ProAir Industries, Inc.
Duct Cleaning Equipment 
OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Manual Covers:

Complete Duct Cleaning System

Basic Duct Cleaning System

BioClean Duct Sanitizing Spayer System

Dual Motor Vacuum System

Rotary Brush Cleaning System

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC

• Introduction

    SECTION 1: Operational Safety

• Standard Equipment
• Compressor Requirements
• Vacuum Requirements

    SECTION 2: OPERATION PROCEDURES

• Set Up and HVAC System Cleaning
• Special Cleaning Procedures
• Extension Pole & Kick Plate Use

    SECTION 3: Maintenance/ Technical

• Complete & Basic Equipment
• BioClean Spray Gun
• Dual Motor Vacuum
• Rotary Brush System

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment. Years of experience, engineering, and planning have gone into the design and manufacturing of the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment. We take a great deal of pride in our ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment; our goal is no less than your complete satisfaction.

The ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment is intended for commercial use only.
This manual will provide users with the knowledge required to properly operate and maintain the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment.

All users must read and understand this manual completely before operating our equipment.

Always maintain this manual in legible condition adjacent to the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment, or place in a secure location for future reference.

Any questions pertaining to the operating or servicing of this equipment should be directed to your nearest ProAir Industries, Inc. distributor.

This manual is written specifically for the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment listed above.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of ProAir Industries, Inc. or its parent or affiliated companies.

READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING ANY PROAIR DUCT CLEANING EQUIPMENT.

1. If your vacuum system is not designed for dry soil removal you must use a Dust Downer or other device to wet down the dust before it gets to your vacuum system to protect your vacuums.

2. When using the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment, it is highly recommended that your vacuum system be exhausted properly. Use the Dust Downer to prevent blowing particulates back into the environment.

3. Clean filters, grilles & vent covers outdoors whenever possible to avoid contaminating the indoor air with dust & other particulates.

4. Wear eye protection while using any ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment.

5. Wear a dust mask or other type of respiratory protection from dust particulates while using the ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment

6.  Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges while using ProAir™ Duct Cleaning Equipment.

7.  Use caution while cleaning the HVAC unit. Live electrical connections, moving parts and sharp edges may cause injury.

8.  Turn off any pilot lights in the HVAC system and other appliances near the air handling system before beginning the duct cleaning process.

PROAIR DUCT CLEANING STANDARD EQUIPMENT SET UP

AIR HOSE & COMPRESSOR

1. Connect the red rubber air hose to the compressor.

2. Connect the red rubber air hose to the 25’ black air hose using the provided quick connects. Close the Ball Valve on the air hose.

3. Plug the compressor power cord into a 15amp or 20amp 120 volt outlet and turn the compressor on. The compressor will run approximately 2 minutes to fill the tank and then shut off. (Other compressors may have different power requirement. Refer to your compressor operator’s manual for power requirements.)

4. Set the compressor outlet pressure to your desired setting. The pressure setting should be at least 120psi.

•  A higher pressure setting (150-175psi) will provide a stronger
  blast when the valve is first opened but the line pressure
  will drop below 60-90psi more rapidly.
•  A lower pressure setting (120-130psi) will maintain pressure
  above 60-90psi for a longer time while cleaning.

5. Connect either the Reverse Ball or the Forward Blasting Ball to the black Air Hose.

•  If cleaning the return air system attach the Forward Blasting Ball.
•  If cleaning the supply ducts attach the Reverse Ball.

VACUUM HOSE

1. Attach a vacuum hose to your vacuum source. This may be either a portable extractor, or truckmounted vacuum system. Attach a male vinyl cuff to the end of your vacuum hose and attach to either a 1.5” Dust Downer or 2” Dust Downer.

2. Connect the Dust Downer to another section of vacuum hose with hose cuff attached. This second hose will connect via male Hose Barb to the vacuum box.

Note: some users like to run a long hose to the vacuum box, and then attach the Dust Downer with a short 3’ section so they are close to the ball valve that controls water flow while working. This adds the weight of the solution hose and brass to the end of your hose run and may make it more difficult to clean ceiling ducts (since you have to pull both the vacuum hose and solution hose off the floor). If most of the vents you clean are on the ground, then having the valve closer to the vent might be preferable since you can reduce water consumption because you don’t have to walk as far to reach the shut off valve.

3. Connect the Dust Downer to your solution hose. Place a ball valve on your solution hose so you can control the flow of water.

