Top 6 Best HVAC Vacuum Pump Reviews of 2023

If you are an HVAC tech, you will definitely deal with refrigeration systems, and thus you need to have the best HVAC vacuum pump to ensure that you carry out great maintenance or repair jobs every time.

However, these units are not only used by professional technicians to repair HVAC or AC units. They can also be used for other applications in vehicle engines, flight control, sewerage systems, and coating.

Without a quality pump, you are likely to leave behind non-condensable molecules that may lead to a series of problems, including oil breakdown, corrosion, and rust, and this will probably affect the system.

That’s why you need to get a vacuum pump HVAC with great performance for your money.

Unfortunately, it can be a daunting task to buy the right vacuum pump since there are plenty of models in the market, but we have made your work easier by reviewing the top-rated vacuum pump HVAC in the market.

But before we get started, let’s discuss several things about these units to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison Table of HVAC Vacuum Pump in 2023

Here Is The List of The Top 6 Best HVAC Vacuum Pump

If you’re in a hurry up and want to go through all products at a glance, then this portion is for you.

• Best for Affordable: Hilmor 1948121 Vacuum Pump
• Best Overall: Robinair RG3 Refrigerant Machine
• Best Runners Up: Fieldpiece VP85 HVAC Vacuum Pump
• Best for Portability: Kozyvacu KZTA35011 Vacuum Pump
• Best for Durability: VIVOHOME 4CFM Air Vacuum
• Best Value: Robinair 15800 Vacumaster

Let’s get into the details of the best vacuum pump for HVAC:

1. Fieldpiece VP85 HVAC Vacuum Pump

This is a US-made vacuum pump that has designed and manufactured in the country. It boasts the highest quality materials that ensure a long lifespan and excellent performance at all times. With its rubberized system of construction, this pump is built to last.

The heavy-duty unit is one of the new generation HVAC vacuum pumps that use a run-quick oil change system. With the feature, it allows you to replace oil quickly, even with the pump running. What’s more, the pump runs with high efficiency than most other pumps.

The VP85 features four inline ports, allowing for three different sizes of hose connections that offer tidy house routing for maximum utility.

This model uses a large and clear sight glass to allow easier viewing of the tank and the condition of the oil. Moreover, the oil back light enables users to view whether the fill level is enough.

The Fieldpiece design allows for tangle-free storage by allowing users to place the power cord on the handle. The pump has an extra-wide base that offers stability and prevents spilling or tipping of the pump oil.

It is also water-resistant, meaning it can withstand direct rain. You can carry the machine from your job site quickly because it’s lightweight, weighs 29 pounds.

Key Features:

Different Hoses connectivity:

This pump also has four in-line intake ports that allow you to connect 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″ hoses with no adapters needed!

Lightweight and portable:

It’s lightweight and portable, which makes it easy to transport from job site to job site.

Oil Management System:

The revolutionary RunQuick Oil Management System ensures the oil doesn’t get too hot. So your machine will last longer than ever before.

Pros:

• Has a powerful ¾ horsepower DC motor
• Has a steady base to keep the pump upright
• It offers easy oil change
• Extremely lightweight

Cons:

• Some customers said it might have been an overheating issue

2. Robinair RG3 Refrigerant Machine

Robinair is a subgroup under Bosch Company that has gained a good reputation for manufacturing products that deliver excellent performance, thanks to its innovative features.

Robinair RG3 Refrigerant Recovery machine is one of those products and is a good option for the HVAC contractor on a tight budget.

The RG3 is proficient in eliminating both liquid and gas refrigerants due to an oil-less compressor. It’s a versatile pick that can deal with almost any refrigerant and can work with different HVAC systems in separate vehicles. The RG3 can work well with HFC, CFC, and HCFC refrigerants.

Easy use is always a crucial feature when looking for a vacuum pump. With this unit, you should find it easier to attach the gauges and operating the unit.

The valve controls are also straightforward with red and blue colors to show the inflow and outflow. Furthermore, the two clear gauges make it easy to monitor the levels effortlessly throughout the process.

It has a twin-cylinder that comes with an oil compressor with an in-built safety feature. If the pressure exceeds 550 pounds per square inch, this pump automatically switches off, allowing for safe operation. It is also fitted with a kill switch that prevents the emission of excess pressure.

