If you’ve ever used a can of compressed air at your house to clean out your sofa or keyboard, you’ll be familiar with the stains and damp spots that some of these cans can leave behind. Now, I want you to think about all the cans you’ve used all these years, all the metal needed to make those cans, the waste that you create when you throw them away.
About a month or two ago, I was researching the effects of some human activities on the environment when I came across a document released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States. While most compressed can manufacturers have phased out Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from their manufacturing processes in the past few years, they replaced that with an assortment of greenhouse gasses that may also be as damaging to the environment.
I was appalled when I read that. “Do you mean each time I cleaned out my keyboard, I was burning the earth up just a bit more? That’s horrible!”, I said as I went to search for another can refill on Amazon. I didn’t know of any other options. However, by some stroke of luck (or just their algorithm), I saw an advertisement for a Metro DataVac ‘canless’ air device that does the same as a can of compressed air. Best part? It was electric! How had I never thought to search for something like this before?
Armed with that context and a few months of use, let’s go in-depth to see what I liked about Metro’s beneficial gadget.
Thoughts On The Metro DataVac
The first thing that struck me about the canless system as soon as I got it in my hands was the sleek design. It is small enough to fit in your hand and feels seamless and intuitive to use. The handle is perfectly positioned so that you can regulate the airflow as you’d like while using the device. It also comes with 3 extra attachable extensions that you can swap in as you’d like for different use cases and a 12-foot long cord that plugs neatly into the wall.
Don’t let its small size fool you though – the DataVac packs a punch. The 3lbs device generates about 70 CFM of force, which is about 75 HP while drawing only 4.5A of current. That seems daunting or like it’d be noisy, but this gadget is so well-designed that it feels and sounds about the same as using a regular compressed air can.
While the DataVac seems pricey (at around $140), that price tag comes with some nuance. A can of compressed air costs less than $10 but you’ll need to refill or replace it pretty often. Having a rechargeable replacement for that cuts out that recurring cost. It’s a one-time investment that will last for years.
My favorite part of using this, though, is that rush of satisfaction I get when I remember that in using the DataVac, I’m doing my bit in helping the environment. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, our environment is taking a battering right now. If I have an opportunity to ease that, no matter how small, I’ll take it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canless Air
What is canless air?
Canless air is an electric device that performs the same function as a can of compressed air. It has a sleek design, is small enough to fit in your hand, and comes with 3 extra attachable extensions and a 12-foot long cord that plugs neatly into the wall.
How does canless air work?
Canless air works by generating about 70 CFM of force, which is about 75 HP while drawing only 4.5A of current. This punchy device is perfect for cleaning out your keyboard, sofa, or any other surface.
Will this work on all surfaces?
The DataVac is designed to work on most surfaces. Some materials, like mirrored surfaces or very delicate surfaces, might not be suitable for the DataVac. Always test in an inconspicuous area before using.
Is it safe to use around electronics?
Yes, the DataVac is safe to use around electronics. It’s important to note that you should not use the DataVac near any open flames or heat sources.
How often do I need to charge it?
The DataVac does not require charging, since it’s a plug-in device.
What’s the warranty like?
The DataVac comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
