Benefits
Central vacuum systems are not only more powerful and convenient than a portable vacuum, they can add value to your home. They also offer other important advantages beyond power and convenience. First, and probably the biggest, is they keep your home free of re-circulated dust and allergens. Second, is the fact that they will provide the owner with many years of trouble free service.
Knowing how to compare all the different brands and types of central vacuum systems will make buying the right system for your home easier. We hope to assist you in that decision making process by providing you with the following information.
Central vacuums create suction and airflow that move dust and dirt through a series of pipes located within the walls of your home, finally leaving this debris in the dirt receptacle portion of your power unit. What if the suction power decreases? Airflow is the key. When a central vacuum sucks in air, it has to blow it out. Any restriction between the intake and outlet will decrease airflow. Inverted bags, paper bags, foam cartridges, HEPA filters, are restrictions to airflow. No matter how efficient they are, systems with bags as their dirt receptacle will restrict airflow as they fill up with dust and dirt. This in turn will decrease suction. Cyclonic central vacuum systems maintain suction power with limited restrictions to airflow. Cap-Vac recommends cyclonic for its efficiency and power, especially when the Hide-A-Hose system is used.
What matters when you compare brands and types of central vacuum systems? Looking at the numbers and specs can be confusing, frustrating, and time consuming. Let us condense it for you. The three best indicators to get the power and performance you need are: (1) sealed suction, (2) CFM (cubic feet per minute), (3) air watts.
1) Sealed suction measures how much vacuum is developed at a perfectly sealed inlet. At sealed suction there is no airflow. Vacuum and airflow must be combined to carry dust and dirt through the system. Sealed suction alone does not indicate cleaning performance.
2) Airflow is the measure of cubic feet of air moved per minute, CFM. Airflow is rated by the vacuum motor running with no restrictions, so it is the maximum the motor can achieve. However, with no vacuum or sealed suction, there is no ability to pick up dust and dirt. CFM alone does not indicate cleaning performance.
3) Air watts are the actual value of the output air power of the central vacuum system power unit. CFM and sealed suction combined represent this actual cleaning power. Always keep in mind, the air watts measurement (rating) is made with no restrictions, such as dirty bags or filters, etc.
With a properly maintained system, you will always have sustained cleaning power.
We hope this information has provided you with what you need to make a decision on the right central vacuum system. If you should have further questions please feel free to email us here!
How Does a Central Vacuum System Work?
It takes dirt out of the house thru pipes in the walls to a main collection canister opposed to recirculating dirt inside the house.
Improved Air Quality
With a central vacuum system, you have the power and versatility to make your home healthy for you and your family. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home can be even more polluted than the outside air of most industrialized cities. Since people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality becomes a large issue, especially if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. One way to combat this problem and attack the harmful allergens and irritants is with a central vacuum system.
With 20% of the population affected by allergies or asthma, it is important that you rid your home of these harmful irritants.1 Dust mites, pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen are the leading cause of indoor allergies. Keeping your carpets dry and cleaning your home with a central vacuum system will help rid you of these allergens. A study conducted by the University of California-Davis School of Medicine2 states that use of a central vacuum system can greatly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
A study conducted by the University of California-Davis School of Medicine states that use of a central vacuum system can greatly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.2
- •Nasal symptoms — 47% improvement
- •Sleep symptoms — 44% improvement
- •Eye symptoms — 61% improvement
Protect Investments While Adding Value to Your Home
Don't waste time and money on other vacuum cleaners when you can have a central vacuum system easily installed in your new or existing home with no heavy construction or remodeling. Not only does a central vacuum system add value, but it's your first line of defense in protecting your investment in your home's floor covering: rugs, carpet, stone, tile, wood, etc. A central vacuum system is a surprisingly economical investment that adds permanent value to your home. A central vacuum system can cost less than a high-end portable vacuum and can add to home's resale value.
What to Clean:
- Carpet
- Corners
- Mantles
- Wood
- Drapes
- Crevices
- Behind Appliances
- Tile
- Dry Spills
- Wet Spills
- Mattresses
- Stairs
- Garage
- Computer Keyboard
- Drapes
- Vehicles
- Under Furniture
- Above Furniture
- Delicate Furnishings
- Ceiling Fans
Powerful Vacuum
With 3–5 times more cleaning power than most portable vacuum cleaners, you get a superior cleaning in less time. Since the central vacuum power unit is located in a closet or the garage and you aren't having to carry it around while you clean, it can have a larger, more powerful motor. The central vacuum allows you to pick up more debris with less hassle than a portable.
1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
2. University of California-Davis School of Medicine (in the article "The Influence of a Central Vacuum System on Quality of Life in Patients with House Dust-Associated Allergic Rhinitis" and published in the Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Vol. 11 (4):290–294).