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A young woman tidying up the floor with a central vacuum system, also called a built-in or ducted vacuum cleaner. Klubovy / Getty ImagesCleaning the house might not top your list of fun activities. While vacuuming may never be enjoyable, there is a way to make the task a bit more manageable.
Most of us rely on a traditional portable vacuum, but have you ever considered installing a central vacuum system? These systems are becoming increasingly popular. As reported by CentralVacuum.com, a central vacuum can be more affordable than a high-end portable model and could boost your home’s resale value by about $2,000.
This article will introduce you to central vacuum systems, explaining the different types available, how each system operates, the advantages of central units over portable ones, and how to select the best central vacuum system for your cleaning needs.
How Central Vacuums Get the Job Done
Automatic dustpan
Photo courtesy H-P Products, Inc.One of the main advantages of central vacuum systems is that they eliminate the need to lug a heavy unit from room to room or up and down stairs. These systems work by vacuuming dirt and debris through tubing installed in the walls, leading to a receptacle hidden away in places like a garage or basement. With central vacuums, you only need to carry a lightweight hose and power brush around, while the power unit stays permanently out of sight.
With a central vacuum system, you can install inlets at convenient spots throughout your home. Instead of having to plug a portable vacuum into outlets and hoping the cord reaches, you can easily move the central vacuum hose from one inlet to the next. The placement of the inlets is up to you, and you can even add an automatic dustpan that lets you sweep debris straight into a wall vent with a regular broom.
If you choose to install a central vacuum system in your home, several steps will be involved in the process.
First, a central power unit is placed in an out-of-the-way location, such as the basement, garage, or utility room. Next, wall inlet valves are installed at various points around the house. These valves are connected to the power unit through tubing, which can be routed through the attic, basement, or cold air returns within the home.
In other words, the tubing that carries the vacuumed dirt is hidden behind your walls, meaning you won’t see the debris until it’s time to empty the receptacle.
Dirt Devil power unit
Photo courtesy H-P Products, Inc.Once you've decided where to place the power unit and receptacle, you'll need to choose the locations for your wall inlets. These are where you’ll plug in the power brush or cleaning unit. The number of inlets you need depends on your specific requirements. Typically, one inlet is sufficient for every 600 square feet. If your home has multiple stories, you’ll need at least one inlet per floor. A professional installer can help you determine the best placement for the inlets to suit your space.
After installation, the system is operated by simply plugging the lightweight hose and power brush unit into a wall inlet. Most systems have the power button located on the handle, allowing you to control the system directly. This means there’s no need to walk over to the power unit to switch it on. Just insert the hose into the inlet and start vacuuming. The system will then move dirt, dust, and debris through the in-wall tubing to the main power unit, where it is collected in a canister or bag. Typically, central vacuum bags and canisters only need to be emptied about once every three months.
Different System Types
Before making your purchase, read reviews of vacuums and steam cleaners, and compare prices at Consumer Guide Products.
As central vacuum systems have gained popularity, a wider range of options has emerged, with numerous manufacturers and models now available. There are two primary decisions to make when selecting your central vacuum system: the power unit and the power brush.
The two main types of central vacuum systems are cyclonic and filtered. According to CentralVacuum.com, the type of system you choose has a significant impact on both the efficiency and lifespan of your central vacuum unit. Any appliance, such as a vacuum, that collects dirt requires some form of filtration to remove the debris. A good system minimizes dirt buildup while maximizing airflow for better suction. Over time, the accumulation of dirt in the bag or filter can lead to wear and tear on the machine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning your system to maintain its longevity.
Filtered systems utilize various filters, including screen, cloth, foam, or paper, to purify the air drawn into the vacuum. In any filtered system, the filters require regular cleaning and replacement. A cyclonic system, on the other hand, uses centrifugal force and tornado-like motion combined with gravity to separate dirt from the air, typically depositing the impurities into a canister (though some systems may use a bag).
When selecting a power unit, there are two key factors to consider:
- How much power do you need?
- Would you prefer a bag or canister unit?
According to CentralVacuum.com, for homes under 5,000 square feet (465 square meters), a power unit of 20 amps or less is sufficient. For larger homes, a more powerful unit will be necessary.
