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.

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Central vacuum systems were in the past considered a luxury and, given this perception and the fact that they were expensive to install, they were not the first choice of most homebuilders.  However, in recent years, the price of central vacuum cleaners has become more competitive vis-à-vis other vacuums.  Added to this, in many homes a couple are both working long hours and therefore are willing to make the best use of technology around the home, in order to speed up domestic chores.  This allows them to make the best use of their leisure time.

Central Vacuum Systems

Below listed are the main reasons central vacuum reviews state that central vacuum systems have the edge over other vacuum cleaners:

•    It is recognized that air quality improves greatly in the home by cleaning with a central vacuum system.  This is because the vacuumed air is removed from the living area completely and can be even vented to the exterior of the home, having passed through the base unit.
•    Because a C.V.S. has such a strong motor in the base unit, its power of suction is much greater than that of a traditional vacuum cleaner.
•    Conversely, given that it has such a powerful motor, a central vac unit emits less noise in the living area than a normal vacuum cleaner.  This is because the base unit is located usually in a service area of the home, away form where family members are living and relaxing.
•    As mentioned earlier, a central vac system has been perceived to be an expensive cleaning system.  However, studies have shown that homeowners change a regular vacuum cleaner a lot more often than they realize, whereas, they do not change a central system.  Therefore, over an extended period, central vacuums systems become a value investment.  They also add to the value of a property if it is put on the market for sale.
•    Let us not forget the main reason people install central vacuum systems into their homes.  They are brilliant at cleaning and make a much easier job of vacuuming your home than any other system.  Insert the lightweight central vacuum hose into a vacuum outlet and vacuum – no effort, no strain and no worry.

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Explaining how central vacuum systems works should not be a terribly difficult task to undertake.  However sometimes terms such as ‘cyclonic separation’ and ‘low voltage hose connectors’ get sprinkled about by manufacturers and by salespeople in central vacuum stores and this only serves to confuse people.  Here we hope to avoid any complicated descriptions and to try to explain about C.V. systems as simply as possible.

Central vacuums, otherwise known as ‘built-in vacuum cleaners’ or ‘ducted vacuum cleaners‘ operate on a different principle to mobile vacuum cleaners.  With a central vac system the motor for the vacuum and also the dirt storage area are moved to a central point and all of the dirt that is being vacuumed from the living area is transported to that point.

Central Vacuums Will Bring Fresher Air To Your Home.

This is done by having a network of PVC piping installed in the walls of your home.  Inlet points which are connected to this piping are then placed throughout your house and at these inlet points you insert a central vacuum hose which will allow you to vacuum that area of the house and which will suck any dirt back to the base unit.  A central vacuum hose is typically about 25’ to 35’ long, which gives a good range of movement to the person that is cleaning.

The base unit  (motor, filters and dirt collection ara) are usually stored in a service area within the home, be it a garage, attic or basement area, and there are several advantages to this that we will come to later.  Base units contain either central vacuum bags for collecting dirt or perhaps a canister.  When the system needs to be emptied a warning light will come on, indicating that it is time to take action.  C.V. systems are durable, have a long life span and central vacuum repair should be quite easily carried out, obviously depending on the problem and the system type.

Central vacuum cleaners have quite a few advantages over mobile vacuum cleaners.  Here listed are the main advanatages:

•    Because central vacuums have a larger fan and a more powerful motor, they generally have better suction than a moble vacuum cleaner.
•    Despite being more powerful, the fact that the motor is kept in a service area of the residence means that there is less noise in the living area of the home when the system is operating.
•    Because the base unit and filtration system is located away from the living area, no dirt is allowed to circulate back into the living area, which is a benefit to all of the family members, but particularly to allergy sufferers.
•    As the dirt bag or canister is much larger than that of a mobile vacuum cleaner, the system needs to be emptied far less often.
•    The manufacturers of these systems also bring in a large assortment of central vacuum accessories that help you to carry out a range of specific cleaning tasks.  Central vacuum parts are also easily available online.

As you see, a C.V. system operates on a simple principle of removing the dirt from the living area and depositing it in a service area of the home.  It is not a difficult system to operate and while it central vacuum installation can be carried out on most homes it is easier to install a central vacuum  system while the house is under construction.

