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After hooking up a vacuum and micron gauge, you run it for about an hour. Only to notice that the gauge seems to be delaying out around 1200 microns. And it doesn’t go below that.
Now you may wonder, is 1200 microns a good vacuum?
No, 1200 microns isn’t a good vacuum. A 1200-micron vacuum doesn’t ensure that the water vapor is eradicated from the system. Some even suggest evacuation to 250-400 microns for better success.
However, conducting some additional processes can help lower your vacuum micron levels.
Keep reading to find out for yourself!
Why 1200 Microns Is Not A Good Vacuum?
1200 microns won’t secure a total elimination of toxic water vapor from the system. And it doesn’t eradicate the vapor from the compressor properly, too!
How good any vacuum generally depends on different facets. A vacuum’s micron levels will reveal if it’s good or not. So which vacuum rate is considered standard?
500 microns of vacuum rate is considered the standard for a somewhat good vacuum. Some even say a good vacuum should have a minimum of 500 microns or below. However, it’s even better if it reaches 50 to 100 microns.
Evacuation to below 1000 microns is urged for complete moisture disposal.
Many equipment manufacturers advise evacuation to about 250-400 microns because it is supposed to provide better performance.
Using the right hose, you can get the exact micron level. The hose’s conductivity will infer how well micron levels will get gauged.
Ensure using a hose with a large diameter having a high conductivity. It will surely give you satisfactory results.
How Long to Evacuate a System?
With the micron count of a vacuum system, the relevant concern is how long you should evacuate a system.
Well, a satisfactory evacuation can take 15 minutes or 15 hours. Or it can even take 15 days. It just takes what it takes.
However, applying some tricks would surely shorten the time required to finish the process. For example, use hoses with a large diameter when you are removing cores.
Also, make sure to use clean oil. Use this high-quality and low vapor pressure oil for pumps, e.g., Appion Tezom.
If you use a properly sized pump, it’ll surely take less time to complete the process.
There is a reason behind why it happens. The actual time needed is the cleanliness and dryness of the system being evacuated.
Evacuation can’t be hurried or shortcut because the outcomes are way worse than the time spent in the process.
One more crucial thing to keep in mind. Cleanliness is the most important when it comes to preparation and evacuation.
It means keeping your system piping and vacuum rig clean. Make sure that you are keeping the oil clean as well. And, of course, always follow good processes.
It’s a point that can’t be understated when trying to conduct the process properly.
How to Lower the Microns Level?
As it’s mentioned, 1200 microns is not a good vacuum. So you need to lower the rating.
Keeping the vacuum pump for an extended period can lower the micron level.
However, you need to consider a few factors as well.
Gauge the Accurate Vacuum CFM:
First of all, you have to gauge the right vacuum pump. And for that, you need to know the system capacity.
Say, for example, your residential system is about 25 tons. Then, you have to simplify the square root. So, you would require a 5 CFM vacuum.
Choose the Right Pump:
Choosing the right pump matters a lot. A higher CFM will ensure faster performance.
For a faster job, get a pump of higher capacity. The VIVOHOME Dual Stage Rotary Vane HVAC Air Vacuum Pump and the VIVOHOME Single Stage Rotary Vane Air Vacuum Pump are the ideal vacuum pumps you can get.
A 5 or 4 CFM rating pump for residential HVAC systems will do. If you can run it long enough, you can potentially bring the rating down to 250-300, which should be a perfect rating for greater performance.
Check out this CFM calculator if you have more registers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do some evacuations take longer?
Several factors can make the duration of evacuation longer. For example, the size of the system and the level of the system contamination plays a role here. Also, the vacuum hose’s diameter and length should be considered. So, failure to the proper application makes the duration longer.
What is an acceptable micron reading?
For systems comprising mineral oil like R22 systems, 500 microns for a finishing vacuum is acceptable micron reading. At the same time, the decay holding is supposed to be below 1000 microns. Regardless of whether it’s a new installation or maybe a system opened for service.
What should I do after the evacuation?
After completing the evacuation, isolate your pump. Consider breaking the suction line open while keeping it isolated. Now after opening the suction line, allow a little amount of refrigerant into the system.
Wrapping Up
Hope we’ve resolved your queries regarding is 1200 microns a good vacuum?
Now you know the answer! Plus, some additional information can make things way easier for you.
All you need to do is always keep in mind the provided tips. And you can perform a better evacuation!
That is all for now. Have a great day ahead!
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.