Another important choice is whether to go with a bag or canister unit. When it’s time to empty the dirt container, you’ll either dispose of the contents from a plastic canister or throw away a replaceable bag. Both systems work effectively, and it’s a matter of personal preference. Do you prefer cleaning the canister, or would you rather toss the bag into the trash? Either way, you’ll likely empty the debris less frequently than with traditional portable vacuums.
When choosing the power brush unit, you have the option of selecting either an electrical power brush or an air-driven power brush. This component is responsible for cleaning your home. The type of power brush you opt for will likely depend on your personal preferences. For example, air-driven (turbine) systems can be less expensive to install because they don’t require electricity to be wired into each wall inlet. The exciting part comes with picking out the vacuum accessories, like automatic dustpans and upholstery attachments.
Central vacuum systems can be quite expensive, often costing more than $1,000. This price generally covers installation, the power unit, and various attachments. At this point, you might be wondering why you would choose a central vacuum system over a traditional portable vacuum...
Central Vacuums vs. Portable Vacuums
As portable vacuum technology has advanced, their prices have also risen. With the growing price difference between central vacuum systems and portable vacuums becoming smaller, central vacuum systems have turned into a more viable and cost-effective solution for cleaning your home. There are several advantages to using central vacuum systems:
- Improved Air Quality - Central vacuum systems prevent dirty air from recirculating within your living space by channeling dust and debris through walls to a remote collection receptacle.
- Power - Central vacuums deliver three to five times the suction power of traditional vacuums. Since the power unit is fixed in place and not meant for portability, it can house a more robust motor compared to standard vacuums.
- Convenience - Central vacuums save you from lugging a bulky unit from room to room or up and down stairs. There are no cords to get tangled in, and you can simply connect the power brush to any of the wall inlets you’ve installed, rather than searching for electrical outlets.
- Increased Home Value - Installing permanent appliances like central vacuums typically adds value to your home when it’s time to sell. These systems can be integrated into existing homes or incorporated during construction.
- Less Noise - Central vacuum systems tend to operate more quietly than their portable counterparts. Since the power unit is located in a separate area like the garage or basement, the noise is mostly muffled.
- Versatility - Central vacuums come with a wide array of attachments and accessories, just like portable models.
- Cost Savings - Dealers of central vacuum systems argue that these systems extend the lifespan of your carpets, furniture, and drapes by providing a deeper, more thorough cleaning.
Amps - This refers to the electrical current drawn by the motor to power the vacuum.
Bag - A dust and dirt collection container used by some vacuum manufacturers.
CFM (Cubic feet per minute) - The maximum airflow capacity of the vacuum when operating. Effective suction can only occur if there is enough airflow to pull debris into the vacuum.
Cyclonic Action - The swirling motion that mimics a tornado, where the air carrying debris spirals downward in a cone shape. Most of the dirt separates as the air reaches the bottom of the swirl.
Fan - A set of blades that spin to create the airflow needed for vacuuming action.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) - A filter designed to capture fine particles and allergens, reducing contaminants in the air. Many modern vacuums use HEPA filters to minimize airborne dirt and allergens.
Maximum Air Watts - The measure of air power delivered to the vacuum’s power unit, considered by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to be the most accurate indicator of a vacuum system's cleaning efficiency. Manufacturers can provide these ratings for each system.
*Source: CentralVacuum.com
Installation & Maintenance
A common question about central vacuum systems is: Can I install it myself? The answer is yes, but keep in mind that installing these systems involves running the tubing inside the walls, which adds a level of complexity.
If you want to ensure the installation is done correctly, it’s recommended to hire professionals. However, if you’re confident in your DIY skills, many central vacuum manufacturers provide detailed instructions and video guides to assist with installation. Although it’s definitely possible to do it yourself, be aware that it’s not a straightforward task. For more information, visit CentralVacuum.com: Central Vacuum Installation to get an idea of the process involved.
Central vacuum systems are low-maintenance overall. The key tasks are to regularly empty the dirt canister or replace the bags, and to stay on top of changing the filters. Keep in mind that one of the advantages of using a central vacuum is cleaner air, which is only possible if the filter is kept clean.