SECTION 2: OPERATION PROCEDURES

Return to Table of Contents

STANDARD DUCT CLEANING PROCEDURE

I. Cleaning the Return Air System:

1. IMPORTANT: Before cleaning, ensure that both the heating and cooling systems function. If there is a problem, make sure you alert the homeowner BEFORE doing any work. This will help protect you and prevent the homeowner from blaming you for damaging their HVAC system if there was a pre-existing condition.

2. Turn the HVAC fan ON. This will create a flow of air through the air supply and return ducts. Ensure that the air filter is in place as this will capture the dust removed in the next steps.

3. Remove the grilles from the air return openings and take them outside to clean. Some grilles are hinged and not designed to be removed. If you cannot remove the grille, it can be cleaned in place. Use your air gun to blow the dust off the grille back into the return duct.

4. Use a brush & your air gun to clean the return air duct behind the grille.

5. Attach the Forward Blasting Air Ball to your air cleaning hose. The airflow from the Forward Blasting Air Ball  pushes the dust and debris forward towards the air handler air filter which can then be replaced or cleaned later. Connect the black cleaning air hose to the red air compressor hose. Make sure the ball valve controlling airflow is turned to the off position.

6. Insert the Forward Blasting Air Ball  and cleaning air hose into the air return duct and open the air valve. As you push the cleaning air hose into the return air duct the airflow will push the dust & debris forward towards the HVAC filter. Turn the hose in a twisting motion as you push it forward. As you move the hose, pull it back a little and then push it forward into the duct. Once you have cleaned the entire length of the duct, close the air valve and remove the cleaning air hose.

7. Replace the air return grille and use your vacuum system to clean up any dust and debris remaining in the air return opening area. If you are using a truckmount or portable extractor as your vacuum source, use a Dust Downer to wet down the dust and debris in the airflow back to the extractor.

Section 3

II. Cleaning the HVAC Air Filter & Fan:

1. Turn the power off to the HVAC system before beginning to clean.

2. Remove the filter from the HVAC system.

3. Remove the HVAC inspection cover to access the controls & fan. You’ll want to have a vacuum on hand, preferably with a narrow attachment to reach into tight spaces, so you can remove the dust that is blasted off the air handler. If you are using a truckmount or portable extractor as your vacuum source, use a Dust Downer to wet down the dust and debris in the airflow back to the extractor.

4. Use your air gun & cleaning hose with the Reverse Air Ball attachment  to clean the plenum and the fan area inside the HVAC system.

5. Since your customer will have a hard time seeing many of the surfaces you will be cleaning, it is very important that you clean the outside (visible) portions of the air handler, grilles and registers. This will convey a strong message of thoroughness to your customer and ensure them that you are a professional and that their ducts will actually be cleaner when you are done.

6. Clean or replace the air filter as needed.

III. Cleaning the Air Supply Ducts:

1. Turn on the HVAC system to use the air handlers high airflow to assist you in removing dust from the vents.

2. Remove all the grilles in the house and use your vacuum to remove any dust on the grilles. Use a good general purpose cleaner and towel to wipe off any dirt, oil or film on the grille. If the grilles are especially dirty, and there is a risk of getting spots on your customer’s carpet, take the grilles outside to clean them.

3. Start the duct cleaning procedure at the highest point, farthest from the HVAC system.

4. Connect the Reverse Air Ball to your cleaning air hose.

5. Turn the LED lights on in the vacuum box (If Present) so you can more easily observe dust removal. The LED lights make it easier to see the dust and debris you remove from the homeowner’s ducts. Show the homeowner the amount of dirt being removed from their ducts and they’ll really appreciate the work you are doing.

6. Connect your vacuum hose to your vacuum. Attach a hose to the end of your vacuum hose and attach to the vacuum box.

7. Place the vacuum box over the vent opening.

8. With the air valve closed, push the Reverse Air Ball and the cleaning air hose through the vacuum box and into the duct. Twist the hose as you push it into the duct and continue pushing as far as the hose will go.

9. Turn on your vacuum source & open the air valve.

10. With the air pressure from the Reverse air ball knocking loose the dust and debris, the airflow from the HVAC fan, and the airflow from your vacuum hose, you should now see the dust and debris flow into the Vacuum Box and be removed through your vacuum hose.

