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Most air conditioning systems available today require a critical charge for optimal operation. They are sensitive to moisture and contaminants that can cause the system to freeze up, corrode the metals, and contaminate the oil. Moisture must be removed before the critical charge, and that is where the HVAC vacuum pump comes into play. With so many products available on the market today, choosing the best HVAC vacuum pump can be mind-boggling. Never fear, we have taken the guesswork out of selecting the best HVAC vacuum pump by reviewing the top models available. Read on to discover our pick for the best HVAC vacuum pump.
HVAC Vacuum Pump FAQs
Before we move on to our list of the best HVAC vacuum pumps, we will take a moment to answer some frequently asked questions on the subject.
1. What Is an HVAC Vacuum Pump?
An HVAC vacuum pump is a vacuum that lowers the atmospheric pressure inside an HVAC system to remove the moisture from it. An HVAC vacuum pump evacuates contaminants from the air conditioning system to prevent freezing and leaks.
2. What Is an HVAC Vacuum Pump Used for?
An HVAC vacuum pump can be used to service and repair household and automobile HVAC systems, sealing jars for preserving food, recharging refrigerators and freezers, degassing wine or epoxy, hot-forming plastic, milking animals, and much more.
3. Where Can I Purchase an HVAC Vacuum Pump?
We have provided links to the HVAC vacuum pumps reviewed in this article. Click on the link to purchase the product. All the HVAC vacuum pumps reviewed in this article are available on Amazon.com.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty.
Overall Price Range
Pricing for HVAC vacuum pumps varies. The HVAC vacuum pumps reviewed in this article range in price from around $55 up to $525. The price of each HVAC vacuum pump has been given a rating of $, $$, or $$$, where $ represents a price at the lower end of the range, and $$$ represents a price at the higher end. Prices with a rating of $$ are considered mid-range.
What We Reviewed
- Robinair (15500) VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump
- ZENY 3
- Kozyvacu 5CFM 2-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump
- Yellow Jacket 93560 6CFM
- TMS 3 CFM Single-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump
- FJC 6912
- MASTERCOOL 90066-A
- ARKSEN 1/2HP 5 CFM
- XtremepowerUS 3CFM 1/4HP Air Vacuum Pump
- Robinair 15800 VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump
Robinair (15500) VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Robinair VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump is a heavy-duty, high-performance 2-stage rotary vane vacuum pump designed for air conditioning and refrigeration service. It features a 5 CFM free air displacement, a factory rating to 35 microns, and a 7.5-ounce oil reservoir.
The unit features a 1/3 HP thermally protected motor with an inlet fitting designed for maximum airflow while preventing oil backflow. The finned aluminum surfaces dissipate heat faster to keep the pump cooler and extend the life of the unit. It has an easy-to-read sight glass, an easy-access oil fill port, and an oil drain valve on the bottom of the oil reservoir that is angled for complete draining.
Pros
- Factory rating to 35 microns
- Oil reservoir of 7.5 ounces
- Thermally protected 1/3 HP motor
Cons
- Does not have a shut-off switch
- Must unscrew the exhaust cap when in use
- Drain plug leaks oil
Price $$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
5 Gallon Tempered Glass Lid Vacuum Chamber with Pump
11
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Zeny 3 is constructed with a heavy-duty aluminum alloy casing and an internal high-volume cooling fan for extended use. It features an exhaust port with an exhaust cap, an oil sight glass for monitoring oil levels, and an on/off switch. The pump has a non-slip cushion handle and a visual fuel tank to prevent oil shortage and motor burnout.
The unit comes with a bottle of vacuum oil. The high-quality capacitor ensures the stability of the machine output and the intelligent radiator senses when something is stuck and will protect itself and prevent it from burning out. The direct drive motor allows for easy, maintenance-free starting.
Pros
- Heavy-duty aluminum alloy casing
- Oil sight glass to monitor oil levels
- Includes a bottle of vacuum oil
Cons
- Does not run long in high temperatures
- Must drain oil between uses to prevent oil leaking
- Oil spews out of the top while in use
Price $
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Kozyvacu 5CFM 2-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Kozyvacu 5CFM 2-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump features a high-torque design for easy startup and efficient operation. It has a die-cast aluminum housing to make the pump durable and lightweight. It is maintenance-free and easy to start. The motor is thermally protected for durability. The oil drain valve is positioned at the bottom of the oil reservoir and it is angled for complete draining.
The oil fill port is accessible from the front or either side for easy filling. The pump features a sight glass that shows the oil level. This unit delivers high efficiency with a low noise level.
