VENT VAC 4x4
*All specifications and prices are subject to change and improvement without notice.
Unpacking
Remove the outer box and inspect for damage. Report all damage immediately to your carrier. If special set-up instructions are required, they will be taped to the outside of the Equipment or in the “Operating” section of this manual.
Inspect all of the packing material for small parts before discarding packaging material. Report all damage to Air-Care immediately. Any attempt at repairing damages may void warranty.
Vent Vac III with Wheels, Motors & Blower intact
3rd Stage 13” x 15” x 1” Electra Silver Washable filter
4th Stage HEPA, 13-3/8” x 17-5/8 x 3-1/8”
Universal Remote
Drill Powered Cable (20 ft) With Brush, Drill Holder and Foot Pedal
Adapter – 3 inch I.D. Hose to 2 Inch Tools
Nest Claw
3” x 4” x 3” “Y” Adapter
Lint Brush, 24”
Dryer Exhaust Flap Clip
Dual Stage 15 Gal. Bag Filter (5/pkg.)
Hose, 3” x 8.3’ W/Cuffs
Wand .1.25” OD (2)
Crevice Tool 1.25”
Upholstery Tool 1.25”
Floor Tool 1.25”
Upholstery Brush 1.25”
Wand 1.25” OD (1)
Adapter, 3” to 2” Hose Cuff (Fits the 1-1/2 and 2” Cuffs on Red or Blue Hose, and Grey vacuum hose with tools.
Drill Holder
Safety
Always think safety and use common sense precautions when working with Air-Care equipment. Do not block walkways with equipment and remove delicate and breakable articles from the immediate work area. The following are precautions that should be reviewed by all persons who will be involved in the cleaning activity.
• Other than the 3 filters, the brush and the Batteries in the Remote, there are no user serviceable components in Air-Care DuctMaster or Vent Vac. Only trained technicians should attempt to make internal repairs on this equipment.
• Always unplug both power cords before removing the covers to change filters or clean the internal parts of the DuctMaster.
• Inspect AC power plugs to be sure the ground pins are in place.
• Never connect power to Air-Care equipment unless all covers and safety shields are in place. Mechanical and electrical parts could activate without warning and cause injury.
• Never allow anyone but a properly trained technician to use the equipment.
• All Air-Care equipment is designed for US standard 115-volt, 60 Hz AC. The Air-Care DuctMaster is optionally available in 220/240 Volt, 50/60 Hz Power. Always check the specifications on the equipment before connecting electrical power to Air-Care Equipment.
If you have questions about the safe use of any Air-Care product, call 702-454-5515.
Equipment specifications and part numbers are subject to change.
Set-Up and Testing
The Vent Vac III boasts significantly more static pressure than Air-Care TurboJet Negative Air Machines. This enables it to extract heavy, moist, or sandy construction debris from dryer vents, commercial ducts, chimneys, and restoration areas. However, it is not intended to function as a wet vacuum for liquids.
To test a Vent Vac III, plug one of the power cords into a suitable 120-volt outlet.
Line #1 will supply power to VAC1 and VAC2 vacuum motors.
Line #2 will provide power to VAC3 and VAC4 vacuum motors.
If all four VAC Motors are to be used simultaneously, Line 1 and Line 2 must be plugged into two independent power outlets.
If you are uncertain whether two outlets are independent, press the center “test” button; the green power light will illuminate if the two power cords are in independent 15-amp power outlets. The optional 220/240 Volt Vent Vac III also requires two independent electrical outlets; each must be 7.5 to 10.0 amps. This version does not come with a “test” button and green power light. Please note that the test light may not illuminate in Canada, even with two independent outlets.
WARNING: DO NOT ACTIVATE MORE THAN TWO VAC MOTORS BEFORE PERFORMING THE ‘TEST’, WHICH WILL INDICATE A GREEN LIGHT IF PLUGGED INTO TWO INDEPENDENT OUTLETS. IF THE EQUIPMENT IS NOT PLUGGED INTO INDEPENDENT OUTLETS BEFORE TURNING ON MORE THAN 2 VAC MOTORS, A POWER SURGE MAY OCCUR AND TRIP A CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THE BUILDING.
Thanks to a unique full-flow check valve system, any combination of motors can be used. A single motor can operate independently, or any combination of two or three motors can be used with the same airflow and static pressure (water lift).
One motor will provide more airflow than most single motor shop or HEPA vacuums, and two motors will generally be more than adequate for most vacuuming needs. In cases where extra power is required, simply plug in the second power cord and activate a third or fourth motor as needed.