11. Slowly pull the cleaning air hose back out of the duct. Pull it out some, push it back in a little, and twist the hose as you pull it out some more and repeat the process to clean the duct.

12. When the Reverse Air Ball reaches the vacuum box, close the air valve.

13. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the vacuum box and remove the vacuum box from the duct opening.

14. If you are disinfecting or deodorizing the ducts using the BioClean Spray Gun ande insert the spray gun want and mist chemical into the ducts. (See instructions on using the BioClean Spray Gun below)

15. Use your vacuum to remove any dust collected around the duct opening and any remaining in the duct. Insert the vacuum hose down into the duct. Twist the hose as needed to move it around inside the duct and push it in as far as you can. Pull it out some, push it back in a little and twist the hose as you pull it out some more and repeat the process to clean the duct.

16. Once the end of the vacuum hose is out of the duct, use the vacuum hose to clean up the area around the duct opening.

17. Replace the vent cover and move to the closest vent and repeat the process. Work in a pattern toward the HVAC unit until you have cleaned all of the vents and supply ducts.

IV. Final Clean Up:

1. Use your vacuum system to clean up any dust and debris remaining in the HVAC system and vent areas.

2. Replace the HVAC system inspection cover.

3. Turn the HVAC fan setting back to its original setting for regular operation.

SPECIAL DUCT CLEANING PROCEDURES

I. Mobile Home Duct Cleaning:

The different type of duct configuration in most mobile homes requires a different cleaning procedure.
The duct system in a mobile home is constructed in an “H” shaped pattern, with the legs of the “H” running along each side of the mobile home.

1. Start the cleaning process at the end of one leg of the duct system. Remove the vent cover from the end vent and close all of the other vents on this leg.

2. Turn the HVAC system fan OFF.

3. Turn on the LED light located inside the vacuum box. (if present)

4. Place the vacuum box over the vent opening.

5. Connect your vacuum hose to the vacuum box. Turn on your vacuum.

6. With the air valve closed, connect the cleaning air hose to your compressor and push the Reverse Air Ball and hose through the vacuum box. Twist the hose as you push it into the duct and continue pushing all the way to the end of the leg. Once you reach the end turn the air valve on.

(An additional hose section may be required.)
7. With the combined air pressure from the Reverse Air Ball knocking loose the dust and debris, and the airflow from your vacuum hose, you should now see the dust and debris flowing into the vacuum box and removed through your vacuum hose.

8. Slowly pull the cleaning air hose back out of the duct. Pull it out some, push it back in a little and twist the hose as you pull it out some more, and repeat the process to clean the duct.

9. When the Reverse Air Ball reaches the vacuum box, close the air valve.

10. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the vacuum box. Remove the vacuum box from the duct opening.

11. Insert the vacuum hose down into the duct. Twist the hose as needed to move it around inside the duct and push it to the far end of the leg. Pull it out some, push it back in a little and twist the hose as you pull it out some more and repeat the process to clean the duct.

12. Once the end of the vacuum hose is out of the duct, use the vacuum hose to clean up the area around the duct opening.

13. Replace the vent cover and move to the other side of the mobile home. Remove the vent cover from the vent farthest from the HVAC system and repeat the process for the second leg.

14. Remove the filter from the HVAC system.

15. Remove the HVAC inspection cover to access the controls & fan.

16. Use your air gun & cleaning air hose with the black Air Pusher Ball attachment to clean the plenum and the fan area inside the HVAC system.

17. Use your vacuum system to clean up any dust and debris remaining in the HVAC system and vent areas.

18. Clean or replace the filter as needed.

19. Replace the HVAC system inspection cover.

20. Turn the HVAC fan setting back to its original setting for regular operation.

II. Dryer Duct Cleaning:

1. Locate the dryer vent opening on the inside and outside of the building.

2. Depending on the configuration of the dryer vent it may be easier to push the lint to the outside from the inside using the Reverse Air Ball . Conversely, it might be easiest to use the Reverse Air Ball from the outside and blast the lint towards you. E.g. if the vent is located on the second story, and access is difficult, you can work inside and push the lint to the outside and vacuum the lint that has fallen to the ground.

3. Remove the outside vent cover if possible, or needed. Be careful not to damage the cover.

4. If you’re working inside and want to push lint to the outside, connect the Forward Blasting Air Ball  to your cleaning air hose.

a. Insert the cleaning air hose into the dryer vent opening.

b. Turn on the air valve and begin pushing the cleaning air hose into the dryer vent duct using a twisting motion as you work.

c. When the cleaning air hose reaches the end of the duct, turn off the air valve and go outside to vacuum up any lint that fell to the ground or that remains in the vent.

