There are advantages to each type of system.  Many people consider that bagging the dirt is a more old fashioned type of system and that it is better to empty the canister when it becomes full in the base unit.  When the canister needs to be emptied, a warning light flashes in the unit and you take the canister out to your compost heap, or trash receptacle and empty it.

However, this system does mean that there is certain amount of dirt and dust floating around while you are taking the canister out of the base unit and disposing of the contents.  If you are someone who suffers from dust allergies, you may be especially indisposed towards having to empty one of these canisters.  For this reason, you may prefer to simply take a full bag of dirt from the base unit and throw the dirt and bag into the trash, thereby having no dust escaping into the air. 

MD Hyperflow Central Vacuum Bags

Many of the modern makes of central vacuum bags are built to a very high standard and are strong and durable, so there is little chance of them becoming torn or damaged when you are inserting or removing them from the base unit.

Let us give 2 examples of bags for central vacuum systems that are presently on the market. 

· One example comprises a pack of 5 central vacuum bags, each of which holds 8 gallons of waste.  These bags fit many makes of central vacuum cleaners that use bags including Modern Day, Silent-Master, MD and Flo-Master units, once the total unit height is under 34 inches.  This product is called a Hyperflow bag and has a high specification with regard to filtering and air flow.  This product markets at around $18 online.
·  Another Hyperflow product comprises 5 bags which hold 12 gallons of dirt each.  The main difference between this bag and the previous product is the holding capacity of the bag.  This product markets at around $22 online.

Whether you install a central vacuum system that uses central vacuum bags or a canister, it is good to know that most of these systems only need to be emptied infrequently, perhaps once in three months.  When you compare this to a portable vacuum cleaner and think how often you have to empty the cleaner and replace the bag, you will realise that emptying a central vacuum cleaner is a much less labour intensive task.

Central vacuum bags are not to everyone’s taste.  Many customers favour the canister system and many manufacturers offer a larger range of canister models than models which hold bags.  However, for those who rather the bagged system of disposing of the waste from a central vacuum cleaner, there are still plenty of models to choose from.

Related posts:

1. A Laypersons Guide To A Central Vacuum System.
2. Central Vacuum Cleaners.
3. Central Vacuum Accessories.

There are various types of central vacuum hoses on the market, and depending on your system or individual circumstances, one type of hose may suit better than another.  As an example, below we will look at the different types of hoses being marketed by MD, an American company, which has been involved in the production of central vacuum parts since 1961.

Central Vacuum Hoses

Electric Hoses:
These central vacuum hoses are made of a light material, which is crush resistant and very durable.  Being light it is very easy to transport around the residence and this is very important because, as with all central vac hoses, it is the only portion of the system that you are in constant with.  The electric hose is so called because you can control the operation of the system from the handle of the hose with a 3-way switch.  The head of the hose has a 360 degree swivel head which helps to avoid kinks in the hose.  The airflow to the hose can be adjusted.  The manufacturers recommend that a hose sock be used with this hose to prevent marking furniture and that it be stored in a wall-mounted position.

Low Voltage Hoses:
The main difference between an electric hose and a low voltage hose is that this hose has a lesser voltage traveling through the hose.  Other than that there is little to differentiate between the two, as they both are compatible with most other brands.  The low voltage hose is available in a shorter length, having a hose length range from 15 to 50 feet, whereas the electric hose is available in lengths of 30 and 35 feet.

Basic Hoses:
They are what they say they are – a basic central vacuum hose that reliably carry out the functions of a central vacuum hose.  The only feature that is missing from a basic hose that is available on most of the other models is the on / off switch, which means that you have to bend down and detach the hose from the wall in order to turn off the vacuum system.

Stretch Hoses:
These hoses have advantages over other central vac hoses in that in their storage position they are only a few feet long and yet they can stretch to over 25 feet when necessary.  In a home where space is a priority, a stretch hose is an accessory that has to be considered seriously.  Stretch hoses however, as with the basic hoses, do not have an on / off switch located in the handle.

Quick Click Hoses:
MD promise that the Quick Click central vacuum hose will improve your cleaning experience due to its ease of use.  The Quick Click modular hose comprises a 20 foot hose with a 10 foot extension  (15 foot available in grey only) and these hoses work with electric and non-electric accessories and attachments.  This system allows you to use lesser or greater lengths of hose for different cleaning jobs. There is certainly a benefit to having a shorter length of hose if you do not require extra length.  These hoses are non-kink and have swivel action.  This hose is not compatible with some Nutone and Vacuflo inlets, so potential purchasers for these models should check with their suppliers.

Related posts:

1. Central Vacuum Accessories.
2. A Laypersons Guide To A Central Vacuum System.
3. Central Vacuum Bags.

Selecting a central vacuum system for your residence requires some time and a bit of research, because firstly, you need to understand what you are looking for.  There are advantages to central vacs and also some disadvantages to the systems and all issues should be considered pre-installation.  This is especially important because these systems are usually quite expensive to purchase and install. You will want to know that you are getting value for money and also that the system is going to meet the particular needs of your house. To describe a central vacuum system is to say that it is a small attachment that connects to an area of your walls. Than what you vacuum, (or hoover up), is sent through a series of internal pipes in your walls and collected in a convenient area for disposal. There are several things to consider with regard to a central vacuum system:  

The power of the system – This is known as the suction power or ‘waterlift’.  If the central vacuum is not strong enough for your home, then results will be poor.  

Size of your residence – Before you purchase any particular central vacuum system, you need to know the internal floor area of your residence.  The power of the system needs to be adequate to clean your house properly.

Illustration Of Central Vaccum System courtesy of www.alarvac.com

Guarantee / Warranty – As with any sizeable investment, you want a full warranty in the event of something malfunctioning with the system.  You would also like to purchase the system from a reputable supplier that is going to give you good after sales service.

System power – It is advisable to get the most powerful system within your price range, as this will ensure the best results from the system.

Extra Features – Different systems will have additional features and it will be up to you to decide which of these features may be of interest to you.  For example it would be a good idea to look for features such as a filter that improves the air quality of the residence. Also there is a company which produces a suction hose called hide-a-hose for example, which is a neat way of storing the hose. You might also consider installing a heat recovery ventilation system along with a central vacuum system – obviously installing such a system will cost more, but may well be a choice worth considering in order to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Accessories – The best systems come with a large range of accessories, which will be of assistance to you in cleaning a large array of different surfaces easily.  Some systems will include these accessories in the purchase price and others will require you to purchase these separately.  It is important that you are at least able to purchase the accessories for the system at some point in the future, i.e. a system that does not manufacture these accessories may not be the best choice for you.

There are many central vacuum forums on the internet that may be of help to you  if you are considering purchasing a C.V.S.  Don’t be afraid to ask a question or leave a comment if it suits you to do so.

Related posts:

1. Central Vacuum Accessories.
2. Some Disadvantages of a Central Vacuum System
3. Central Vacuum Installation Issues.