Tech veterans and those who have witnessed the highs and lows of computer maintenance are no strangers to canned air. These forgettable cans, often found on IT professionals’ desks, photography studios, or even tucked amongst car cleaning supplies, hold more secrets than one might think. Canned air is a type of powdered duster in a bottle that’s helpful for cleaning objects with nooks and crannies where dust can get caught. With that said, although canned air is undoubtedly effective, it houses a lot of hidden facets — some of which may potentially make you rethink your choices. In this in-depth guide, we’ll go over how it works, its impacts, some myths, and also its innovative alternatives. Plus, we’ll examine an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to these systems for your cleaning needs.
What Is Canned Air Used For?
Canned air might sound like a gimmick to get you to spend money, but it’s actually got its purpose. You see, canned air is actually a helpful cleaning aid.
One example where canned air can come in handy is with your keyboard. Canned air blasts debris out of the hard-to-reach recesses in between the keys, keeping them from jamming up. Similarly, it can be used to blast dust bunnies out of vents of a CPU tower, or perhaps delicately clean sensitive camera equipment.
Canned air isn’t just used for electronics, either. You can also use it to dust off household items that are delicate and intricate. For instance, the intricate patterns in your valuable silver jewelry, the fine threads of needlework on your keepsake wall tapestry, or even the delicate parts of a collectible model can benefit from a blast of air.
As you can see, the potential uses of canned air are extensive, making it a versatile tool in professional settings like offices and repair centers as well as in our homes.
How Does Canned Air Work?
Canned air works based on the principles of pressure dynamics and the physical properties of its contained gasses.
When you think of canned air, you might visualize a container of ordinary air compressed tightly. However, the reality is a tad different. The can doesn’t actually contain traditional ‘air’ but instead houses a type of gas, usually a hydrofluorocarbon or other propellants, that’s stored under high pressure.Those naturally volatile propellant gasses are liquified under intense pressure. When you press the dispensing valve, this pressure is reduced, causing the liquid to rapidly convert back into a gas. This sudden change from liquid state to high-pressure gas creates a forceful gust of wind as it exits the narrow nozzle — ideal for blowing away dust and debris.
Is Canned Air Dangerous?
Now that you know what canned air is made of, you might be asking yourself, “Is it dangerous?” The truth is, while canned air is generally safe to use, it’s not without its hazards. For one thing, the high-pressure burst of air released by canned air can cause frostbite if it’s sprayed directly on the skin. That’s due to the rapid cooling of the propellant.
Secondly, there’s the potential danger that canned air can pose if inhaled directly. Inhaling large quantities of canned air can lead to serious health effects such as brain damage, heart problems, and, in extreme cases, even death.
Another safety concern with canned air is its flammability. These cans are full of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that can ignite under certain conditions.
In a similar vein, canned air comes with explosion risks. If a can of compressed air gets heated (above 120°F/49°C), it can explode.
To avoid these risks, always make sure to use the product as directed, avoid shaking or tilting the can while in use, and, most importantly, never try to inhale the contents directly.
Are the Chemicals in Canned Air Harmful?
Remember, canned air, despite its misleading name, isn’t just air. Far from it, in fact. It typically contains various types of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as HFC-134a or HFC-152a, which function as propellants. These substances can cause a number of side effects if you handle them improperly. For instance, if you inhale these chemicals, you could experience:
- Light-headedness
- Intoxication
- Heart palpitations
- Asphyxiation in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces due to oxygen displacement.
Direct skin contact can also lead to frostbite-like injuries due to the super-low temperature of the propellant as it rapidly expands and cools. Plus, if you ingest these chemicals, they come with their own list of adverse effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frostbite of the larynx and stomach
So, you might want to think twice next time you reach for that can of air, especially if you’ve got curious kids or pets around.
Is Canned Air Bad for the Environment?
Canned air isn’t just harmful if you inhale or ingest it; it also contributes to environmental pollution. This isn’t primarily due to the expulsion of air itself, but more so due to the harmful propellants used in the cans.
The HFCs that canned air contains are known greenhouse gasses. These gasses, when released into the atmosphere, contribute to global warming. An example is HFC-134a, which is a common propellant and one that the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports has a global warming potential more than 1,400 times that of CO2.