5. If you’re working outside and want to pull lint from the inside to the outside, connect the Reverse Air Ball to your cleaning air hose.

a. Push the cleaning air hose into the dryer vent as far as it will go.

b. Open the air valve and slowly pull the cleaning air hose out of the dryer duct. Pull it out some, push it back in a little and twist the hose as you pull it out some more and repeat the process to clean the duct. Repeat the process until no more lint is being removed from the duct. Turn off the air valve & remove the cleaning hose.

6. Clean up the lint and dust from the area around the dryer vent opening.

EXTENSION POLE USE

Your ProAir™ Equipment Complete System comes with an extension pole to help you hold the Vacuum Box over vent openings when these openings are located on the ceiling.

TOE KICK ADAPTER PLATE USE

Your ProAir™ Basic & Complete Duct Cleaning Equipment package comes with a Toe Kick Adapter Plate to help you make a seal over vent openings when these opening are located under cabinets where there is not enough room to fit the Vacuum Box.

SECTION 3: Maintenance/ Technical

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Complete & Basic Equipment

Many of the items in the Complete & Basic Package are identical. Our Complete System includes our Dual Motor Vacuum System & extra hoses. The Dual Motor Vacuum, BioClean Spray Gun & Rotary Brush System have a section in this manual for cleanup/maintenance instuctions below.

• Vacuum Box – Wipe down Vacuum Box after each duct cleaning job and put in the protective case for transport. Over time the Vacuum Box x 24×24 Commercial Duct Cleaning Plate will get scratched from normal use. Vacuum Box can be fragile and must be transported in protective case.
• All Hoses – Wipe down all hoses after use.

BioClean Sanitizing Spray Gun

 Attach an accessory hose/wand:

• Loosen brass lock ring, turn the brass nozzle outward (counter-clockwise as viewed from end of gun) then remove from gun and set aside.
• Thread the selected flex hose/wand onto the end of the gun by NO MORE THAN 3 THREADS for maximum flow then lock in place with the brass lock ring .
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Threading the hose/ wand fitting on too far will block material flow from gun to hose.

CLEANING:

• Remove gun from container.
• Spray out product remaining in gun.
• Using a suitable solvent/water compatible with material being sprayed to clean out any product remaining in gun.
• Be sure to clean out material from the air vent hole on the right side of the gun cap. This should be done periodically while spraying to allow equalization of air pressure in container.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

• Gun will not spray material but discharges air with wand/hose in place:
– Wand/hose fitting is threaded on end of gun too far:
Back off threads of wand/hose fitting to only three threads then re-tighten lock ring.
– Material too thick for chosen wand/hose:
Attach the 24″ wand/hose with the 1/4″ orifice.
• Gun sputters or sprays intermittently while in use:
– Air vent may be blocked:
Clean out material from the air vent hole on the right side of the gun cap.
– Material may be too thick for gun nozzle:
– Air Pressure may be too low:
Increase pressure to a maximum of 150 PSI.
– Material may be hardening or “setting up” in container:
Discard material and mix another batch.
– Nozzle and/or tube may be partially blocked:
Clean out as required.

Using the Spray Gun to apply chemical to the duct walls

1. Fill container with chemical.
2. Attach wand to spray gun.
3. Point the want down the center of the duct.
4. spray desired amount of chemical inside the duct tubing.
5. Repeat in every duct openings.
6. Remove wand.
7. Emply chemical from spray bottle.
8. Follow directions above in cleaning proceedure.
9. Put spray gun in protective case for transport.

