What is a central vacuum?

A central Vacuum is a revolutionary way to clean homes with out having to carry or lug a vacuum from end of a house to the other.

Central vacuums have more suction, are more convenient, and add more value to homes.

How does a central vacuum work?

Central vacuums are very easy to use. It is as simple as plugging in the 30’ or 35’ hose into the pre installed outlet in the house and the vacuum is ready to be used. Dirt goes through the hose into the PVC pipes that are installed in the walls and into the tank which is installed either in the mechanical room or in the garage.

Can a Central vacuum be installed in any home?

It is very easy to install central vacuums in homes that have an unfinished basement or with basements with removable ceilings. Houses with finished basements are a challenge to install central vacuums but with our professional installers we are happy to say that 99% of home with finished basements are capable of having central vacuums.

What is the main difference between central vacuums?

The real main difference between central vacuums is the filtration systems. There are two different types of filtration:

1.      Cyclonic with no filtration: these types of systems rely on exhausting large amount of dust through the fans of the motors to the exhausted pipe outside the house (these systems are typically used when you don’t like your neighbor). Many filter less cyclonic manufactures claim no loss of suction in their systems which are true if dust is the only thing being vacuumed. But it is known that a lot more then dust is being sucked by the vacuum for example, lint, hair, carpet fiber, etc…All these materials will collect on the motor fans which become off balance and damage the motor bearings and eventually killing the motor. Adding to that as these material collect on the screen located before the motor, suction will decrease dramatically

2.      Cyclonic with filtration: There are two types:

·        Washable Foam or Cartridge Filter: This provides more protection but with higher maintanance(washing these filters is required every 3 months or less depending on use)

·        Self-Cleaning Filters: These filters are usually made from porous cloth, gore, polypropylene, hypo-allergenic and Teflon material that disallows the dust through. The filter sits on the upper part of the vacuum tightly sprung around the drum with weight inside it to make it hang down freely. When the vacuum is turned on, the filter is quickly pulled up due to the motor suction causing it also to shake. While in the mean time it prevents the dirt, lint, and hair to penetrate into the motor. This is the best protection for the motor. Motors protected by these filters usually have four times the life span of any other motors. Recent studies have shown that most people are unaware that air pollution can be worse indoors than outdoors. Asthma sufferers are highly affected by indoor pollutants. A filtered central vacuum system can remove 99.99% of dirt, dust mites, and pollen to help improve indoor air quality. The no Filter central vacuum manufactures accuse the filtered systems of loosing suction. I would rather lose a bit of unnoticable suction than losing the motor. Adding to that, with today’s technology motors are very powerful and the smallest motor will serve up 2000 sq/ft. The consumer should know what to buy.

Can I put a bag in my central vacuum?

Paper bags can be added to any central vacuum system with filter. For those who have allergies to dust and don’t want to deal with emptying the dirt bucket a bag can be added to the central vacuum. Bags also give an extra protection to the motor and decrease dust as well. Adding a bag is purely preference. It will not increase or decrease suction. A smart consumer is the one that knows what is good for his needs. No one should make that decision for him/her.

What do I need to know about central vacuum motors?

There are two manufactures that supply motors for central vacuum systems.

·        Ametek/lamb

·        Domel

Ametek lamb is still the leading manufacture in the motor business. Knowing that is not enough though. The consumer still needs to decide on the size of the motor that will be sufficient enough for the size of the house.

Air Flow (CFM) and inches of water lift are still the main measurements for motor power, although most motors are rated by air watts. A 450 Air watt motor is good houses up to 6000 sq/ft homes.

Can a person install their own vacuum system?

Yes, with a little help from the dealer and right tools.

How much does a central system cost?

Starting anywhere from $300.00 a central vacuum can be purchased. Hose, power head and attachments are an extra charge.

What is the difference between a portable canister vacuum and a portable upright vacuum?

Canisters are a lot better because they have more suction and that’s a result of the way they are designed. Canisters are also more convenient and easier to use and have a lot more uses.