Pros
- High-torque design
- Die-cast aluminum housing
- Easy-access oil fill port
Cons
- Motor does not engage immediately
- Does not have a gauge
- Smokes until high vacuum is achieved
Price $$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Yellow Jacket 93560 6CFM
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Yellow Jacket Vac Pump features a heavy-duty rotor and bearing. It has a heavy-duty steel handle for well-balanced carrying. The unit has a 1/2 horsepower rating. The unit is field rated to 15 microns. It has a garden hose attachment for the oil exhaust port.
Pros
- Heavy-duty rotor and housing
- Heavy-duty steel handle
- Field rated to 15 microns
Cons
- Motor locks up
- Overheats easily
- Unit is heavy
Price $$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
ZENY 3,5CFM Single-Stage 5 Pa Rotary Vane Economy Vacuum Pump
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The TMS Vacuum Pump is a rotary vane, deep vacuum pump, perfect for maintaining air conditioning systems. The pump will remove contaminants before charging the air conditioning system with refrigerants. It will easily remove air from a/c systems and it will easily fill an empty system. The internal cooling fan allows the pump to stay cool during extended use, extending the life of the pump.
The oil window provides visibility to oil levels and oil quality for easy maintenance. This pump can be used to seal jars to preserve food, hot forming plastic, de-gasification processes, and much more. The pump features a non-slip cushioned grip and a heavy-duty aluminum casing.
Pros
- Internal cooling fan keeps pump cool during extended use
- Oil window provides visibility to oil level and quality
- Heavy-duty aluminum housing
Cons
- Requires 1/2″ to 1/4″ adapter that is not included
- Burns/spews a lot of oil
- Poorly translated manual is confusing
Price $
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
FJC 6912
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The FJC Vacuum Pump 5 CFM uses twin-port technology for two-stage performance. The pump will remove moisture and non-condensable gasses that can destroy an a/c or refrigeration system. It features a 1/3 HP motor that runs at 1725 RPM. The unit has a 12-ounce oil reservoir. This pump pulls 75 microns.
Pros
- Twin-port technology for two-stage performance
- 12-ounce oil reservoir
- 1/3 HP motor
Cons
- Unit smokes while in use
- Oil leaks during shipping
- Poorly packaged
Price $$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Robinair (15115) VacuMaster
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Mastercool Vacuum Pump features a thermally protected motor for safety. It also has a built-in cooling fan to maintain temperature and avoid overheating with prolonged use. It completely evacuates and will easily pull 75 microns at 1/4 horsepower. The base of the product is stable. It features an oil indicator and an easily accessible drainage valve. The unit is lightweight and designed for residential use.
Pros
- Thermally protected motor
- Built-in cooling fan
- Easily accessible drainage valve
Cons
- Does not have a gas ballast valve
- Only for residential use
- Leaks oil at sight glass
Price $$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Robinair (15310) VacuMaster Single
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
The Arksen Single Stage 1/2 HP Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump achieves 10-6 bar to remove air from air conditioning systems with ease, and will quickly fill an empty system. It features an internal cooling fan to ensure the pump stays cool during extended use for a long life. The unit has an oil window to provide vital information regarding oil level and oil quality.
The pump will quickly remove moisture and air from air conditioning systems. The direct drive motor is maintenance free and starts easily. The oil drain plug is located at the bottom of the oil reservoir for easy drainage. The unit has an on/off switch, a non-slip contoured carrying handle, and an exhaust port with cap.
Pros
- Internal cooling fan keeps the pump cool during extended use
- Oil window provides insight to oil level and quality
- Oil drain plug at bottom of the reservoir
Cons
Price $
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
XtremepowerUS 3CFM 1/4HP Air Vacuum Pump
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
Pros
- Internal high-volume cooling fan
- Heavy-duty, die-cast aluminum alloy casing
- HVAC service gauge set
Cons
Price $$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Robinair 15800 VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump
Image Source: www.amazon.com
Features
Pros
Cons
Price $$$
Where to Buy
Warranty
This product carries a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
The Verdict
Based on our research, we believe that the best HVAC vacuum pump is the XtremepowerUS 3CFM 1/4 HP Air Vacuum Pump. The gauge set included with the pump helps diagnose and repair HVAC systems. The high-volume cooling fan enables the unit to be used for extended periods, and the heavy-duty, die-cast aluminum alloy casing makes the unit both lightweight and durable. You will not be disappointed with the XtremepowerUS Air Vacuum Pump.