You will have a lot on your plate when buying HVAC vacuum gauges. The details that one needs to make the right choice ranges from understanding how vacuum gauges work to the important factors to consider.
At the same time, there are various reasons that can prompt the need to replace your vacuum pump. The combination of all those details points to one thing – buying the best vacuum pump. Here is how you can work through the steps.
Factors to Consider
Buying a vacuum gauge for a replacement requires you to base your choice on specific factors. While some buyers give preference to brands, other factors include:
- Micron rating
- Weight
- Motor power
- Warranty
- Sight glass
- Pump capacity
- Oil drain plug
Each of the listed factors can sway your decision in the pursuit of the best option. For instance, a device with a low micron rating will have a higher vacuum compare to high microns. The Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) of a pump indicates its capacity. If you are after a gauge with a fast evacuation, then opt for one with a high rate.
In most cases, your choice of vacuum gauge based on capacity will depend on whether it is for residential, commercial, or large setups. When installing or replacing a gauge, its weight will be a major factor. For easy handling, lighter pumps are the most suitable. As such, this is another factor to consider in making a contenting choice.
How The Vacuum Pumps Work
Clearly, buying the best HVAC gauge goes beyond the highlighted factors. Understanding how the gauges operate will come in handy when choosing. To start with, it is worth noting that the work of vacuum pumps is to discard contaminants and non-condensable gases from your HVAC system. Otherwise, the contaminants reduce efficiency and can harm your heating and cooling system.
Modern HVAC setups are sensitive to pollutants and moisture, hence the need for vacuum gauges. As the pumps evacuate moisture from an HVAC, it creates an almost vapor-free environment. Thanks to such environments, your device’s lifespan will increase. The presence of moisture leads to chemical reactions with the refrigerant to produce chlorine and hydrochloric acid that corrode the tubes. At the same time, the reactions can form sludge that can break the compressor windings. The reprieve is that using the best pump will save you from all that trouble.
Why Replace Your Gauges
Further, it is worth noting the reasons for replacing a malfunctioning gauge. Frequent system freeze ups are common indicators that your HVAC needs a fix. The freezing results from accumulated moisture. As noted above, malfunctioned gauges will fail to evacuate moisture. The resulting effect will be contamination, which can damage your HVAC. Based on these three aspects, you should be able to find the most suitable gauge for your heating and cooling system. By basing your choice on brand, pump capacity, and scale of use, your choice should meet your needs.