Six Indispensable AC Vacuum Pump Parts And Accessories

Whether you are embarking on a professional air conditioning service career or whether you want to be a home, DIY-type air conditioning mechanic, you will find out just how important a good AC vacuum pump can be for the success of your enterprise.

A vacuum pump is just like a vacuum cleaner for the inside of an air conditioning system. By creating a high vacuum inside, the AC vacuum pump will "boil off" impurities and residues of refrigerant that are stuck on the internal walls. A high vacuum will pump out water molecules, thus preventing moisture condensation, freeze-on effects in the expander/evaporator, where the temperature is far below the water freezing temperature, and preventing oil-water buildup, or "sludge".

Another function of an AC pump is to detect leaks by measuring gradual decrease of the level of vacuum over time.

Air conditioning vacuum pumps are quite expensive so, in order to maximize their use, you need to equip yourself with the accessories and spare parts that will make the operation of an AC pump go smooth, and effective. In this short article we'll look into six indispensable AC vacuum pump parts and AC vacuum pump accessories: Pump hoses, Pump adapter, Inlet fittings, Refrigerant identifier, Can tap valve-screw-on, and Vacuum gauges.

Vacuum pump hoses

You best get the pump hoses that are UL (Underwriters Lab) certified for safety, and that have quick seal fittings. 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch as well as medium size 3/8 inch are standard.

Vacuum pump adapter

The adapter will connect unequal size pump hoses, for example a 1/2 inch hose with a 1/4 inch hose or service part on the pump.

Inlet fittings

The typically T-shaped inlet fittings on an AC pump will allow you to keep two hoses connected simultaneously to the AC pump, making the setup one phase rather than two phase. Just switch from one inlet to another when needed.

Refrigerant identifier

Refrigerant identifier is an important device that will let you know in an unfamiliar system, what type of refrigerant substance you are dealing with before you embark on the service or repair. These days, in search of a ozone-friendly, non-flammable, non-toxic, and actually useful refrigerant, many different substances are used that require much different handling and even much different equipment. So be sure to get a refrigerant identifier rather than working in the dark.

Can tap valve-screw-on

These are always useful to cut off the vacuum pump-hose connection when needed.

Vacuum gauges

Nothing is more important than a good set of vacuum gauges in order to know when your job has been successfully completed. Be it for measuring the ultimate quality of the vacuum, or for finding out the presence of leaks in the system, vacuum gauges are indispensable.