Micron Gauge vs Vacuum Gauge: What Are the Differences?

Doing some HVAC maintenance and need a gauge to measure the gas pressure? Well, then you’ll need to pick between micron gauge vs vacuum gauge.

For most people, these two gauges are the same. Even experts think this. But we actually have a way to tell them apart, so you can decide which one is better for your aircon maintenance.

So, want to know how to tell these two types of gauges apart? Then take a look below and learn!

What is a Micron Gauge?

You could describe micron gauges as devices that measure the level of vacuum inside the air conditioner. 

But as the name says, they use microns to measure this level. Because microns are very difficult to measure, this type of gauge is often a very intrinsic product.

This means they need to be incredibly safe and accurate. Otherwise, the results won’t be good enough for the technician to perform the deed. 

Also, micron gauges are mostly digital. And they may come with tons of different features going from memory to the ability to measure degassing, dehydration, and other levels in your air-con systems. 

Most HVAC technicians use micron gauges for their reliability and level of precision. 

What is a Vacuum Gauge?

Similar to a micron gauge, a vacuum gauge measures the pressure inside an air-con machine. It will also measure the vacuum level using microns, but it can also measure the total output and input of the liquid gas as necessary.

Most vacuum gauges, at the same time, boast an analog display instead of digital. That is why a vacuum gauge offers the same benefit, but is called differently. 

The level of accuracy is also excellent and works for many other purposes. And because they offer a sturdy construction, a vacuum gauge can easily last decades.

The traditional HVAC technician uses a vacuum gauge to measure microns on an air conditioner. 

Micron vs Vacuum Gauge: Factors to Consider

You have a general idea of what both micron and vacuum gauges offer. But there’s still a bit more you want to know. Here, we’re going to disclose their difference with more precision:

Accuracy

So, how does the accuracy change between a micron and a vacuum gauge? Well, you’ll be surprised at how the digital model stands out.

We can say that it is not because of the digital capacity, but mostly because it is newer and improved. But yes, a micron vacuum gauge will provide slightly more accurate results than a vacuum model. 

This happens because the design and overall construction prevent air from going inside the sensor. Sure enough, this prevents any type of reading from getting affected by air.

Apart from that, they offer many easier-to-install designs. These make them not only faster to set up, but also keep them attached tightly, which prevents any loss of pressure when measuring the vacuum.

The analog alternative or vacuum gauge is not necessarily inaccurate. But the slightly dated design may leave some pressure go out, and air go in when measuring. This may affect the precision of the readings.

At the same time, their designs are not optimized for easy attaching. While you won’t struggle to set them up for a reading, they make it a bit harder than micron models. And that can certainly affect accuracy a little.

Gauge Rank

The gauge rank refers to the total level of microns the piece can measure. With higher micron readings, the more accuracy and/or usefulness you can expect from the gauge.

Here, we don’t have a winner. We can safely say that an updated digital micron gauge will probably reach 9,000 up to 12,000 microns in the largest models. This is high enough to ensure accuracy and maximum usability for any purpose.

An analog vacuum gauge won’t be able to meet this level of readings. But they often stay within 1,000 and 4,000 microns. So if you want a bit more measurement capacity than that, you may not find one vacuum gauge easily.

Leaking Protection

Which models prevent leaking while measuring? Once again, we find micron gauges offering a bit more reliability in this case.

This happens because micron gauges are designed and built with the latest technologies. This ensures that even the worst micron gauge offers a leak-free experience. And sure enough, they also make hooking up the gauge to the line super-easy.

A vacuum pressure gauge won’t leak all the pressure and let air in. But because it offers a slightly dated design with its analog construction, then you may find it a bit trickier to install. And this could end up in slight pressure leaks. 

Extra Features

When it comes to measuring other factors and keeping the memory of all your readings, the micron gauge wins again.

Because of their updated design with a digital system, you will get a lot more from a micron model than a vacuum. The ability to memorize readings, measure dehydration, and even degassing is something fantastic. 

Some vacuum gauges may also measure degassing and dehydration, but they won’t store readings. And because they are a little more challenging to read, then they also become slightly more unreliable. 

Price

We can’t talk about these two types of gauges without mentioning whether they’re worth your money. And in that case, you’ll find that vacuum gauges are obviously cheaper.

Because they offer older designs and builds, don’t have as many features or provide digital readings, they’re obviously less expensive.

So if you need something affordable, a vacuum gauge would be your best bet.

Conclusion

So, did you find what you were looking for? We hope our comparison between a micron gauge vs vacuum gauge. As long as you know exactly what you’re looking for – then deciding between them will be easy.

We recommend the micron gauge if you’re looking for maximum accuracy and extra features. Otherwise, you will love the cheapness of a vacuum gauge.

Be aware that these two models may be sold with their name interchanged. So if you want a micron gauge, go for the electronic ones. But if you want a vacuum model, the analog gauges are your way to go.

Either way, don’t rush out. Pick the one that you genuinely need, and you’ll avoid any regret later on.