Benefits of a Central Vacuum System Installation
There are several reasons to include a central vacuum system whether designing a new house or retrofitting an old one. Many individuals are unaware of the many advantages of a central vac system and may have heard or read some unfavorable remarks about these systems. Let me address them first, as someone who has been in the industry for over 35 years:
Why the Negative Rumors? Usually Easily Fixed Problems!
The most common cause of central vac system dissatisfaction is faulty or thoughtless installation years ago. A narrative is often handed down from a friend or family member. “Well my folks had a central vacuum; it lost suction, therefore they stopped using it”. This could be for any number of reasons but something as easily solved as a pipe becoming disconnected could cause the whole system to lose power. However, since there are few businesses who install and maintain central vacuums, even minor difficulties go unnoticed. Often, these issues are readily resolved if homeowners take action to get them addressed! At Central Vacuum Experts, we have many years repairing other companies’ central vacuum installations and installing our own to consistently high standards.
Why Those In the Know LOVE Their Central Vacuum Systems
It’s always a pleasure to learn the many reasons why individuals like their central vacuum systems. The most common reason is convenience, followed by silent operation and powerful suction. For those with sensitivities to allergens or other breathing issues, the fact that no particle laden air is exhausted back into the living space is a very important benefit. A central vacuum system might be a valuable selling point when selling your property. Here, I go through the details of the advantages.
The most significant advantages of a central vacuum over a portable vacuum are: indoor air quality, quiet operation, very little space required for accessories, long-term value over the life of your home, and, of course, much greater suction than most conventional vacuums, particularly robot and portable vacuum cleaners such as stick vacs, not to mention more convenient and cleaner than an old-fashioned dustpan and broom!
What is a Central Vacuum System?
Rather than needing to lug around a heavy vacuum cleaner from room to room, a central vacuum system (also known as a whole-house vacuum) consists of a built-in central vacuum power unit found in a central but out-of-the-way location in the home such as a basement or utility room. The suction motor, as well as a dirt canister or bag, are housed in the power unit. PVC pipes that act as vacuum tubing are run through the walls from this central vacuum machine to different wall intake valves located at convenient positions around the residence. This tubing may be routed via the attic, crawl space, or other out-of-the-way spots, making the whole system as discreet as it is practical! We specialize in Hide-A-Hose retractable hose systems, in which a single, long retractable hose (up to 60 ft.) stores itself in central vacuum tube. Pull out as much hose as you need and attach the handle to the floor brush or carpet nozzle when you’re ready to vacuum. We also install standard central vacuum systems. To start the vacuum, just plug a lightweight hose into one of the wall inlets. On the hose handle, you activate the central vacuum’s suction strength. Whenever you’ve completed vacuuming in one area, just disconnect the hose and go on to the next wall inlet! Detach the power brush and store the vacuum hose until the house is completely vacuumed.
With a central vacuum, all debris, dust particles, and dander are directed to the central vacuum canister or bag, which must be emptied or changed about every 6 months.
What Different Types of Central Vacuum Units Are There?
Central vacuum units are classified into two types: filtered and cyclonic. To provide a consistent, strong vacuum, both systems eliminate junk from the air and enhance airflow. To clean the air brought into the system by the vacuum, filtered systems generally utilize a HEPA-quality bag and a high efficiency filter. These filters must be cleaned and, if required, changed after a few years. Cyclonic systems, on the other hand, employ centrifugal force and gravity to filter dirt into a canister. Although these devices offer filtration, a bagged system often requires much more frequent cleaning.
The central vacuum system power unit that is best for your house will be determined by three factors: whether you choose a retractable or traditional hose system, the square footage of your home, and whether you want a bag or cyclonic unit. There are various electricity alternatives for dwellings under 5,000 square feet. Bigger households, on the other hand, will need a higher powerful engine to offer even more forceful suction.
When a central vacuum bag unit is full, you must remove and replace the bag, simply dropping it in the trash. With cyclonic units, you must empty the dirt from the canister and properly clean it before reintroducing it into the unit. Whichever you choose, you’ll be disposing of debris far less often than with a regular vacuum!
You may choose between an electric, battery-powered, or air-driven power brush when purchasing a power brush. This is the section of the vacuum that will really clean your carpet and area rugs. The decision usually comes down to personal choice; installing an air-driven system may cost a bit less as all of the wall inlets won’t need to be wired for electricity. You’ll also have a wide range of vacuum brush accessories to choose from like a floor brush, dusting and upholstery attachments.
How Many Wall Inlets Would My Home Need?
The number and placement of inlets are determined by the system used. A standard system should include one outlet for every 700 square feet of living space. It is advised that multi-story residences have at least one inlet on each storey of the home when using the Hide-A-Hose system. A professional installation will be able to advise you on the optimal location for outlets in your house. Also a time-saving and convenient option; automatic dustpan inlets that allow you to sweep debris right into wall vent using a regular broom.
How Expensive are Central Vacuum Systems?
Central vacuum cleaners are more costly than standard upright or portable canister vacuum cleaners. Installation, power unit, and all required accessories may cost up to $1500. Given the necessary investment, you may be questioning why you would choose a central vacuum system over a traditional vacuum cleaner.
One major issue is that as the technology behind portable and robot vacuum cleaners has advanced and gotten more sophisticated, so has their price. Currently, the price difference between a name brand portable vacuum and a central vacuum system is little! If you’re on the fence about whether a central vacuum system is right for you, here’s what we hear from customers who ‘take the plunge’ and install a central vacuum system – they would never go back to a portable vacuum. Why? They’re incredibly simple to use! Yet convenience isn’t the only advantage of a central vacuum system…
Key Benefits of a Central Vacuum System
Enjoy Healthier Air
Central vacuum systems collect all dust and debris from your living space and deposit it in a receptacle located outside your living spaces. This means no recirculating air full of dust particles, allergens, dander and other debris that lower the indoor air quality of your home.
DON’T Feel the Noise
The days of panicked dogs and screamed conversations over noises like a jet engine bursting through your house are over with a central vacuum system. Since the vacuum motor of a central vacuum system is usually far from the living area, in a garage or basement for example, the noise is minimal, bringing an end to the deafening experience of many conventional vacuums.
A More Powerful Vacuum Motor Means A Deeper Clean
With 3-5 times the suction power of a traditional vacuum, central vacuum systems are more efficient and powerful than portable vacuum cleaners. You’ll notice the difference a thorough cleaning makes in the appearance and longevity of your carpets, draperies, and furniture.
From Chore to Convenience
A central vacuum system eliminates the most inconvenient components of vacuuming: carrying a heavy vacuum machine from room to room and up and down stairs, tangled cables to trip over, and the need to look for a free electrical outlet. Central vacuum systems are lightweight, movable, and simpler to operate than larger, older so-called ‘portable’ vacuum cleaners. They are readily installed and adaptable into any new building or existing house. Since the central unit is located in out-of-the-way locations such as garages, basements, or crawl spaces, it is never in the way of foot and pet traffic and does not distract from the interior attractiveness of your house. Since central vacuums have more attachments and accessories than portable vacuums, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by investing in a central vacuum system.
Add Lasting Value to Your Home
Central vacuum systems, like any other sound household device, boost the market value of any home, whether new or older. The money you invest installing a central vacuum system will almost certainly be recovered when you sell the property, adding at least what you spent to the market value. A well-installed and maintained system will also last: it can be up to 12 years before major accessories of a central vacuum system need to be replaced, and many installers are happy to offer a maintenance warranty that best fits your needs.