How to Connect the Vent Vac 4×4
The Vent Vac III is an incredibly powerful and versatile tool. The 3” vacuum hose excels at collecting construction debris without clogging and can be inserted directly into a 4” air or dryer duct. This hose can also be used in conjunction with the “Y” adapter, coupled with an agitation tool, such as the Drill Powered Cable or optional Air Whisk. When connecting to a dryer duct, remember to clip the outside flap open to enable proper cleaning.
For collecting debris in a multitude of scenarios, the 2” extension wand, crevice tool, floor tool, bulk pickup tool, and 4” round brush are highly beneficial.
When cleaning a basement duct system, it’s advisable to attach the 3” hose to the trunk line and push the duct debris downwards from the vents using an air tool or power brush. The smallest particles, those most harmful to the lungs (under 10 Microns), will be carried in the airflow and captured by the Vent Vac filters. Larger debris may necessitate additional agitation for complete removal.
With its high volume and high static “water lift,” the Vent Vac III is exceptionally effective at removing debris from smaller diameter air ducts, surpassing many standard duct vacuums.
Air-Care offers self-study training on cleaning all types of air systems. For more details, call 800-322-9919.
Dryer Duct Cleaning with the Vent Vac 4×4
Dryer exhaust ducts can differ in construction, materials, and configuration depending on the city. The suggested procedure for using the drill-powered dryer duct cable may need to be adjusted to safely and effectively clean these ducts in your area. An alternative tool, the Forward and Reverse Air Whisk, can be used with an air compressor.
CAUTION: Unclogging the exhaust duct of a clothes dryer will enhance performance and minimize lint accumulation in the future. However, it is essential also to clean the inside of the dryer itself, removing lint from the fan, heating area, and other internal components to minimize the risk of fire.
1) With the dryer running, clip the outside flap “OPEN” and check the airflow at the exhaust with a flow meter (Not included). Write down the reading for comparison after cleaning.
2) Turn off the dryer, remove power, then move it away from the wall and disconnect the exhaust tubing. If it is a gas dryer, be careful to not damage or break the gas line.
3) Attach the 3” diameter vacuum hose to the end of the exhaust duct (inside or outside, depending on configuration).
CAUTION: If you cannot locate where the air exhausts outside then you cannot guarantee your work and probably should not try to clean it. Refer the customer to their contractor.
4) Place the drill in the Air-Care drill holder. Use the 20’ drill powered dryer duct cable with 4” dryer duct brush. Insert the drive end of the cable into the chuck of your electric drill. A low speed (300-500RPM), 3/8” chuck is best suited.
5) Plug the drill into the foot pedal switch (A) and plug the pedal cord into the wall (B). Press the Drill’s Trigger and lock it in the “ON” position. It will only run when the foot pedal is pressed. The pedal leaves both hands free.
NOTE: Avoid sharp bends in the cable, it will eventually result in a broken core.
6) Turn on the vacuum motors in theVent Vac then insert the 4” brush into the dryer vent. The drill will not run unless BOTH the trigger switch in the drill handle and the foot pedal are turned ON, Start the drill using the foot pedal only AFTER the brush has been inserted into the duct.
7) If you experience resistance to the brush, the cable may “Twist Up” on you. If so, STOP the drill. Try reversing the rotation and go slowly until you get past the restriction. If the drill has a torque limiting setting on the chuck, it can be set to a lower torque to reduce cable twist up.
8) A slow steady insertion is ideal, but you may need to pull the cable out a few inches and push it rapidly back to get around some obstructions and elbows.
9) If the cable cannot be pushed all the way to the end of the duct, it may be necessary to also insert the cable and brush from the other end of the duct.
10) If there is visible lint clog or bird nest, the nest claw tool may be needed to break it up. Attach the nest claw tool to the cable with a setscrew, which is the same way the 4” dryer duct brush attaches. CAUTION: The nest claw can be very aggressive and may damage flexible ducts.
11) If you only have access to one end of the exhaust duct, use the “Y” adapter to allow the vacuum and the cable to be inserted from the same end of the exhaust duct.
12) Once the duct has been cleaned, the dryer should also be cleaned.
13) Remove the back cover of the dryer and clean out the lint on the internal components. Usually 4-8 screws are used to mount the back cover. Access to the interior of the dryer will vary with model, be careful to not damage it.
14) Once the duct and dryer are clean, connect the dryer to the wall opening with aluminum hose. (The Consumer Product Safety Commission does NOT recommend plastic connector hoses, nor does any major dryer manufacturer).