Dual Motor Vacuum System

SAFETY ORDERS

• Use this vacuum only for its intended use as described in this manual. (Use of attachments not recommended by manufacturer may cause fire, electric shock, injury or damage to system components.)
• Do not allow vacuum to be used as a toy. Close supervision is necessary when this vacuum is used by or near children.
• Do not leave the unit running without any supervising. Disconnect the unit if it is not used and before maintenance.
• This vacuum cleaner is intended for dry pick up only. Do not use on wet or humid surfaces, pick up any flammable liquids or combustible materials (gasoline, fuel, diesel) hot debris, flammable materials (cigarettes, ashes, matches), waste solvants (paint or other), explosive materials that would cause harm to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not vacuum drywall dust or baking flour as it may cause damage to your vacuum.
• Avoid picking up hard or sharp objects to prevent damaging or block the hose and the plastic pipes.
• Do not put any object into openings. Do not use if an opening is blocked. Keep free of dust, lint, hair and anything that may reduce air flow/suction. Lack of air flow will cause the motor to overheat.
• This vacuum cleaner creates suction. Keep hair, face, fingers, all body parts and loose clothing away from any openings.
• Never operate without dust bag and/or filter in place.
• Never plug in a unit designed to operate with a current of 120V in a 230V outlet and vice versa.
• If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord available from the authorized local ProAir™ dealer/distributor.
• Do not use extension cords or outlets with inadequate current carry capacity.
• Never operate this vacuum if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has been dropped or damaged. Return to authorized dealer/distributor for repair.
• Never handle plug, cord or power unit with wet hands.
• Never disconnect plug by pulling cord. To disconnect from outlet, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Connect to a properly grounded outlet only. See grounding instructions.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Turn off all controls before unplugging.
• Hoses with electrical connections must not be used if damaged.

By overlooking safety rules, you might risk putting your health in danger and to those who surrounds you! ProAir Industries, Inc.  disclaims any responsibility should you infringe upon these guidelines.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

MOTOR BRUSHES

Beyond the occasional external cleaning, we recommend that you inspect your motor brushes after 500 hours of use to check how worn they are and have them replaced if necessary. On average, this inspection should occur once every 3 to 5 years. When the time comes, contact your retailer or distributor for this maintenance procedure. Take note that the motor burshes are not included in the warranty.

FILTER AND DUST BAG

You must clean the filter and replace the dust bag periodically. This will prevent your vacuum from losing any power and will extend it’s lifespan.

• The dust bag CANNOT be washed or emptied. It must be replaced by a new one. If you notice a flagrant decline of power, it may be a sign of a full dust bag and must be changed. For a reference purpose, a regular usage with a 3,75 gal (17L) unit, the bag usual gets replaced after 6 to 12 months. For a 9 gal (41L) unit, it is around 12 to 18 months.

DUST BAG WHILE THE UNIT IS RUNNING.

• The filter can be easily cleaned in the washing machine but it is not recommended to put it in the dryer. It must be COMPLETLY DRY before reusing. Regarding the cleaning frequency of the cage filter, we recommend to clean whenever the dust bag is changed.
To change one or the other, release the clamps between the main unit and the tank.

1. Remove the bag and discard it (if you must).
2. Clean or wash the filter and let it dry.
3. Place the filter.
4. Place the new dust bag.
5. Reattach the tank to the main unit.

*IF THE UNIT IS USED EITHER WITHOUT THE FILTER OR THE DUST BAG,
THE WARRANTY WILL BE VOIDED.

ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

These units must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This appliance is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

WARNING – Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service person if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.

DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED WITH THE UNITS –
IF IT DOES NOT FIT THE OUTLET, HAVE A PROPER OUTLET INSTALLED
BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

These units are for use on a nominal 120V or a 230V circuit and has a grounding attachment plug that looks like the one illustrated below. Make sure that the electrical cord is connected to an outlet having the same configuration as the plug.

NO ADAPTOR SHOULD BE USED WITH THIS APPLIANCE.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

THE UNIT WON’T START UP…

SOLUTION :

1) Check if the LED is lit.
2) Check the circuit breaker in your electrical panel.
3) Check the unit’s circuit fuse/breaker.
4) Check the 24-volt circuit, as follows :
Try to establish electrical contact in a wall inlet with a metal object (for example, a coin).

• If the unit starts up, the suction hose is defective.
• If the unit doesn’t start up, check to see if the 24-volt wires are properly connected to the unit.
Try to establish an electrical contact between the two terminals of the 24-volt circuit on the unit with a metal object (for example, a screwdriver).
• If the unit starts up, a 24-volt wire is either cut or disconnected from one of the wall inlets.
• If the unit won’t start up after these steps, the printed circuit is defective.

THE UNIT WON’T SHUT DOWN…
SOLUTION :

Check the 24-volt circuit as follows :
Disconnect one of the two wires on the unit’s 24-volt circuit.
• If the unit shuts down, the problem could be that two 24-volt wires are touching themselves somewhere or that the wall inlet is defective.
• If the unit doesn’t shut down, the printed circuit is defective. Unplug the power cord.