Air Flow: The most important thing to check before buying an AC vacuum pump is its airflow rating. It tells you about the amount of air being moved in a minute that is given as 3 CFM or 5 CFM, where a higher cubic feet per minute rating results in better performance. Pump Power: You can also check the pump power rating to get an idea about its performance while using such a vacuum pump. This mainly includes ¼ HP and ⅓ HP vacuum pump options, out of which the later one offers better performance to the user. Stages: While some pumps are 1 stage vacuum pumps, others might be a 2 stage pump. Even though both of these offer the same function, a 2 stage vacuum pump offers slightly better cleaning performance due to its design and functioning.
Since these vacuum pumps are so handy while servicing and repairing an AC unit, we are here with some of the best AC vacuum pumps. To help you in differentiating between the different options mentioned in our “Buying Guide”, we have even mentioned their major features and options. Hence, you can go through this article until the end and buy the perfect one for you.
7 Best AC Vacuum Pumps 2023
7 Best AC Vacuum Pumps Reviews
1. Zeny AC Vacuum Pump
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You can find a wide range of affordable and budget appliances from Zeny that generally have a high user rating because of the high value for money that they offer to the user. The Zeny R410a AC vacuum pump is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the cheapest option present in this article. Even though it has an affordable price tag for users on a budget, you get decent performance out of it that results in a high value for money. This AC vacuum pump has a pump power rating of ¼ HP that is quite good for the given price. As for its performance, it is rated at a decent airflow rating of 3.5 CFM that should be more than enough for most users out there. Unfortunately, since this is a budget vacuum pump, you only get a 30-day warranty with it that can be an issue for some users. Although, you get a decent build quality that includes a shockproof and wear-resistant high grip base in it. Best Features:
5 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ¼ HP 30-day long warranty Comes with a shockproof and wearable base
Pros:
Affordable price tag for users on a budget High value for money due to decent performance output Offers decent build quality
Cons:
Only a 30-day long warranty with the pump
2. Robinair AC Vacuum Pump
Robinair is quite a popular brand of pneumatic products, as you can tell by its name. It also makes quite a powerful AC vacuum pump that can be quite handy while servicing an AC unit. Robinair’s 15500 VacuMaster AC vacuum pump is present in the 2nd position in this article as it offers a high value for money to its users. It is one of the most powerful options in this article while having a highly justified price tag. This AC vacuum pump is a 2 stage pump that makes it highly powerful and results in a pretty high airflow rating of up to 5 CFM. You can get such a high airflow rating from this vacuum pump because it has a pump power rating of ⅓ HP. In other words, this vacuum pump is also quite reliable. While you get a 1-year long warranty with this AC vacuum pump, its build quality is just average when compared with other options in its class. Although the base does offer decent stability to this vacuum pump. Best Features:
5 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ⅓ HP 1-year long warranty 2 stage design for extra performance
Pros:
Offers a high value for money due to justified price tag Comes with high power rating for heavy-duty usage Sturdy base for providing stability to the vacuum pump
Cons:
Build quality could have been slightly better
3. Vivohome AC Vacuum Pump
Vivohome is one of the smallest brands of tools and appliances, like an AC vacuum pump that happens to be on the affordable side and makes for a great pick for users on a budget. The Vivohome AC vacuum pump offers quite similar performance to most other budget options out there. Just per its name, you get a ¼ HP pump power rating with this AC vacuum pump. It allows you to achieve a maximum airflow rating of 3.5 cubic feet per minute with ease. Even though it is not the highest, you cannot expect more from any option in its class. You get an oil bottle included with this AC vacuum pump that can always come in handy in the long run for maintaining this AC vacuum pump. Speaking of maintenance, this pump is quite reliable and durable and offers a decent build quality. But, since this is an affordable AC vacuum pump, you do not get any warranty included with it that can be an issue if you want a highly durable and reliable option. Best Features:
5 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ¼ HP Includes a 500ml oil bottle in the box for maintenance Small and compact form factor for ease of use
Pros:
Offers a nonslip base for added grip and stability Affordable price tag for users on a budget Decent performance rating for the given price tag
Cons:
Does not include any manufacturer warranty
4. XtremepowerUS AC Vacuum Pump
