The Smartest DIY Home Improvements

What is a central vacuum system?

What are the benefits of installing a central vacuum system?

How does a central vacuum turn on?

A central vacuum system is a through-the-wall vacuum that uses a network of pipes and inlets installed throughout the homes walls. The piping system feeds to a central vacuum unit which can be mounted in the garage, basement or outside the home. Inlet valves are strategically placed throughout the home allowing the homeowner to plug in lightweight hoses to clean a variety of surfaces.

There are many benefits to installing a central vacuum system. They include:

• Healthy air

Central vacuum systems totally eliminate the re-circulation of dirty air inside your living area. All the hype about allergens, including dust mites, is true! The long term health benefits are amazing.

• Vacuum power

With 3-5 times more cleaning power than most portable vacuum cleaners you get a superior clean in less time. Since the central vacuum is located in the garage, basement or outside, it can have bigger heavier motors. This power will give a deep down clean and pick up that thread you usually have to go over three times to pick up. The standard model recommended has an airflow of 185 cfm (cubic feet per minute), compared with 60 to 90 cfm from a portable vacuum. Tests with twenty pounds of flour did not significantly impede the flow of air so you have incredible power all the time.

• Convenience

Just connect the lightweight hose to any conveniently located inlet. No heavy unit to pull, push or drag up stairs, no switches, and no electrical cords to keep tripping over. Take a look at our Stealth power brush and attachment kit; it is so easy to use and the belt is guaranteed for life!

• Home value

As with other built-in appliances, investing in a central vacuum system increases the market value of your home. For less than the cost of a high-end portable vacuum, you can buy a central vacuum and watch the resale value of your home go up around $2,000 when appraised. So, whether your home is already built or under construction, a central vacuum can be installed easily and cost effectively.

• Less noise

Because the central vacuum unit is located in the basement, garage or outside, the loud, irritating noise of portable vacuum cleaners is virtually eliminated.

• Versatility

Dozens of attachments designed to clean any type of surface: carpeting, wood and tile floors, draperies, furniture, crevices, corners, staircases, ceiling fans, miniblinds, cars, etc.

• Cost savings

A central vacuum system saves money by greatly prolonging the life of carpeting, drapes and furniture due to the increased, deep-down cleaning power. A central vacuum is one of the best investments one can make in their home.

Usually the main unit is activated by a switch in the handle on the hose. Low voltage wires are in the crush proof hose. There are also wires that go from every inlet in the home to the power unit which is usually located in the garage, basement or outside. The switch on the hose simply completes the circuit when activated.

The more simple hoses do not have any switches and turn the vacuum unit on the moment they are plugged into the wall inlet valve. This happens by the metal hose end completing the low voltage circuit as it touches the two contact points within the inlet valve neck.

Some of the hoses also come with high voltage wires within them to be used with an electric power head, such as the Stealth. The high voltage wires either receive electricity from an 8-foot cord on the inlet end of the hose thats plugged into the nearest outlet, or by special inlets that have a high voltage direct connection.