What is a micron?

A micron, also known as a micrometer, is a small unit of measurement equivalent to one-millionth of a meter (0.000001 meters). In the context of HVAC and refrigeration, it is primarily used to measure very small distances or diameters, particularly in relation to components such as filters, HVAC ducts, and atmospheric particles. Understanding microns is essential in these fields, especially when discussing the vacuum levels necessary for effective dehydration of systems or measuring the size of particulates that could impact system efficiency.

The significance of microns in refrigeration involves the need to achieve very low pressure levels during the evacuation process to ensure the removal of moisture and contaminants from a system. When technicians refer to achieving a specific micron reading in a vacuum, they are emphasizing the importance of precision in these measurements to maintain system integrity and performance.