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- The Zoog Zapper system is extremely user-friendly, and automatically pumps a liquid sanitizer into the air conditioner's drain pan and drain line every two weeks, preventing Zoogloea bacteria growth, which is frequently the reason for clogged AC drain lines. See the FAQ section below to learn more about the sanitizing liquid, Steramine.
- The dispensing frequency, and the dispensed quantity of sanitizer can easily be changed by the user, allowing more frequent sanitizing for systems that are prone to clog often.
- A refill of the reservoir requires less than $4 worth of Steramine tablets (purchased from Amazon), and a gallon of hot tap water.
- The Zoog Zapper easily mounts directly to the air conditioner cabinet with magnets and by utilizing a powerful pump, the system can even be installed in a convenient location up to fifty feet away from the air conditioner cabinet allowing easy access and refilling. For example, the Zoog Zapper can be installed in a hallway closet and the tubing extended up into the attic to the air conditioner. The system is designed to be highly adaptable to many varied applications.
- High-quality "Food-Grade" silicone tubing is used and all necessary fittings are supplied to allow the dispense tubing to reach the far back corners of the internal drain pan area of the air conditioner. Dispensing Steramine first into the entire drain pan is extremely important as the drain pan is where Zoogloea bacteria begins to grow. The Steramine will flow from the drain pan into the drain line providing complete drain system sanitization.
- Commercial and residential units share the same bacterial clogging issues, and the Zoog Zapper can be adapted to almost every air conditioner and chiller system out there. Installation is straightforward with three power options available and any size reservoir can be accommodated for higher dispense quantity applications.
- Designed with attics in mind, The Zoog Zapper tolerates very high temperatures and humidity, and can operate up to ONE YEAR without interruption or refills when pumping once every two weeks.
- Our system focuses on complete system sanitization, addressing the increase in Zoogloea bacteria growth as AC manufacturers have moved away from copper tubing construction of the evaporator coils to all aluminum tubing. Copper tubing in older systems provided a small level of bacterial suppression whereas less expensive aluminum coils in newer systems do not provide any protection at all, allowing the unchecked growth rate of Zoogloea to increase significantly.
The Zoog Zapper offers multiple routing options to ensure thorough sanitation of the drain pan and drain line, unlike systems targeting only part of the drain line. The overall system design has been thoroughly tested in over 70 homes/condos/offices and counting for over one and a half years, combined with extensive simultaneous bench testing.
The Zoog Zapper is extremely cost-effective with an annual cost under $4 per refill and no maintenance for up to a year.
The Zoog Zapper system is engineered for easy installation by homeowners with limited skills. However, if you are completely unfamiliar with ACs, we recommend seeking the help of an HVAC technician or handyperson. First, see our manual which has a very thorough overview of proper drain line construction and care. If the manual makes sense to you, installation is very simple.
- Five Powerful magnets let you easily and quickly mount the Zoog Zapper onto the metal surfaces of your AC unit, or you may wall mount the system with screws in a convenient location. There are many ways you can mount the Zoog Zapper easily.
- Magnetic tube holders provide a simple and organized way to route the dispense tubing along the cabinet, with no fasteners required.
- While installing the system, a silicone dispense tube is routed inside the AC cabinet requiring the removal of the front panel - using only a 1/4" or 5/16" nut driver/socket wrench, etc. A pliers may be needed to cut a wire tie (or two).
- A "ZoogFlush" kit is also supplied which is used to flush the drain line with water from a hose. The internal condition of the drain line is the "Wildcard" in the "clogging equation" as some drain lines being older will harbor bacteria that will not be easily dislodged by vacuuming the drain line only. Experience has proven that this bacteria is removed as best as possible with flushing the drain line with water from a garden hose so the ZoogFlush kit was created and provided to allow a very simple method for the drain line to be flushed.
All that is needed to install the ZoogFlush kit is a hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter. A small tube of glue is provided for the installation. Once the ZoogFlush kit is installed the drain line can be flushed periodically if needed and flushing the drain line at system installation provides a baseline that the drain line has been opened as much as possible.
- As a bonus, we have included a patent pending "Universal Vacuum Hose Adapter and Holder" which we invented called the "ZoogOut". There is a section in the manual and a page on the website which explains what the ZoogOut is and provides. But simply, the ZoogOut helps you vacuum out your AC drain line easily with a wet/dry vacuum. We supply this vacuum adapter because we still recommend that you vacuum out your drain line once in a while, as part of your normal AC maintenance routine, as dirt and pet hair can get into a system over time and will go into the drain line. The Zoogout is included and makes AC care significantly easier.
- Our installation manual is extensive and is loaded with pictures to assist in the installation process of the Zoog Zapper. We stress that if you can understand the manual, you can install our system without professional assistance.