For contractors with small storage space, this machine is compact, measuring 14.8 x 11.4 x 8.5 inches. Also, it is easy to carry to your place of work because it weighs 8 pounds only. Its outer casing is made using heavy-duty aluminum to ensure durability.

The RG3 uses an ergonomic cross-flow design that ensures harmony between the fan and condenser. This optimizes the refrigerant cycle of the unit, allowing you to extract up to 2 pounds in less than 30 minutes.

This is a great feature for speeding up the refrigerant recovery to allow you to handle other steps of maintenance.

Key Features:

Recover management system:

It can recover both liquid and vapor refrigerants from all common types of units, including R-410A.

Compressor:

With its 1/3 HP oil-less compressor, it’s capable of handling just about any job in a fraction of the time.

Design:

With its cross-flow design that features a fan and condenser layout optimized for shorter cycle times. You can get back to business quickly.

Pros:

• It’s lightweight and portable
• Has a sturdy construction
• Works with both air and liquid refrigerants

Cons:

• Has a slow vapor recovery rates

3. Hilmor 1948121 Vacuum Pump

Hilmor is known for emphasizing ease of use, with most of its products designed for anyone to use, including beginners. This vacuum pump fits perfectly into their philosophy as one of the easiest to operate. Also, it’s well-built and works extremely fast for removing moisture.

The first thing you notice is the two heavy-duty hoist points that make transporting the vacuum easier. These points are compatible with a Hilmor HVAC/R carrying strap for a hands-free experience.

Simply attach the strap and throw it over your shoulder as you head to your job site. It’s slightly heavier, weighing 20 pounds, but the strap provides an easy way to carry it around.

Hilmor also included a few innovative features to make it easier to change the oil from the unit. When you need to drain the oil, it’s quicker due to a slopped and channeled housing that slopes downwards, creating a suitable path for oil to flow without leaving any oil inside.

When you need to refill, the design features a large port that makes pouring in new oil a breeze. Also, you can easily check the oil level through the sight glass.

The performance of this vacuum pump is excellent, with a power of 5 CFM. Better yet, it can handle up to 40 tons of workload, which is sufficient for an average household.

The ideal HVAC for a typical household is between 10-20 tons, so you can be sure that the hilmor 5 cfm vacuum pump has you covered.

Operating this vacuum is straightforward, even for a beginner. However, should you find it complicated, you can refer to a manual that’s easy to understand.

The vacuum comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can ask for a replacement in case it develops issues within this period.

Key Features:

Oil change system:

It has an easy oil change system and smart tools to make your work easier. It’s also great for HVAC/R installation, maintenance and durability.

Large opening:

It features an oil fill port with a large opening. So you can easily pour in the oil without spilling it all over the place.

Sight glass facilities:

There’s also a sight glass on top of the pot. So you can see how much oil is left at any given time.

Pros:

• Quick and powerful
• Oil changing is quite easy
• Comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Some users may find it cumbersome at 20 lbs.

4. Kozyvacu KZTA35011 Vacuum Pump

Compact and portable, the Kozyvacu vacuum pump is another efficient AC vacuum to have. It comes with a ¼ GP motor that should displace about 100 liters of air in one minute. With the two-stage operation, you are getting a good air vacuum that makes your job extremely easy.

A major issue with any motor is that they wear out too fast. Not with this unit, though, as it comes with a thermally protected motor that features an efficient cooling fan.

There is also thermal overload protection that detects any extreme pressure and shuts down the pump to prevent damage to the engine.

Another great feature of this Kozyvacu unit is its capable of delivering over 150 microns to ensure that you remove all moisture in no time. This model is beyond most AC systems that require over 500 microns of vacuum.

The pump features an oil reservoir with a capacity of 280 ml, and there’s a clear glass to view the oil levels. Most customers are impressed by the drain valve that’s conveniently located at the bottom of the reservoir.

It’s angled to drain as fast as possible while ensuring that no oil remains. The refill process is a breeze courtesy of an oversized oil fill port which is easily accessible from different sides.

Looking at this pump, the first thing you notice is the appealing silver body. Despite its classy looks, it can handle some of the toughest AC jobs because the body is constructed using die-cast aluminum.

