Central vacuum system is convenient alternative
For most people, vacuuming means getting out a heavy and often cumbersome portable vacuum cleaner and moving it from room to room, and then dealing with the noise and dust the machine produces.
But if you’re looking for an alternative, a central vacuum system might be worth considering.
It starts with the unit
A central vacuum system utilizes a powerful vacuum motor that’s permanently mounted to the wall in a remote location, typically in a garage or basement. This has the advantage of isolating the noise outside the house, reducing recirculated dust, and simplifying emptying of the debris canister.
Because it’s wall-mounted, central vacuum system motors can be larger and heavier then what’s inside a standard vacuum cleaner, thereby offering more power. Vacuum units are available in a variety of sizes to fit any home, operating on 110 or 220 volts and utilizing both disposable or permanent, washable filters.
Add pipes and ports
From the vacuum canister, 2-inch PVC pipe and lowvoltage wire are routed to various locations in the house where the vacuum inlet valves will be located. The pipe can be run overhead in the attic or under the floor, and then brought up to the individual inlet locations.
Because the typical house doesn’t require a lot of inlets — typically one for every 500 to 600 square feet — a central vacuum system can be retrofit into an existing home, as well as being installed in new construction.
The pipes terminate at an inlet valve, which is similar in size and appearance to a standard electrical outlet. It consists of a cover plate and a connection port for the vacuum cleaner hose, and is connected to the low voltage wire.
Some systems are designed so that plugging the hose into the inlet valve automatically starts the remote vacuum system, while others have an on/off switch for the system located at the tool end of the hose itself.
Finish with hoses and tools
There are two basic types of hoses for use with a central vacuum system. Most common is the traditional vacuum hose, which is usually about 30 feet or more in length. One end fits into the inlet valve, and the other end has a handle that’s designed to fit various tools.
The other type is a retractable hose. It’s a permanent part of the system that’s pulled out of the wall as needed and is designed so that the power of the vacuum retracts the hose into the wall when you’re finished with it.
Attached to the hose is a brush head. Some of these are air-driven, meaning they use the power of the vacuum to turn the brush. Air-powered heads have a “turbo” action inside the head that is created by the movement of air. They require no electrical connection and are less expensive to purchase, but often lack the cleaning power of their electric counterparts.
Others are electrically driven, utilizing 110-volt power to operate the roller bar for more power-brushing action, giving you greater power for large or thick carpet areas or for things like pet hair.
Traditional electric brush heads have a power cord strapped to the vacuum hose, and are plugged into an electrical outlet at the same time the hose is connected to the vacuum outlet.
Newer models have both high- and low-voltage wiring incorporated into the hose; simply plug in the hose, and all of the electrical connections are made, as well, which offers a lot of additional convenience.
As with a conventional vacuum cleaner, there are also a number of accessory tools available. There are solid extension poles that extend the reach of the hose; specialty brushes for mopping and cleaning hardwood floors; accessories tools that will allow you to clean blinds and drapes; and tools to help you handle any chore from vacuuming the car to cleaning up after that shedding golden retriever.
Selection and installation
There are several manufacturers of central vacuum systems, and each offers a variety of models and accessories to choose from, which adds up to quite a list of potential choices. Your dealer can help you with the pros and cons of each as they pertain to your particular application.
You’ll next need to decide if you want to have it installed or do it yourself. Installation of a central vacuum system is not technically all that difficult, but it does require an awful lot of labor, especially in a retrofit situation. If you choose to do the installation yourself, you also can purchase central vacuum kits from home centers and other retailers, along with all of the pipe, wiring and other supplies you’ll need.
A central vacuum system, including hose and basic accessories, ranges in price from about $400 to $900. On top of that you’ll have to add the cost of the pipe, wire and installation.
The average professionally installed cost for a complete system ranges from about $1,200 to $2,000.
Have a home repair or remodeling question for Paul? He can be reached by email at improvingyourhome@ykwc.net.
Because the typical house doesn’t require a lot of inlets — typically one for every 500 to 600 square feet — a central vacuum system can be retrofit into an existing home, as well as being installed in new construction.