XtremepowerUS is a popular brand that manufactures a wide range of products including power tools, industrial tools, pool pumps and filters, and heating, cooling, and air quality products. XtremepowerUS comes with a power rating of ¼ HP to provide an airflow rating of 3 CFM. The pump has a high efficiency and low noise output with an internal high volume cooling fan for prolonged use. The vacuum pump features a diecast aluminum alloy casing that not only makes the pump durable but also lightweight. To ensure there is no oil leakage, the vacuum pump has brass fitting tethered safety caps. The vacuum pump comes with a service gauge that is perfect for diagnosing and repairing AC systems. Apart from lubrication, there is no maintenance involved. There is a simple oil port and an oil drain plug for easy pouring and draining of the oil. There is also a spillage meter to ensure the proper level of oil in the vacuum pump. Along with the vacuum pump, you get 3 multicolored 35-inch hoses, vacuum pump oil bottle, manifold gauge, can tap, and a storage bag. XtremepowerUS backs this AC vacuum pump with a 1-year warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
3 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ¼ HP 1-year long warranty Diecast aluminum alloy casing
Pros
Quiet operation Lightweight and durable construction Easy to pour and drain oil No oil leakage
Cons
Not the most powerful option
5. Kozyvacu AC Vaccum Pump
Just per its name, Kozyvacu is a brand that mainly deals with vacuum pumps like an AC vacuum pump that can be used for servicing air conditioning units and systems. This Kozyvacu Mini AC vacuum pump is present in the 3rd position in this article as it offers a wide range of accessories to its user. This includes multiple things like hoses, gauges, carrying bag, vacuum pump oil, adapters, and the AC vacuum pump itself. Since you get so many things in the box, you can start using this AC vacuum pump right away. All of these accessories also result in a high value for money for the given price tag. Another great thing about this AC vacuum pump is that it comes with a 1-year long warranty. Even the build quality offered by it is quite good that makes this AC vacuum pump quite durable and reliable. As for its performance numbers, you get an airflow rating of 4.5 CFM in this AC vacuum pump. When combined with its ⅓ HP pump rating, it can be used for a lot of applications with ease. Best Features:
5 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ⅓ HP 1-year long warranty Includes multiple accessories in the box
Pros:
Comes with different accessories for different usage High-performance vacuum pump at the given price point Offers long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Included accessories could have a better build quality
6. Goplus AC Vacuum Pump
Goplus is one of the best brands of tools and appliances. This single-stage AC vacuum pump has an aluminum body that ensures lightweight, durability, high efficiency, thermally protected, and low noise output that makes it suits perfect for long term duty. This heavy-duty vacuum pump of AC system delivers better than 150 microns and it is ideal for R22, R12, R134, and R410a after configuring adapters. Its design allows to get an airflow rating of 4 CFM and a pump power rating of 1/3 HP, which make it used for a lot of applications with ease. HVAC service gauge set used for diagnosing and repairing AC systems. It is a complete set of tool kit designed for refrigerant recharging of AUTO AC and HVAC/mini-split. It comes with various accessories like three color-coded hoses, spillage meter, oil fill port, pump oil bottle, and a portable case. Best Features:
4 CFM airflow rating and pump power rating of 1/3 HP. Includes multiple accessories in the box Offers decent build quality HVAC service gauge set for diagnosing and repairing AC systems. Three color-coded hoses with a working pressure of 800 – 4000 PSI. A complete refrigerant tool kit
Pros:
Offers single stage design for 1/3 HP power rating. Ideal for heavy-duty usage while cleaning AC units. Lightweight, durable, and reliable option with low noise output, and high efficiency. Comes with different accessories for different usage.
Cons:
No information on its warranty. The quality of the manifold gauge set is not up to the mark.
7. Bacoeng AC Vacuum Pump
Bacoeng is a relatively small brand. But nevertheless, the brand manufactures durable AC vacuum pumps that are right there at the top along with other vacuum pumps when it comes to performance and reliability. Bacoeng’s AC vacuum pump has a horsepower of ¼ HP to deliver 3.6 CFM with an ultimate vacuum of 0.8Pa. It features a durable solid anodized aluminum black body for a long lasting life. Besides, it has a high volume cooling fan for faster heat dissipation. The motor comes with a thermal protection feature to avoid thermal failure. The AC vacuum pump has an oversized glass that allows you to view the refrigerant flow. It is enclosed in an aluminum alloy casing with a rubber handle for easy handling. Besides, you can also get a tool bag for maximum portability. Along with the vacuum pump, you get 2 angled adapters of 45 degrees to convert the 5/16-inch vacuum ports to accept the ¼-inch gauge-hose set. Best Features
3.6 cubic feet per minute airflow rating Pump power rating of ¼ HP Solid anodized aluminum black body
Pros
Prevents overheating and thermal failure Can view the refrigerant flow Easy to use and handle Maximum portability Good Value for money
Cons
No information on warranty
Things To Consider Before Buying The AC Vacuum Pump
A vacuum pump is a compact piece of machinery equipped with hose connections, dials, and multiple outlets. But if you get over the initial appearance, they are easy to use. So, before you go and get yourself a new AC vacuum pump, you should consider a few things. Figuring out the following information will be the key to getting the right pump at an affordable price.