As a result, the unit is not only exceptionally lightweight as 10.6 pounds but also durable under harsh conditions.

The good thing is you do not have to know the Kozyvacu brand to use this pump that is so intuitive, even for beginners.

If you find yourself having problems operating it, there is a comprehensive booklet where everything about the machine is outlined and laid out for you.

Key Features:

Durability:

The KZTA35011 is designed with durability in mind and is made from high-quality materials. It will last long for several years.

Easy to use:

It’s also easy to use and comes with everything you need. You will also get hoses, gauges, and more!

Maintenance:

You can easily maintain and manage all the systems properly. There is no complex configuration in this Vaccum pump.

Pros:

• Has a durable body
• Thermally protected motor lasts long
•  Small and portable

Cons:

• It might not be ideal for larger jobs due to its low power rating

5. VIVOHOME 4CFM Air Vacuum

Having a vacuum pump is beneficial in many aspects of daily living. Be it vacuuming your home sealing, or repairing the refrigerant, there are many ways to use a vacuum.

This unit from Vivohome is the ultimate vacuum of 5 pa, which is enough for most ACs. The pump is a perfect choice for maintaining air conditioning system by getting rid of moisture.

What’s excellent with this vacuum is its handle that’s designed with a grip so that you can handle the unit with ease. Furthermore, you will find it easier to move it around or deploy it remotely due to its small and lightweight design.

Besides, the unit comes with an additional carry bag to offer convenient storage and transportation.

The durability of a product is another thing worth talking about. This pump is constructed using durable metal for long-lasting use. Besides, the gauge features a heavy-duty hook that makes it easier to position it in place.

The vacuum comes with a large tank that has a capacity of 500 ml to carry out bigger tasks. The pump is refilled upon purchase to get you started after acquiring it. The oil window feature is also vital as you get to observe the oil level without hassle.

Vivohome designed these hoses in different colors for easy identification of the filling hose and pressure side. This is important when it comes to the maintenance of the pump. This model is ideal for HVAC, automotive, air conditioning, and other appliances.

Key Features:

Surface Cleaner:

You can use it on any surface without worrying about damaging anything or leaving a behind residue from dust or pet hair.

Large cord:

It has a long cord. So you don’t have to worry about constantly unplugging and replugging as you move around your house.

Easily cleaning:

Air Vacuum will suck up all the dirt and allergens in your home while also removing odors at their source!

Pros:

• High-quality build
• Has an ergonomic grip handle for secure handling
• Comes with a carry bag for easy transportation and storage

Cons:

• A few customers noted that oil might leak sometimes

6. Robinair 15800 Vacumaster

Make air evacuation much easier and faster with this 40-micron air conditioning vacuum pump from Robinair. This is one of the perfect HVAC vacuum pumps made for commercial usage.

As a result, it has a few features that you may not find in a regular vacuum pump. Coming from a well-reputed brand on the globe, you can never go wrong with the Robinair 15800 vacuum pump.

It employs a two-stage rotary vane design, which works better than a single-stage model to ensure that your AC system stays clean at all times. This design uses low pressure to create a more massive pull for the best results.

This heavy-duty pump is built with premium metal to ensure more durability. With its cast aluminum body, it not only lasts longer, but it’s incredibly lightweight as well. Additionally, the design is compact to make it easier to store and transport.

The drain valves are strategically located at the bottom to make oil draining easier and faster. The oil port can be accessed from all sides, a convenient feature to make your refills easy. You can never go wrong with the oil level, thanks to a sight glass that offers easy visibility.

The pump has a factory rating of 40 microns, so you can rest assured of excellent quicker air evacuation with this pump.

Also, a high 8 CFM evacuation rate is powerful and should meet your specific needs. The pump has a 115 V oil capacity, making it suitable for significant operations.

The motor is powerful, with a high torque design to ensure a quick start and long-lasting performance. This pump makes an excellent choice for most heavy-duty AC applications.

Key Features:

Powerful Motor:

There’s no need to worry about this vacuum not being powerful enough. Because it has a 1 HP thermally protected motor that can run at 115V 60 Hz!

Performance and durability:

You won’t be disappointed with its performance or durability as it was made with quality materials. It will last through years of use without breaking down on you.

