Hydro-Force AC040 User manual

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www.hydroforce.com
AIR WAVE
DUCT CLEANER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
#LMANAC040 Air Wave Manual
Revised: 03.14.2019

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AC040 Duct Cleaner Operating Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE #
Introduction 3
Standard Equipment 4
Compressor Requirements 4
Vacuum Requirements 4
Optional Equipment 5
SECTION 1: Operational Safety
Operation Safety 6
SECTION 2: OPERATION PROCEDURES
Set Up and HVAC System Cleaning 7
Special Cleaning Procedures 12
Extension Pole & Kick Plate Use 14
SECTION 3: Maintenance/ Technical
Drawings & Parts Lists 15
Warranty 23

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Hydro-Force Air Wave Duct Cleaner.
Years of experience, engineering, and planning have gone into the design and
manufacturing of the Air Wave Duct Cleaner. We take a great deal of pride in
the Air Wave Duct Cleaner; our goal is no less than your complete satisfaction.
The Hydro-Force Air Wave Duct Cleaner is intended for commercial use only.
This manual will provide users with the knowledge required to properly operate
and maintain the Air Wave Duct Cleaner equipment.
All users must read and understand this manual
completely before operating the machine.
Always maintain this manual in legible condition adjacent to the Air Wave Duct
Cleaner, 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 Hydro-Force distributor.
This manual is written specifically for the Air Wave Duct Cleaner AC040
manufactured by:
Aramsco
4282 South 590 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
801-268-2673
801-268-3856 FAX
www.hydroforce.com
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Hydro-Force or its parent or affiliated
companies.

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AC040 Air Wave Duct Cleaner
Standard Equipment
Vacuum Box Assembly (AC040B):
Includes: Vacuum Box (NM6100)
Dust Plug Gasket (NM6106)
Receiver Plate - Pole Mount with mounting hardware (NM6104)
2”Male Flash Cuff with 2” Male NPT with 2” Lock Nut (AH224 & NM6102)
LED Light with Adhesive Mounting Strip (AC043)
Toe Kick Adapter Plate (AC042)
Flash Cuff 2” Female for 2” Vacuum Hose (AH204)
Flash Cuff 2” Female for 1-1/2” Vacuum Hose (AH201)
Cleaning Air Hose –25FT. Black - Rigid 1/4” MPT ends (AH040)
Compressor Air Hose –50FT. Red - Rubber 1/4” MPT ends (AC031A)
Pusher Ball –Black 1/4” FPT –Qty. 1 (NM6109)
Blaster Ball –White 1/4” FPT –Qty. 2 (NM6108)
Extension Pole - (AC049)
Extension Pole Ball End (just the ball)- (NM6110)
Air Gun –(AC047)
Air Shutoff Valve 1/4” FPT x 1/4” MPT (AH54)
Male Air Quick Connect –1/4” FPT (PAF17)
Female Air Quick Connect –1/4” FPT (PAF19)
Male Air Quick Connect –1/4” MPT (PAF18)
Carry Bag –(AC046)
Operator’s Manual (LMANAC040)
AIR COMPRESSOR (Not included)
The air compressor to be used with the Duct Cleaner must meet these requirements:
Minimum 4 Gallon Air Tank Capacity
Maximum Pressure Output greater than 120 PSI
Must be able to maintain pressure for at least 10-15 seconds while cleaning each duct
Compressors with larger tanks and higher pressure will perform better but are not required.
The compressor CFM is not important as long as it meets the output pressure and tank
capacity requirements. Compressor Air Outlet should be fitted with 1/4” quick connects to
attach to the hoses supplied with the Air Wave Duct Cleaner.
We recommend the Dewalt 200 PSI air compressor, our part #MH90.
VACUUM SYSTEM (Not included)
Dry Vacuums, Portable or Truck Mounted Extractors with a minimum air flow of approximately
100 CFM air flow. Best results will be achieved using the vacuum system with the highest
powered system which maintains the highest Cubic Feet per Minute of air flow while
cleaning.
Must be setup to exhaust outdoors or have a HEPA filter if used indoors.
Standard Equipment

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Description
Part #
2” Vacuum Hose –50FT. Blue with Vinyl Cuffs:
AH24
1-1/2” Vacuum Hose- 25FT. Blue with Vinyl Cuffs:
AH38BH
Hydro Filter II:
AC10
Replacement Screen for Hydro-Filter II:
AC10C
2” Hose Barb x 2” MPT PVC:
AH68
2” Hose Cuff –Vinyl for 2” Vacuum Hose
AH44
2” Hose Cuff –Vinyl for 1-1/2” Vac Hose:
AH46
2” Hose Connector PVC:
AH76
1-1/2” Hose Cuff –Vinyl for 1-1/2” Vac Hose:
AH42
1-1/2” Hose Connector PVC:
AH74
Dewalt 4.5 Gal 200 PSI Electric Air Compressor
MH90
Dry Vacuum DustDowner for 2” Hose
AH128
Dry Vacuum DustDowner for 1.5” Hose
AH127
Additional / Optional Equipment

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Safety
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING THE AIR WAVE DUCT CLEANER.
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.
When using the Air Wave Duct Cleaner, it is highly recommended that your
vacuum system be exhausted outdoors. Any system which exhausts indoors
must utilize a HEPA filter, or use the Dust Downer to prevent blowing particulates
back into the environment.
Clean filters, grilles & vent covers outdoors whenever possible to avoid
contaminating the indoor air with dust & other particulates.
Wear eye protection while using the Air Wave Duct Cleaner.
Wear a dust mask or other type of respiratory protection from particulate
contaminates while using the Air Wave Duct Cleaner
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges while using the
Air Wave Duct Cleaner.
Use caution while cleaning the HVAC unit. Live electrical connections, moving
parts and sharp edges may cause injury.
Turn off any pilot lights in the HVAC system and other appliances near the air
handling system before beginning the duct cleaning process.
Section
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AIR WAVE DUCT CLEANER SET UP
AIR HOSE & COMPRESSOR
1. Connect the red rubber air hose (AC031A) 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.
(The Dewalt compressor has a maximum outlet pressure of approximately 175psi.)
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 Air Pusher Ball
or Air Blaster Ball to the black Air
Hose.
If cleaning the return air
system attach the Black Air
Pusher Ball (NM6109).
If cleaning the supply ducts
attach the White Air Blaster
Ball (NM6108).
Section
2

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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” DustDowner (AH127) or 2” DustDowner
(AH128).
2. Connect the DustDowner to another section of vacuum hose with male cuff attached.
This second hose will connect via female Flash Cuff (AH204) to the male Starter Flash
Cuff (AH224) on the vacuum box.
a. Note: some users like to run a long hose to the vacuum box, and then attach
the DustDowner with a short 3’ section so they are close to the ball valve tha t
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 DustDowner to your solution hose. Place a ball valve (AH54) on your
solution hose so you can control the flow of water.

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Operation Procedures
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 (AC047) 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 black Air Pusher ball (NM6109) to your air cleaning hose (AH040). The airflow
from the black Air Pusher 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 Air Pusher 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 DustDowner to wet down the dust and debris in
the airflow back to the extractor.
Section
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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 DustDowner to wet down the dust
and debris in the airflow back to the extractor.
4. Use your air gun & cleaning hose with the white Air Blaster ball attachment (NM6108) 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 handler’s 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 white Air Blaster ball to your cleaning air hose.
5. Turn the LED lights on in
the vacuum box 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.