15) Turn the dryer on and again check the airflow outside. Typically, over 1000 fpm (feet per minute) (1000 fpm = 5 mps [meters per second]) is good, and less than 1000 fpm is usually not. Continue cleaning until you have reached airflow over 1000 fpm. If 1,000 fpm cannot be obtained, the duct may be damaged and require a contractor to correct the problem.
16) Clean up any lint around the outside of the dryer, clean the exterior of the dryer and if you have a sticker or magnet with your company name, date it for a follow-up cleaning in 12 months.
Troubleshooting
Prior to troubleshooting, check the following:
1. Be sure the power cords are plugged into 2 separate, dedicated power sources and verify that the wall outlet where the power cord is plugged into is working. (Plug in a lamp or other device and be sure it works properly).
2. Check that the dual stage, 15-gallon vacuum bag is not more than half full, and that the 3rd stage electra silver pre-filter and 4th stage HEPA filters are not clogged.
3. Us the “test” button on the power panel to verify there are 2 independent power outlets being used.
(Note: Test button not on 220 (240 volt) model.)
| Symptom | Possible Causes | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Low or no vacuum suction. | 1. Filters are clogged. 2. Gaskets leaking. 3. One or more motors are not running. 4. The hose is clogged | • Replace the dual stage, 15-gallon vacuum bag filter. • Clean the 3rd stage silver pre-filter. • Replace the 4th stage HEPA filter. • Inspect the door gaskets and base of the HEPA for leaks • Run one motor at a time to determine which one is not running. • Remove the hose and check for vacuum then reverse the hose to suck out clogged debris if vacuum is ok. If there is still no vacuum, call Air-Care. |
| Circuit breaker in building trips. | Both power cords are plugged into the same circuit. | • Check test light on panel, if it does not light, only use 2 motors. • Find a second independent electrical circuit for the second power cord. |
| Excessive Noise | 1. White check valve located in the Vent Vac’s cabinet is installed upside down (air flow arrow should point up). 2. One or more motors are bad. | • Remove check valve and install in proper direction. • Turn on one motor at a time to determine which one is bad, and then call Air-Care for a new motor. Only a trained technician should replace a motor. |
Maintenance
The Vent Vac III requires a minimum amount of maintenance, normally limited to cleaning or replacing filters as they become filled with dirt and debris. It is always beneficial to keep the exterior and interior of the machine clean. A qualified technician should perform all electrical or mechanical repairs.
Filter Removal & Replacement
1. Turn off all the VAC motors, and unplug the Vent Vac III.
2. Open the front door and remove the bag from its 3” tube on the back side of the door.
3. Carefully remove the 2-stage bag filter and dispose of it properly in accordance with any local state or federal regulations applicable.
4. If there is noticeable debris buildup on the 3rd stage pre-filter below the bag filter, push it to the rear and lift it off and clean it. It can be rinsed with water or sprayed with Air-Care Filter Cleaner and rinsed, but it must be DRY before reinstalling it.
5. To remove the 4th stage HEPA, release the top latch and both side latches and lift the vacuum tank off the base.
6. Lift the HEPA out and inspect it for damage or clogging.
7. Install a new HEPA filter, by placing it into the base with the “flow” arrow pointing down.
Note: There is no way to clean the HEPA filter without damaging it.
8. Install a new dual stage bag filter following the instructions on the bag. It collects heavy debris in he bottom section of the bag and lighter debris in the top section.
Included Parts & Accessories
You can order the part by clicking the part number.
You will be directed to the item page on Air-Care.com.
