Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for AirVac Central Vacuum
All Products for AirVac
Only hear a "click" when trying to start the system? Does it shut off and start back up in a few minutes? These are common signs of a dead motor which only leaves two options. Replace the motor or the replace unit. If you liked the amount of suction it originally had, then replace the motor. If you'd like stronger suction or if you'd like a cleaner disposal system consider a different unit or alternative brand.

How is a central vacuum maintained? Generally, the only thing required is emptying the main unit. Beyond that there are some upkeep and preventative options given below.
Replacement Chart for AirVac Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
AirVac Model # Replacement Motor Filtration and Parts
Can't find your model #? Try Filtex and M & S.
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV2500
120 volt		 116472 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116472		 AV-2500 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV3500
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116765
(replaces 116565)
AV-3500 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV4500
120 volt		 117500 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
117500		 AV-4500 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV5500
120 volt		 117500 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
117500 		AV-5500 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac FX3000
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116765
(replaces 116565)		 4-Pack Filtex Bags - Large
FX-3000
Bag #722L Buy
AirVac Unit
AirVac ZX5800
120 volt		 116472 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116472		 4-Pack Filtex Bags - Large
ZX-5800
Bag #722L Buy
AirVac Unit
AirVac ZX6000
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116765		 4-Pack Filtex Bags - Large
ZX-6000
Bag #722L Buy
AirVac Unit
AirVac ZX7000
120 volt		 117478 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
117500		 4-Pack Filtex Bags - Large
ZX-7000
Bag #722L Buy
AirVac Unit
AirVac ZX8000
220-240 volt		 117502 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
117502		 4-Pack Filtex Bags - Large
ZX-8000
Bag #722L Buy
AirVac 110
120 volt		 115334 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
115334		 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
110 Foam Filter
#730EXF Buy
AirVac 210
220-240 volt		 Not available from MD Vac Inverted Cloth Bag 110345 by Gore-TexAV-210 711B Filter. It doesn't have the gasket around it but its 14" diameter fits in the groove.
AirVac 180, 180A, VM180 A
All Models
120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116336
VM180 (2) Motors
 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
VM180A 6x6 Foam Filter #730EXF Buy

Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 8x8, Washable
VM180A 8x8 Foam Filter #730AVFL Buy
AirVac VM 212 A
All Models
220-240 volt		 116213 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116213
(takes 2 motors)		 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
212A
Foam Filter #730AVFL Buy
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV195
All Models
120 volt		 116472 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116472		 AV-195 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV395
All Models
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116763
 AV-395 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac
AV400, AV410
All Models
120 volt		 115334 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
115334

Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, WashableAV-400, AV-410 Foam Filter
#730EXF Buy
Or Cloth Filter

116472 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116472
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV400B
All Models
120 volt		 116472 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
117465 (replaces 116465)		 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, WashableAV-400B Foam Filter
#730EXF Buy
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV425, AV425A
All Models
120 volt		 116472 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116472		 AV-425, AV-425-A
Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV480
All Models
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116765
(replaces 116565)		 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
AV-480 Foam Filter #730EXF Buy
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV525, AV525A
All Models
120 volt		 119412 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
119412
(replaces 116392)		 AV-525 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV550, 550A
All Models
120 volt		 116336 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
116336
 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
AV-550, 550A Foam Filter #730AVFL Buy
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV600
All Models
120 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
116765
 AV-600 Cloth Filter
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV625
All Models
220-240 volt		 116765 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
117123		 AV-625 Cloth Filter
AirVac UnitAirVac Unit
AirVac AV700
All Models
120 volt		 117500 Motor
Price / Details /
Instructions
117500
 AV-700 Cloth Filter
AirVac Unit
AirVac AV850
All Models
220-240 volt		 116296 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116296

****NOTE: We have seen some models have a 220-240 volt plug but have two 110-120 volt motors (202G motors).

 Foam Filter for Central Vacuums - 6x6, Washable
AV-850 Foam Filter #730AVFL Buy

Some models used a cartridge filter.
AirVac II VM212
All Models
220-240 volt		 116213 MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116213
 Cloth Filter
AirVac VM285
AirVac BV2000
AirVac AVR3000
AirVac AVR7500
AirVac AVR12000
AirVac AVR24000
AirVac AVP3000
AirVac AVP7500
AirVac AVP12000
AirVac AVP24000
 Not available from MD Vac
AVP Models repaired by Linear		 Cloth Filter
Can't find your model #? Try Filtex and M & S.
Basic Maintenance for AirVac Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a AirVac Central Vacuum System is changing the bag, or, in most cases, emptying the dirt receptacle on the main unit. To do this, remove the base of the unit with a twist or by unlatching, then dump the debris. Place a plastic trash bag over the bottom of the unit. Reach up and grab the center weighted cloth filter and shake it. This filter can be further cleaned or replaced. To remove the filter, grab a side of it and pull toward the center. The outer stiff rim of the filter bends in and the filter drops out. To further clean the cloth or foam filters, wash and thoroughly air dry before installing. Note that on some units there was a small foam filter under the main filters that easily clogged. We recommend removing this filter permanently.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the AirVac motor, AirVac vacuum motor unit, or AirVac vacuum cleaner. For the indoor vacuum brush, the fibers that get wrapped around the brush roll of the vacuum cleaner head should be cut out and removed on a regular basis.

Pipe and Hose Maintenance
We recommend cleaning out the hose and piping system at least once per year. The best way to do that is with Tornado Central Vacuum Maintenance Cloths. They do a couple of things. First, they push through the pipes, bringing along stalled out debris. Second, they deodorize the hose, pipes, and unit. Some amazing results can come from this product. The vacuum hose will last longer if it is stored on a hanger, always being detached from the vacuum after each use. See if any of these Storage Items can help your situation (scroll to the bottom of the Accessory Page).

Email Reminders to Empty Vacuum
Sign up for the Free Quarterly Email Reminders to dispose of your central vacuum debris. Let the trash build up can reduce suction, making the unit run hotter and clean less efficiently.

Replacement Motors and Parts for AirVac Vacuums

Troubleshooting
Self diagnose your system using this Interactive Troubleshooting Guide and Solutions.

Motor Replacement
Contact a local dealer for service, or consider doing it yourself. Motors on the AirVac vacuum have a few fasteners and wires that need to be unattached, the reattached on the new motor. It should take less than one hour. First, turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the central vacuum unit. Then, access the motor by releasing the outer housing. Use the chart to find the right replacement motor for your AirVac motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed AirVac Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Prior to 1996, AirVac units used a separate transformer, relay, and minibreaker. Since then, a circuit board is installed which houses all these electronics. The most common circuit board replacement for AirVac vacuums is the Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. The board is strong, yet generic, but will not work with units that have an electronic readout display on the front. There are other Generic Circuit Boards for units with different voltage and two motors. These robust generic boards are made by an industry supplier for most all brands.

Motor Carbon Brush
The AirVac motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the AirVac motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. AirVac motor brushes can be checked every few years and replaced if the 3/4-inch-long solid carbon is worn down. Definitely replace if one or both are down to 3/16 inch. Type the motor replacement number (not model number) in the search box and the motor brushes will come up along with instructions.
 
Note: AirVac Vacuum is a registered trademark of Linear, not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from AirVac Vacuum but are designed to complement a AirVac Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not AirVac Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by AirVac Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful AirVac Vacuum Questions and Answers or give us a call at 1-800-997-2278 M-Th 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.