Duct Cleaning Equipment

What Is the Difference Between a Brush-and-Vacuum Machine and a Negative-Air Machine?

A brush-and-vacuum machine pulls debris into its own HEPA-filtered collector while a rotating brush works the duct wall, so one operator can clean a run without a separate vacuum. A negative-air machine such as the Air-Care TurboMax III only creates the airflow: it lists 5000 CFM free air (3500 CFM filtered) on a 3 HP 3-phase motor, and a power brush or other agitation tool does the cleaning. Match the type to the job: brush-and-vacuum for residential and light commercial ducts, negative air for large trunk lines.

Which Rotobrush Machine Fits the Duct Size?

Duct diameter and suction decide it. The Rotobrush aiR+ runs brushes from 4 to 20 in for ducts up to about 22 in, spins at 450 RPM, is safe on flex duct and has a removable pod for one-person carry through homes. The Rotobrush BrushBeast adds stronger suction and brushes from 4 to 30 in for ducts up to about 32 in. The BrushBeast DR editions use four vacuum motors and patented direct drive with 250, 325, 400 and 500 RPM brush speeds. Each model is sold in tiered packages, from Starter up to Total Solutions, that add hoses, brushes, cameras and training.

What Do the Air-Care Machines Offer?

Air-Care covers compact contact units through large negative-air models. The Zephyr pulls 200 CFM through 4-stage HEPA filtration with a drill-powered cable and an 18 in flexible brush, and weighs 61 lb. The DuctMaster III runs four vacuum motors for 120-500 CFM at up to 75 in W.C. static pressure. The TruckMaster II adds duct cleaning to an existing truck-mounted carpet cleaning machine, so a carpet cleaner can add duct work without a new vacuum.

What Else Goes With a Duct Cleaning Machine?

Hoses, brushes and HEPA bags wear out and need replacing, so check the package contents before you compare prices: Rotobrush packages list a 35 ft 2.25 in hose assembly, soft bristle brushes and a set of HEPA bags. For the room around the work, see air scrubbers and commercial vacuums.