- Only a few factors affect how effectively the Zoog Zapper can function and sanitize. Many condensate drain systems are not installed properly, and require correction before install. Also, the Zoog Zapper is a maintenance device, not a "drain clearing" device, so the drain line needs to be cleaned well before installation. How effectively you clean your drainage system before installing the Zoog Zapper is important. If your drain line is completely blocked, and a vacuuming and flush doesn't help, a re-pipe may be required. When we perfom installs we always flush and vacuum the drain line to make sure the line is as clear as possible. Supplies are included with the Zoog Zapper to assist in the flushing and vacuuming process.
- Once again, experience has shown that many drain lines and AC systems are marginally installed which directly contributes to Zoogloea growth and clogging. Optional tools to correct issues with your drain line may require a PVC cutter or hacksaw, PVC cement/glue, and possibly some PVC fittings or couplings, but again, these are optional.
The manual explains how your drain line functions and how the drain line should be constructed, which can help someone with even limited skills to improve their drain line or at the minimum have a good understanding how a drain line should be constructed if help is brought in.
The sanitizer quantity dispensed and dispense frequency you can set easily yourself, allowing you full control of your sanitization rates. For problematic, frequently clogging drain lines, increasing the dispensing interval has prevented any clogging in our field testing of over 70+ systems. Some drain lines can clog every month while some might have never clogged (yet).
- Default as shipped - the Zoog Zapper dispenses 1/2 cup of sanitizer every fifteen days, which requires a reservoir refill after twelve months. These settings have been adequate for AC systems which have had an occasional clog.
- Increased dispensing - 1/2 cup or sanitizer per week, refill after six months. Use this rate for problematic drain lines.
- There is also a compromise of ten days for dispensing, and the refill time is increased to nine months. This interval could be used on systems that have had just a couple of occasional clogs, and later can be increased to every fifteen days if no clogs pop up.
The Zoog Zapper's annual operating costs:
-(Amazon) sanitizer - Steramine tablets, priced at less than $4.00* Included with Purchase.
*This lasts one year when pumping every 2 weeks.
-AC Powered systems use a negligible amount of electricity. When pumping, the Zoog Zapper only uses 2.3 watts. Less than $1/year for power.
-Battery-powered systems use six "D" cell battery replacements every one to two years at approximately $9.00. Not Included with purchase. Available at Amazon, CVS, etc.
-OUR SYSTEM DOES NOT USE CARTRIDGES
We believe cartridge based systems are designed only to restrict the customer and result in MUCH higher yearly operational costs, while needing to frequently buy and change refills.
Not to mention the issue of disposing thousands of cartridges, which has a large environmental impact.
Since the Zoog Zapper doesn't use cartridges, and pumps up to one year without refill, people with multiple homes can travel and not worry about needing to refill or change a cartridge while they're away.
-NO WIFI OR CONFUSING PHONE APPS REQUIRED. Simply install the Zoog Zapper and it's up and running! No need to pay for an internet connection.
- NO. You do not need a phone app or W-IFI to operate the Zoog Zapper.
Our design purposefully avoids using complicated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, making the Zoog Zapper incredibly user-friendly and straightforward. As an Electronic Engineer, I understand the frustration of dealing with confusing technology, especially for those less tech-savvy.
The Zoog Zapper is designed to automatically dispense sanitizer on an internal schedule, prioritizing simplicity and seamless functionality. We wanted the user to be able to fully control their unit, and not be restricted by an app. Pumping frequency and volume are easily modified if desired.
The Zoog Zapper utilizes Steramine as its sanitizer chemical:
- Non-irritating to hands
- Non-corrosive to all metals
- Non-staining
- Odorless
- Highly cost-effective
- Widely trusted in the food and beverage industry for sanitizing various surfaces and utensils, Steramine contains the same potent active ingredient found in tablets accepted by the HVAC manufacturers for preventing bacteria growth in air conditioner drain pans.
- Termed a "Quaternary Ammonium Compound," Steramine effectively penetrates the cell membrane of microorganisms like Zoogloea bacteria, disrupting vital functions and leading to their demise.
- Refill cost is less than $4.00 per year when pumping every fifteen days. Steramine is available for purchase on Amazon at $10/bottle which will last over three years! Even if you want your Zoog Zapper to pump more frequently, refilling the system is extremely low cost.
- We are not in the business of profiting from Steramine refills. Our main goal is to provide an extremely high quality, cost effective, and reliable system that prevents damage and costly repairs caused by clogged drain lines.
- If the dispense interval is set to every fifteen days, the one-gallon reservoir will last one year. If the dispense interval is changed to every seven days for problematic systems, the reservoir will need to be refilled in six months. The majority of system are fine operating every fifteen days.
For additional information on Steramine, here is the manufacturer's website:
You can search for Steramine on Amazon and see the $10 bottle. The bottle contains approximately 150 tablets, and 50 tablets are used per refill.
- The Zoog Zapper can be powered by three sources:
- Battery power - AC Power Adapter (wall outlet) - 24VAC converter*
*24VAC converter option ONLY available for HVAC professionals or electricians.