Further adding to the environmental damage, these cans, primarily made of steel and aluminum, can also end up in landfills if not properly recycled, leading to terrestrial pollution.
That said, it’s not all dire straits and gloomy tidings. The industry is evolving with a growing emphasis on altering propellant compositions and focusing on recycling programs. Some manufacturers already use more environmentally friendly propellants, while others actively encourage consumers to recycle to reduce landfill waste.
Are There Alternatives to Canned Air?
Whether it’s the environmental concerns or the health risks that have given you pause about using canned air, the good news is that there are alternatives out there. However, many of them have their limitations.
The table below outlines a few common alternatives to canned air.
| Alternative | Purpose | Limitations |
| Soft, lint-free microfiber cloths | Effective for surface cleaning | Lack the ability to reach tight spaces in keyboards or computer interiors |
| Vacuum attachments | Can remove surface dust, even in nooks and crannies | May not have enough pressure to dislodge stubborn build-up |
| Bulb blowers | Offer precision air streams for removing dust from surfaces and nooks and crannies | Less practical for larger electronics |
As you can see, although these alternatives can work in place of canned air, they still have their limitations.
One alternative that gets around these drawbacks, however, is a canless air system. This electronic device provides a continuous, powerful air stream. It’s ideal for stubborn dust while still being safe for electronics.
Essentially a handheld, rechargeable mini air blower, the Canless Air System offers an effective, reusable, and eco-friendly solution.
What’s the Difference Between Canned and Canless Air?
Canned air and canless air might seem similar at first glance, but they actually have a few key differences. These include their impact on the environment as well as on your wallet.
Environmental Impact
One disadvantage of canned air is that it contains a mixture of gasses like difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, and tetrafluoroethane. These gases are harmful both to humans and to the environment. These electric devices generate strong air gusts without harmful gasses.
Another major drawback of canned air is its single-use nature. Once the gas in the can is depleted, the can becomes waste, creating an environmental burden. On the other hand, canless air systems are reusable, eliminating the need for constant replacements.
Financial Impact
Financially, investing in a canless air system proves more economical in the long run compared to repeatedly purchasing single-use canned air. A typical can of compressed air might cost you anywhere between $5 and $10. Now, if you’re an IT professional who frequently needs to clean computer components, or if you’re a photographer who needs to ensure your camera and lenses are dust-free, you’re likely finding yourself purchasing these cans quite regularly. An average of one can per month could run you up to $120 every year.
On the other hand, a quality canless air system would generally run somewhere between $70 to $150, depending on the specific model and its features. The thing to remember here is that unlike canned air, these are a one-time investment. Once you purchase a canless air system, it’s yours to use indefinitely — no need for replacements or refills, saving you money in the long run.
Tips for Using Canless Air for Effortless Cleaning
Canless air is a go-to cleaner for dust-free electronics. Not only does it blast away debris, but it does so without harsh chemicals or the risk of condensation from canned air. There are a few different places where canned air can come in handy, including with computers, keyboards, and other electronics. A few things to keep in mind when using canless air to clean these pieces of equipment include:
- Be methodical: Work your way across sections of your computer case, blasting away visible dust.
- Target the fans: These are dust magnets! Canless air helps prevent overheating and performance issues.
- Remember those ports: A quick blast can clear out fluff and crumbs that might get stuck.
- Turn the power off: Power down and unplug electronics before cleaning them to prevent fire hazards.
- Distance is key: Hold the nozzle a few inches away, especially with delicate surfaces.
- Watch out for those short bursts: These dislodge particles effectively without excessive force.
- Check for attachments: Some Canless Air Systems come with brush tips for extra help with stubborn grime.
With these tips, you should have no problem getting rid of issues like sticky keys or dust and debris lodged in the nooks of your electronics.
Switch to a Canless Air System
From dusty keyboards to overheating PCs, the downsides of canned air systems are more than you’d think. With Canless Air Systems, however, you eliminate the waste and safety concerns associated with these products while still benefiting from a powerful, convenient tool.
If you’re ready for a safe, powerful, and sustainable cleaning solution, Canless Air is the clear choice. It’s better for your tech, your wallet, and the planet. Get in touch with us, and we’ll hook you up with a free Canless Air System for your business so you can see what the hype is all about! Plus, we’re here to answer any questions you have.