Warranty:

You will get a lifetime warranty and you will get also an exchange policy with this product.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Offers a 2-stage design that is powerful
• Has a larger capacity

Cons:

• It could overheat

Now that you know the importance of the vacuum pump HVAC, let’s discuss the types of these pumps.

Exploring The Different Types Of HVAC Vacuum Pumps

When it comes to the different types of HVAC pumps, their mode of working is the first thing you need to consider. However, keep in mind that pumps with stronger suction power are the best, no matter the type you are choosing.

There are three major types of vacuum pumps;

Oil-field rotary vane vacuum pump

This is the most popular choice for many HVAC technicians, mainly because of its excellent evacuation work. In addition to their high performance, the rotary vane pumps are affordable and can create a stronger vacuum that can suck up to 99.9% of contaminants.

Diaphragm pump

These pumps are not used for maintenance work, as they are not as effective in removing contaminants as oil-field pumps.

Overall, they are used for other purposes and not to remove impurities from HVAC units.

Vacuum generator

While these pumps may not be as powerful as oil-filled vane pumps, they can still create a stronger vacuum than a diaphragm pump.

However, their main downside is that they are noisy and may require a pricey air compressor to operate. In addition to this, they struggle in humid conditions.

Single Stage Vs. 2 Stage Vacuum Pumps: Which Is Better?

Among the decisions you will have to make when looking for the HVAC vacuum will be the stages it takes to vacuum- either two-stage or single stage.

For a single-stage vacuum pump, it comes with one set of vanes and one rotor. As the name suggests, it is based on single-stage vacuuming, and its vacuum sucks up roughly 75 microns.

On the other hand, a vacuum pump with two-stage features, two rotors and two vane sets. The fact that it has two separate stages makes it create a stronger vacuum. The first stage generates a medium vacuum, and the 2^nd stage exhausts the remaining contaminants for better performance.

This makes the two-stage vacuum pump not only quieter but also faster in operation than a single-stage pump.

Now that you have an idea of the types of vacuum pumps you will find in the market, let’s talk about what you should consider.

The Features To Look For In The Best Vacuum Pump For Hvac

Pumping capacity

HVAC vacuum pump capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and it measures the ability of a vacuum pump for HVAC to clean up messes efficiently and fast.

The higher the CFM value a vacuum pump has, the faster it will evacuate an HVAC system. For example, a 2 CFM pump will do a better job than a pump with a 1.2 CFM.

The capacity of the vacuum pump you choose should be based on the size of your refrigeration system, which is normally measured in tons. Here is an example of this case; a 5-10 ton system needs a 1.2 CFM pump.

Noise level

Most vacuum pumps are noisy when they are running, and mostly you wouldn’t mind the noise when you are working in an open area. However, when it comes to the indoor environment, you have to be cautious about the amount of noise a pump produces.

Most of the modern pump models reduce the amount of noise considerably, which means you can work in a house with ease. You need a quieter pump to work in areas where work is in progress.

Sight glass

This is used to monitor the level of oil remaining in a pump. Just as is the case with your car engine, you need to constantly monitor the level of oil in your pump.

The sight glass should not be tainted or too foggy to complicate the process of checking the oil level in a pump.

A clear sight glass can eliminate the need to use a dipstick. You just need to see through the glass the amount of oil level to know if it needs topping or not.

Weight

Another crucial factor to consider is the weight of your pump. Some projects will require you to move around your workplace. Therefore, you will need a pump that is portable.

However, if you have a fixed workplace, then you may not need to consider weight when buying your HVAC vacuum pump.

Oil fill opening

Although this should not be a deal-breaker, it is important that you look at the oil fill openings, as there are some pumps with too small openings that can lead to messes when you are filling up the oil. If possible, look for pumps with larger oil fill openings.

Motor power

The amount of load a pump can handle is determined by the motor power, and this is measured in horsepower (HP). Some types of jobs call for more HP than others, and thus you will need to evaluate the jobs you normally do and choose the right vacuum with appropriate motor power.

Keep in mind that often, the more powerful the motor is, the noisier it is, but this is not always the case, especially for newer models. You can find a very powerful pump with a quiet operation.

Oil drain

Of course, the oil needs to be changed once in a while as it ends up losing its usefulness at some point. You have to know the ideal time to drain it before it damages the rotating parts of your pump.