| Description | Part # |
| Vent Vac III Complete | VV01 |
| Dual Stage 15 Gallon Bag | F0051 |
| Hose, 3” X 25’ | ACC0033 |
| Cuff, Hose 3” | ACC0046 |
| Hose, 1.5” x 50’ | ACC0152 |
| Cuff, Vac Hose 1-1/2” | COM0006 |
| Vent Vac/Ductmaster Accessory Kit | |
| • 1.5” x 12.5’ Vacuum Hose with Cuffs | FG0074 |
| • Crevice Tool 1.25” OD | ACC0184 |
| • Dust Brush 1.25” OD | ACC0185 |
| • Upholstery Brush 1.25” OD | ACC0186 |
| • Wand 1.25” OD (2 pcs) | ACC0187 |
| • Floor Tool, | ACC0005 |
| • WAND 1.25” OD (1 pcs) | ACC0189 |
| Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit | |
| • Vent Vac 4×4 Y-Adapter 3x3x3 | SADM0055 |
| • Nest Claw Complete Assembly | FG0089 |
| • 24” Lint Bush | COM0202 |
| • 3D Adapter, 3” to 2” | COM0170 |
| • 4” Vent Vac Dryer Brush | FG0072 |
| • 5/16” 20” Drill Pwd Cable w/o Brush | SAO0115 |
| • Exhaust Hood Clip | COM0196 |
| • Drill Holder Assembly & Foot Switch with Connector Cable | FG0073 |
Optional/Replacement Parts & Accessories
| Description | Part # |
|---|---|
| Coupler, 3″ Hose to 3″ Hose | ACC0009 |
| 19a. 2 piece Alum Wand | ACC0166 |
| 19b. Tool, Crevice, 14” | ACC0184 |
| 19c. Tool, Deep Reach Orange | ACC0010 |
| 19d. Upholstery Brush, 3” OD | ACC0027 |
| 19e. Tool, Floor 14” wide | ACC0028 |
| 19f. Tool, Upholstery “T” | ACC0186 |
| 19g. Hose, 1.5” x 10 ft | ACC0152 |
| Forward and Reverse Air Whisk System | FG0015 |
| Sidewinder Hose Assembly | FG0030 |
| 5/16” x 20’ Dryer Duct Cable. Comes with 4” Dryer Duct Brush | FG0071 |
| 5/16” x 35’ Dryer Duct Cable. Comes with 4” Dryer Duct Brush | FG0084 |
| 4” Dryer Duct Brush | FG0072 |
Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 21” W x 36” D x 40” H |
| Weight | 98 lbs |
| Power requirements: | 115 Volt AC, 60Hz, 14 AMPS x 2 (Optional: 220/240 Volt, 50/60 Hz, 8 AMPS x 2) |
| Power Cords (qty 2) | Attached |
| Filtration | 4 stages HEPA |
| 1st and 2nd Stage | 15 Gallon Dual Stage Bag |
| 3rd Stage | 13 x 15 x 1 Silver 88 Filter |
| 4th Stage | 14 x 18 x 3 HEPA |
| Vent Vac III Hose Attachment | 3” x 8.5’ Hose with Cuffs |
| Operating Environment | 25 to 125 Deg F (-4 to 50Deg C) |
| Construction | Rotation Molded Poly Body, w/ Aluminum Base |
| Operating Controls | 4 Individual VAC Motor Switches “Independent Circuit” Indicator Light (Not included with 220/240 Volt, 20/50 Hz version) |
| Air Flow | 120-500 CFM |
| Static Pressure | 75 Inches W.G. |
| Motors | 7 AMP Integrated Motor for each Blower (4) (4 AMP @ 240 Volts on 220/240 Volt, 50/60 Hz version) |
| Blowers | Single Stage, Tapered Blade, Low Noise, High Efficiency Vacuum Wheels (4) |
| Wheels | 12” Fixed Rear and 4” Front Swivel Non-Marking Wheels |
*All specifications and prices are subject to change and improvement without notice.
Limited Warranty
Vent Vac 4×4
Air-Care warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchaser for a period of Three (3) years from the date of purchase. Components listed below are excluded from this Three-year period and are covered for periods described below:
Vacuum Motors: 1 Year
Hose & Motor Assembly: 90 Days
Brushes, Wheels, & Filter: No Warranty
Warranty covers both parts and labor (labor is to be performed at Air-Care’s facility located at 3868 E. Post Road; Las Vegas, Nevada).
Warranty is extended to the original purchaser and is not transferrable.
This warranty does not extend to any damage to a product caused by or attributable to freight damage, abuse, misuse, improper or abnormal usage. Warranty is also void if the product has been modified or altered in any way.
The purchaser is responsible for the cost of shipping the equipment to Air-Care’s facility for evaluation. If found to be defective and covered by the terms of this warranty, Air-Care will pay FedEx ground shipping charges on the repaired or replaced item back to the purchaser’s location. Any additional expedited service charges for quicker shipping shall be born by the purchaser. If the product or component is not found to be a warranty issue, the purchaser will be responsible for return shipping charges.
Air-Care is not responsible or liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the product; damages with respect to any economic loss, loss of property, loss of revenues or profits, loss of use, or other incidental or consequential damages of whatsoever nature.
The warranty extended hereunder is in lieu of any and all other warranties, and any implied warranties of any type.
This warranty gives you specific rights. These rights and others vary from state to state.
Division of D.P.L. Enterprises Inc.
3868 East Post Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120, (702) 454-5515, FAX (702) 454-5225
Website: www.air-care.com • E-mail: Info@Air-Care.com