- Battery powered Zoog Zappers use six standard "D" cell batteries (Not included), which easily slides into the reservoir holder. The circuit board features over-current protection and four LEDs indicate the battery's state of charge, flashing every fifteen seconds and increasing in frequency when the power drops to the red level. The battery life is up to two years and the batteries are easily replaceable with no tools.
A beeper inside the pump alerts users every ten seconds when the battery level falls into the red level.
- AC Power (Wall Outlet) power adapter includes a 10-foot power cable for convenient connection and features a blue indicator light to confirm operational status. The adapter is designed with attics in mind and is rated for temperatures of 140°F (60°C).
- 24VAC Converter - We designed this converter to allow HVAC professionals and electricians to wire Zoog Zapper systems directly into the 24VAC transformer that powers all AC systems. The power draw is 2.3 watts when pumping which is a negligible load on a typical 40 watt transformer. Input and output of the converter are fuse protected.
-The Zoog Zapper is not susceptible to power outages when running on AC power or during a battery change and will pick up where the timing was when power is restored. The power adapter has some power storage capability and will provide power for up to 30 seconds which fully covers the occasional quick power blips.
-Only a pump can propel the sanitizing liquid all the way into the back corners of the drain pan where bacteria grows unchecked.
-The pump allows far greater flexibility with installations on overhead AC systems, like a garage, ceiling, or attic where the Zoog Zapper is located below and only the tubing is extended up to the AC system. This makes maintenance very easy as opposed to climbing on a ladder or going up into the attic.
-On some systems encountered, the Zoog Zapper had to be mounted below the AC unit due to physical constraints so a gravity-feed system would not work in these cases. A pump works in all installations.
-The pump selected is a peristaltic pump design, and is the same basic pump design used on IV systems in hospitals, as the pumps are reliable, durable, and accurate. The pump does not need to be primed and can pump liquid over twenty-five feet vertically.
-The only "wear part" in the Zoog Zapper system is the silicone tubing inside the pump. During one year of operation, the pump runs only one hour. The tubing is rated for 100 hours of continuous pumping. The pumps were accelerated-life tested and the tubing survived an equivalent of 308 HOURS of pumping!
The Zoog Zapper is “designed simple” with the homeowner in mind – simple to install using magnets – simple to operate with a single pushbutton interface – simple to maintain, as the yearly costs can be less than $10.
- For Seasonal Homeowners or “Snowbirds,” who are gone for six to seven months per year, there is peace of mind knowing their AC system is protected the entire time. One refill which costs less than $4 will last one YEAR under default settings. No need for someone to come in and replace expensive cartridges or refills while you're away.
- The Zoog Zapper's dispenser tubing can be extended up to 50 feet and the pump is powerful enough to pump twenty-five feet vertically. This allows you to install the unit in a variety of locations. The AC could be in your attic, and you might want the Zoog Zapper in your garage or another room for convenient refilling and battery replacement - or easy access to a wall outlet for power, instead. It will still pump all the way to your AC and sanitize your drain pan and drain line!
-You have the ability to very quickly change the dispensing interval. The default dispensing interval is every fifteen days which is sufficient for most all AC systems. However, we have seen AC systems that clog every three to four weeks! For those problematic systems we recommend dispensing every week. Changing the dispense interval takes less than one minute. The dispensing interval could be increased to daily if needed!
- You are also able to change the amount of sanitizer dispensed each time. Typically this would be for use in a commercial system (for example) that needs one full cup dispensed instead of the default 1/2 cup. A larger reservoir would be recommended at the more frequent dispensing rate, and literally any size container could be implemented.
-The Zoog Zapper system is very flexible, very simple, very inexpensive to maintain, and there isn’t an AC system or application that can’t be accommodated.
- As a bonus, we have included a "Universal Vacuum Hose Adapter and Holder" which we invented, called the "ZoogOut". This quick 2 minute Youtube video also explains what the ZoogOut is and does: https://youtu.be/6b28eaz9Gq4 Or check out the Manual.
Simply, the ZoogOut adapter helps you vacuum out your AC drain line easily. We supply this vacuum adapter because we still recommend that you vacuum out your drain line once in a while, as part of your normal AC maintenance routine, since dirt and pet hair, etc. can get into a system over time and will go into the drain line. The ZoogOut is a silicone adapter providing an excellent seal on a drain line to ensure a thorough cleaning of the drain line, further ensuring you never have a clogged drain line again! The Zoogout is included and makes AC care significantly easier.
The Zoog Zapper is assembled, tested and shipped in an AMAZING facility in Boca Raton Florida called the "HABCenter".
Their Mission : The Habilitation Center equips people with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to lead useful and productive lives with dignity, respect and independence.
We are proud and grateful to work with them in this endeavor!
If you’re looking to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we’re here to help! We offer free returns within 30 days of purchase. You can return your product for a different product, or a refund to the original payment method.
Please note the following exceptions to our return and refund policy:
To initiate a return, please complete the following steps:
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