Aethair PRO is built for long-term deployment in demanding environments and requires very little routine maintenance. The one task worth doing periodically is clearing dust and debris from the air inlet, exhaust, and vents. Restricted airflow can affect how well the device samples the air around it, and in dusty outdoor or industrial settings, buildup happens faster than most teams expect.
This guide covers cleaning the exterior openings and cleaning the interior. If you need to install or replace gas sensor cartridges, see Setting Up Your Aethair PRO.
Before You Begin
Power off the device. Press and hold the power button on the back of the enclosure until you hear a beep. The blue LED on the front will turn off.
Disconnect power. Unplug the power cable at the back panel. If you are using the Solar Panel Accessory, power the panel off as well.
Dismount the device if practical. Cleaning is easier off the mount, and most mounting positions make the power button hard to reach.
Inspect the enclosure. Look for cracks, water intrusion, loose connectors, or damage around the openings. If you find any, stop and contact Aethair Support before cleaning.
What you'll need
Soft-bristle brush
Dry microfiber cloth
Canned or low-pressure compressed air with a nozzle
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment (optional, useful for heavy dust)
Aethair PRO External Diagram
External components of the Aethair PRO, shown with the cover in place.
Front: Status LED
Left Side: Buzzer
Right Side: Air Intake
Rear: Power Button and Mounting Adapter (Magnetic adapter pictured)
Bottom: Air Exhaust, Light & Sound Sensors, Power Cable Port, Differential Pressure Port (if configured)
Cleaning the Air Inlet, Exhaust, and Vents
Work from the outside of each opening and move debris away from the device rather than into it.
Brush first. Use a soft-bristle brush to loosen dust and debris from around the inlet, exhaust, and ventilation slots. Sweep across each opening, not into it.
Lift the loosened debris away. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment works well here, especially for caked-on dust from construction or industrial sites.
Use compressed air at an angle. Hold the nozzle at least six inches away and angle it across the opening so air moves debris out and away. Use short bursts. Do not hold down the trigger, as continuous air can damage components or push debris further inside.
Wipe the surrounding enclosure. A dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth will handle the aluminum surfaces. Keep moisture away from all openings.
Do not blow compressed air directly into the air inlet. Direct pressure forces debris deeper into the sample path, where it can reach the particle sensor optics and restrict flow. Always angle the nozzle across the opening.
Also avoid
Inserting brushes, picks, swabs, or any object into the inlet or exhaust
Spraying compressed air continuously into the intake, as it can push debris further inside.
Spraying water, cleaning solutions, or solvents into any opening
Pressure washers, steam, or electric cleaning tools
Abrasive pads or stiff wire brushes on the enclosure
How often to clean
Cleaning intervals depend on the environment. As a starting point, check monthly for outdoor, construction, and industrial deployments, and quarterly for indoor deployments. Cleaning can also take place sooner than the regular interval if you can see buildup around the openings or if particulate readings begin trending in a way the site conditions don't explain.
Cleaning the Interior
Interior cleaning is only needed occasionally, usually after a device has been deployed in a heavy dust environment. Confirm the device is powered off and unplugged before you open it.
Some Aethair PRO units have a white interior. The layout is identical.
When you remove the front cover, you will see the interior of the Aethair PRO, which includes gas sensor cartridges, cartridge brackets, a MultiSense Cartridge (if configured), and a socket for each cartridge. Cartridge brackets secure the gas sensor cartridges in their sockets.
Interior Left Side: Gas Sensor Cartridge Socket 1 (upper) and Socket 2 (lower)
Interior Right Side: MultiSense Cartridge Socket
Step 1: Remove the Cover
Unscrew the two screws on the rear of the device, above the power button.
Slide the cover upward and lift it off the enclosure.
Step 2: Clear Dust from the Interior
Use short bursts of low-pressure compressed air, holding the nozzle at least six inches from any component and angling it so air sweeps across the internal surfaces.
For surfaces you can reach comfortably, a dry, soft cloth or soft brush works well. Wipe the cover rails and grooves so the cover reseats cleanly.
Leave the gas sensor cartridges and the MultiSense Module in place. Cartridges are calibrated units and do not need to be removed for cleaning.
Do not blow compressed air directly at the sensors. This applies to the particle sensor, the gas cartridges, and the MultiSense Module. Gas sensor membranes and particle sensor optics are sensitive to direct pressure, and a close-range burst can shift a reading baseline or damage the sensor. Angle the air across the interior instead.
Also avoid
Any liquid inside the enclosure, including cleaning solutions and damp cloths
Touching cartridge contacts, sockets, or exposed boards
Removing or loosening internal components, brackets, or wiring. This will void the device warranty.
Disassembly beyond the cover and the backplate
Step 3: Reassemble and Power On
Align the cover rails with the grooves in the enclosure and slide the cover down into place.
Replace the two rear screws and tighten them.
Reconnect power, then press and hold the power button until you hear a beep. The front LED will blink blue while connecting and turn solid blue once the device is connected.
When to Contact Support
Contact Aethair Support if you notice any of the following:
Visible damage to the enclosure, openings, or connectors
Water inside the enclosure
Debris lodged in the inlet/exhaust that brushing and compressed air won't clear
Readings that stay inconsistent after cleaning
Any need for service beyond cleaning.
If after cleaning, the device is unable to power on, or you notice a difference in readings which don’t align with the standard/usual parameters, please contact Aethair support. Do not modify hardware or electrical components. All service beyond cleaning should be performed by qualified personnel, as modifying the device can void the warranty.
Gas sensor cartridges are a separate maintenance item. Aethair recommends sending cartridges in for recalibration after one year. See Aethair PRO Gas Sensor Cartridges for details.