homeowner or DIY project. If you don’t want to rush out and buy one when the time comes, then make sure that you have one ready and in your garage.
Things to Consider Before Buying an HVAC Vacuum Pump
You need to consider a few things before you purchase an HVAC vacuum pump, no matter the usage. It would help if you considered knowing what these include:
- Pumping capacity – You should consider how much it would be able to pump and how long it would take to do that. This is one of the top factors to consider since you want it to have a higher CFM level than others. Consider the tonnage of the air conditioning system you are working with and double it to get the ideal pumping capacity.
- Vacuum level – Another thing you need to be aware of is the vacuum level or the micron rating. This will be the final amount of production in terms of the vacuum level, and the ideal one is zero microns. However, you don’t need that, and you want one with at least 500 or more microns for your professional usage or 500 to 700 for home-usage.
- Motor power – You need to think about how much power the motor will use and easily use a single-stage model. The motor is giving out, the mower power, the faster it will get the work done with a stronger vacuum, and more impurities like oil and moisture will be removed from your system.
- Weight – The weight might not be as big of an issue as other factors, but you don’t want to get overly heavy. Ensure that you will be able to handle the machine’s weight if you are going to be carrying it a lot, which is why you might want to go with a lighter model.
- Noise level – These machines aren’t going to be quiet, and some would be louder than the other models. If you are going to be doing the work outside, it won’t be a big concern, but if you are doing it inside your garage or another type of enclosure, you want something quieter.
- Oil drainage system & plug – You need to make sure that you can easily see the plug for the oil and the drainage valve. This would make changing out the oil much easier, especially since you need to it often. The sight glass can make it easier for you to easily see when the oil would need to be changed out. You want to have an oil plug that is accessible and a system that will drain easily, so look for something that is angled.
- Price – Another thing you want to consider and think about is how much you want to spend on the vacuum. It would help if you had a budget set beforehand to be sure that you don’t go over that. If you have the price that you want to spend beforehand, then you can easily check out models that would fit into that price range and not the others.
- Brand – The final factor to consider is the brand you are going with and the warranty that they are going to offer. You want to pick the top brand in the industry to ensure that you will get a high-quality machine. Also, think about what the warranty covers and how long it would be when it comes to your machine.
These are only a few of the top factors you must think about when looking at the various models. Make sure that you are comparing these factors in each model to pick the one with the right specifications. The more you use these factors, the easier you will find that your choice will end, especially when you are narrowing down your list.
FAQ
-
Can I use my vacuum pump overnight?
If you want to leave your HVA vacuum pump on overnight, then you can do that. However, you will want to occasionally check the level of the oil and the temperature of the machine. This would help in preventing any damage while it is running.
-
How can I tell how much oil is in the machine?
The majority of the pumps would have a sight glass that would let you know the current oil level. This would also help you figure out when the oil would need to be refilled and how much you are putting in during an oil change.
-
What type of oil would I need to purchase?
You will want to make sure that you are purchasing a mineral oil with a Paraffinic base. This means that the oil would have different additives to prevent foaming, oxidation, and even corrosion.
-
How long should I be connecting the vacuum to my air conditioning system?
If you don’t know what you are doing, you might want to leave the experts’ work. However, depending on how many microns your machine can pull, it should be running for around 5 to 45 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The more you know about the HVAC vacuum pumps, the easier it will be when it comes time to make the final choice. You should consider the pumping capacity, the vacuum level, motor power, weight, noise level, and the drainage system’s oil plug and drainage system. If you want to get one of the best, you also need to think abocannd; and are just some of the top ones you can pick.