1. Capacity
As we are discussing a pump, the pumping capacity is one of the most important things to consider. The capability of the pump to create a vacuum, the measurement comes in cubic feet minute or CFM. You can estimate the number after a detailed calculation. You have to take the ambient temperature with other measurements like constant flow rate, pressure, etc. The fact is, nobody wants to go through complicated calculations before getting a pump, and you don’t have to. Still, there is some math, but it is easy. Just the CFM rating of the pump needs to be greater than that of the unit. Fortunately, all the vacuum pumps will eventually reach the required vacuum level, but if you want to reach that point immediately, then check out the Ac tonnage and add 2. Basically, if you are working on a 2 ton AC unit, then get a pump with 4 CFM rating.
2. Vacuum Level
Another rating you need to consider is called the Micron rating. This rating indicates the vacuum level produced by the pump. No vacuum at sea-level will have a micron measurement of 760,000. Zero is the perfect vacuum. But you are not required to have a perfect vacuum for your pump. Look for a pump with a micron rating of at least 500. Higher is good. But you may also find reaching a higher vacuum level is difficult. In that case, remember that if you are getting one for home use then, 500 to 700 micron is enough. For professional use, you may want to go higher.
3. Weight
The weight is an important factor but not the most important one. You will be not be required to hold these machines; so, it doesn’t matter much. But if you are carrying them to your work, then you might want a light model.
4. Motor Power
There are different pump types available. But there is one thing that is important for all types of pumps that is the power of the motor. Single-stage motors are mostly good enough, but you will also find pumps using 2-stage motors. These types of motors are more powerful, faster, and stronger. So, if you are getting a pump for home use, then single-stage motors are good enough, but for professional use, you should get a pump with a 2-stage motor.
5. Sight Glass
If you know about rotary vane pumps then, you know that they run on oil. These pumps come with a sight glass so that you can monitor the oil level. So, if you are getting a rotary vane pump but it doesn’t have a sight glass, then select a different model. Without the sight glass, you will fail to know if you are running low on oil. And if you fail to replace the oil in time, then it may cause significant damage to the pump itself. So, just pay a few more bucks and get a model with sight glass.
6. Noise
Pumps are associated with noise; they are not a quiet piece of machinery. If you are using it outside, then noise shouldn’t be an issue, but it can be a bother if you are using it inside. So, if you are getting a pump for inside use, then get one with low noise or buy earplugs.
7. Oil System
The rotary vane pumps require oil changes from time to time. The sight glass will help you to determine the oil level, but you will also need an accessible oil plug to drain the machine easily.
Additional Features
As there is too much competition, you will find the main difference when checking out the additional features of these pumps.
There are a few functions that should be considered must-have like ‘Anti-Suck Back’. This function prevents any air or even liquid from entering the system again. There are other things you should look for, like intake fittings of different sizes. IT will help you to use other equipment, and the isolation valves will help you to control the vacuum level. The pressure gauges are also important. Analog gauges are most common, but they are also a hassle to operate and not very accurate. So, you better look for digital gauges.
Conclusion
Cleaning the water and moisture from the insides of an AC unit is highly important while servicing an AC system. Although, doing this manually can take a lot of time with poor results. Therefore, you should get one of the best AC vacuum pumps mentioned up above in this article. Since we have mentioned their major features and options, you must be able to easily differentiate between them. Although, if you are still confused, you can simply go with one of the following recommendations to pick up the perfect AC vacuum pump for you:
If you want a highly powerful AC vacuum pump for heavy-duty usage, you can go with the Vivohome AC Vacuum Pump. Even though it is quite expensive, you get a high airflow rating of 3.5 CFM that is made possible using its ⅓ HP pump power rating. The Robinair AC Vacuum Pump can be a great pick if you want a high value for money since it offers high performance without having a high price tag. It offers a 2 stage system that is able to offer 5 CFM airflow rating with a pump power rating of ⅓ HP. Those of you who are on a budget should go with the Zeny AC Vacuum Pump as it is the cheapest option present in this article. Despite that, you get a decent 3.5 CFM airflow rating with its ¼ HP pump power rating that is quite good for the given price tag.
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