If you recently installed an AC system in your home or car, it’s essential to clean and regularly maintain the system so that it performs at its best. One of the most effective ways to clean your air conditioning unit is to use a proper vacuum to effectively remove all the dust, debris, and moisture build-up, and it’s easy to do. Here’s how to vacuum ac system without pump.
Without a regular maintenance process in place, your air conditioning unit will not work correctly, and eventually, it will lead to severe issues, such as repairs or replacement.
Why Vacuuming Your AC System is Important
Every air conditioner can accumulate a build-up of dirt, moisture, humidity, and other contaminants that impact its function and airflow quality. As this debris collection continues, the ability to cool effectively is reduced, leading to the AC system breaking down. You may also notice a leak, water vapor, a build-up of non-condensable gases, or other changes in your air conditioning system.
When the refrigerant doesn’t work correctly due to non-condensate air, this increases the AC system’s temperature and pressure so that it can’t work as effectively. This situation leads to overheating, increased pressure on the mechanisms, and a higher energy bill.
Another drawback to irregular vacuuming of your air conditioner is the build-up of acid, which interferes with your system’s natural lubrication, and may lead to complete failure and shutdown.
Items You’ll Need to Vacuum Your Home or Car AC System Without a Pump
You’ll need a few essential items to perform this cleaning process, including:
- A compressor with valves for the high-end and low-end of your air conditioning unit
- A micron gauge, vacuum gauge, and a manifold gauge kit
- Valve core removal tool for valve cores
- A durable hose and an AC refrigerant adaptor hose kit
- An expansion valve
- Valve kit for car AC systems
Preparing Your AC System Without an AC Vacuum Pump
An AC vacuum pump is typically used to clean the air conditioner, though when a vacuum pump isn’t available, there is an alternative method to perform this critical maintenance. So, if you don’t have an air condition vacuum pump, here are the steps you can take to prepare the cleaning of your air conditioner without an AC vacuum pump:
- Ensure that your air conditioner is entirely unplugged or removed from an outlet before you begin
- Air conditioners contain a refrigeration system designed to work with specific materials flowing within them, such as oil and refrigerants, so they do not become contaminated with other substances. For this reason, the refrigeration system needs to be removed first so that it does not freeze the AC system
- When you don’t have an AC vacuum pump, you’ll need to install access valves in the high side and low side of the system, which covers the low-pressure side and high side access valve or low and high sides of your air conditioner
Cleaning Without an Air Conditioner Vacuum Pump
When you don’t have a vacuum pump to clean your air conditioner, there are a few crucial steps that you’ll need to follow to accomplish this task effectively:
Install a compressor, connect to both the high and low end of the high-pressure valves, and then switch on the compressor. Once this step is completed, depress the high-end valve on the air conditioner. Observe the lower side during this process, as you’ll notice the side with higher pressure decreases until it reaches the lowest level. When you reach this point, shut off the high-pressure valve. This process will depress the access valve, and you can switch off the compressor.
The next step is to charge the low-end or low-pressure side, which can only be done once the valve depression process is completed. At this stage, change the PSI to 14 on the lower pressure side. Charge the low-pressure port or side and wait, observing for about three to four minutes, until the pressure is equal on both sides.
Repeat the first step and depress the access valve on the high-pressure side. Keep an eye on the low-end side and wait until it reaches the lowest level before letting the valve on the high-end side close. Once this valve is fully closed, switch the compressor off.
Repeat the second step to achieve 14 PSI, observe both sides of the access valves to ensure they reach equal levels, then switch off the compressor. One key feature of this step is that the low-side doesn’t dip as low as previously due to the slow release of refrigerant. This process occurs as the refrigerant is absorbed slowly while released in the compressor oil.
Repeat the third step, which is the same as the first. You’ll notice a distinct pattern of how the valve system allows for the AC unit to essentially release or clear out any debris through the compression system while gradually re-introducing the compressor oil and refrigerants back into the system.
The final step in this process requires vacuuming your home or car AC system. This step is done by charging the air conditioning unit with the correct refrigerant level, then switching off the compressor. You’ll find that the amount of refrigerant needed for your home or car AC system varies depending on the model, size, and type of machine. Once this process is complete, you can use your air conditioner.
Bottom Line
If you’re new to using a deep vacuum to clean your AC system without a pump, it may take a few attempts to get well acquainted with the process. Whether you decide to invest in a vac pump or continue to use the AC compressor and valve system to do this job, it’s essential to regularly maintain your home and car air conditioners to avoid potential leaks, damage, and high energy usage.
Once you complete the AC vacuuming process, it remains essential to monitor your unit for any signs of damage, a leak, exceptional oil levels, and other areas of concern. If regular maintenance and cleaning don’t resolve these matters, it’s best to contact the manufacturer’s customer service for further assistance.
In most cases, this process becomes easy over time and makes a great alternative to vacuuming your AC system without a pump.