This means you have to get a pump that has a large drainage pipe to help you empty the obsolete oil quickly.

It should have a valve at the bottom that is angled slightly to allow for quick oil drainage.

With this knowledge in mind, you are in a better position to choose the right HVAC vacuum pump for your needs. Here are the top 6 perfect HVAC vacuum pumps in 2023.

We do hope that you have found the right HVAC vacuum pump in our post. We have prepared a FAQ guide to wind up our post to help you learn more about choosing and using an HVAC vacuum pump.

How To Choose a Best Vacuum Pump HVAC

You can buy a product easily, but choosing the right product is not so easy. That’s why we find out a few points that you should know before choosing a vacuum pump.

Filtration System:

As long as you have a good filtration system for your vacuum pump, you can avoid all these problems. A filter will protect your entire setup from damage caused by dust particles or other contaminants.

It will also extend its lifespan and improve the performance of the machine overall.  The best way to keep a vacuum pump working properly is to install an air filter on each line connected to the unit’s suction port.

Long Cord:

If the power cable of a vacuum pump is too short, it will not be able to reach the plug and can’t work well. This will affect its suction performance since you need to plug it into an electric outlet in order for it to run.

In addition, if your power cord doesn’t have enough length, then you might end up tripping over it as you move around your house or try to clean under furniture and other places that are hard to reach with a short cord. That’s why it is important having a long cord.

Durability:

A vacuum pump is a machine that uses compressed air or gas to create a partial vacuum. The most common use of the best vacuum pump for refrigeration is in refrigeration systems. But they are also used for pneumatic conveying and drying processes.

By using high-quality components, you can help ensure that your system lasts longer than expected without having to make repairs frequently, which will save money in the long run

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is A Vacuum Pump HVAC Do?

This is a pump used by HVAC technicians to remove water, moisture, and air from different systems, such as refrigeration systems, during servicing or repair. This process is called evacuation.

A refrigerator system should have two fluids circulating- refrigerant and oil. However, during servicing. However, due to leaks, it is common for impurities such as air gases and water vapor, to find their way into the refrigerator.

It is important that these contaminants are eliminated from the refrigeration system using a pump to prevent the occurrence of a wide range of problems, including reducing the efficiency of your system and sludge formation.

What size vacuum pump do I need?

As we mentioned earlier, the type of pump you choose largely depends on the ‘systems’ you will be working with. If you are in the HVAC industry, you are definitely working with refrigeration systems, and thus the size of the systems you normally work with should dictate the size of the vacuum pump to go for.

To help you figure out the right CFM rating, here is a simple formula;

CFM squared= Maximum system tonnage

This means that if you are evacuating a 49-tonne refrigeration system, you need a vacuum pump with a CFM rating of seven. Most residential work will need a vacuum with a CFM rating ranging from 5-7.

How do I use my vacuum pump HVAC?

Different vacuum pumps have different procedures for using them, but they all work in the same manner. It is advised that you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.

Most models come with a user guide that covers different areas such as installation, usage, maintenance, safety, etc. If you want to maintain your vacuum pump in good condition for a long time, follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Who needs a stage 2 vacuum pump?

Two-stage vacuum pumps are for individuals who often work with complex HVAC systems. It is designed to allow for the self-regulation of a vacuum and airflow without any issues. They are great for large-scale works and are more expensive.

What are some safety and maintenance tips I need to know?

Maintaining a vacuum pump is an easy job. Always change the oil of your pump every four months, especially if you use your pump regularly.

Also, avoid overheating your pump. This means placing your unit in an open area where there is enough air supply and adding more cooling fans to it.

Final Thoughts

We hope to have covered everything you need to know about the best vacuum pump for HVAC and it is our hope you have chosen the right model for your needs.

Keep in mind that you can always gather more knowledge about the safety and maintenance work needed.

For example, you should replace its oil often and keep the unit cool when operating. Even if your unit comes with built-in fans, you are recommended to add extra cooling.

If you are still comparing the models, use our buyer’s guide to make the right choice. Buying the best HVAC vacuum pump will ensure an enjoyable and smooth working experience.

References

• Vacuum Pumps Explained: https://theengineeringmindset.com/vacuum-pumps-explained/
• How to Use a Vacuum Pump: https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Vacuum-Pump