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If you want to find out about central vacuum systems, one course of action you can take is to go online and enter such terms as ‘central vacuum systems’ or ‘central vacuum.com’ and you will get a huge amount of results that you can then narrow down with regard to their suitability to your needs.

Versatility: Central vacuum systems provides great versatility, as you can clean every corner of a house quickly and efficiently.

Powerful suction: Central vacuum cleaners have very powerful motors that are many times stronger than the mobile vacuums. This enables your central vacuum to clean deep down into the carpet removing all of the unwanted dirt, mites and other unwanted particles.

Quietness: All central vacuum systems reviews say that a major benefit of central vacuums is that they are located either in a closed closet, or preferably in an adjoining garage.  This in itself reduces the noise in the residence considerably.  Additionally some central vacuum systems have silencing technology built in to make them even quieter.  MD’s Silentmaster would be a strong example of a system that brings noise suppression to the fore.

Allergy Avoidance: A major benefit to people who install a central vacuum system in their home is the improvement in the air quality and cleanliness.  Allergy suffers find a noticeable reduction in their symptoms and condition, because with a central vacuum system the dirt and allergens are removed from the living area.  Central Vacuum Systems are recommended by physicians and allergist to help minimize annoying symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and eyes, nose and throat caused by allergies.  Many vacuum systems now contain HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particle Arrestor) to reduce airborne dirt and allergens.

Get This TurboCat Air Driven Brush for all Central Vacuums - Click on image for details

Adding Value to your Residence: There is no doubt that having a central vacuum system installed in your home will add to the resale value, should you decide to put it on the market.

Cost Saving: Central vacuum systems have been proven to be more durable and less expensive to maintain than traditional vacuums.  You will over the long term spend less on replacement and parts with a central vacuum system.

The Long Reach: Central vacuums come with a long central vacuum hose that makes them ideal for cleaning the car and all those other places that you have difficulty cleaning with a regular vacuum cleaner.  They also come with a range of central vacuum accessories that will assist you with specialist tasks around the home.

Modern Lifestyle: In these modern times, hard working couples want the benefits of modern living.  So systems and appliances such as central vacuum systems, LCD TVs and LCD TV Stands, jacuzzi baths, under floor heating and other modern appliances are becoming part of modern living.

Carrying and Storage: The difficulty of carrying a portable vacuum up and down stairs is in sharp contrast to the ease of simply plugging in a hose into a wall socket.  This is similar in terms of versatility to what backpack vacuum cleaners are capable of.   There is also the not insignificant detail of where do you store your mobile vacuum, whereas it is easy to store a roll of hose.

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Another factor, which can deter people from considering central vacuum installation, is the consideration of installing the system.  It is easy to get quotes from recognised suppliers for such systems a s Airvac, Beam, Astrovac and Vacuflo to name but a few.  These companies supply excellent systems with plenty of accessories.

Depending on the type of home and it’s age, installing a C.V. system may not be terribly problematic and considering the benefits of the system, it may be that you should consider all of the possibilities before discounting it.

To install a central vac system into a previously built home may take a bit longer and may also cost a bit more, but it may be able to be done.  If it going into a home that is still at the planning stage, or that even has commenced construction, things may be a lot easier.  It is easier for the company installing the system to work when the other items such as wiring and plumbing are being added.

Central Vacuum installation. Image courtesy of www.think-smart.co.za

Old homes may not be able to have a central vacuum installation as the walls may be too thin to carry the p.v.c. pipes.  However most walls will have plenty of space for piping and the fact that a regular central vacuum hose can be up to 40′ long does allow for adaptation of your residence to a central vacuum system.

Are you brave enough to install your own system?  There is no doubt that if you do take on and install the central vacuum system yourself, you will save quite a bit of money, but you should be prepared for quite a bit of work.  You will be handling and installing such items as a motorised pump and canister, thinwall p.v.c. pipes and fittings, and other such items.  Websites such as Popular Mechanics give a lot of help and instruction. If you have DIY skills and the necessary tool and equipment this might be for you, otherwise hiring a qualified person may be the safest option.

If you are getting a professional make sure that they are licensed and insured.  This will be important at a later date if something goes wrong, or if the system does not operate the way that it should. Also it would be important to get more than one estimate, as estimates can vary greatly.  Do not be tempted to take the first one – it pays to shop around.

If you are considering central vacuum installation by your self – follow the instructions very carefully and you will have a better chance of not having a problem at completion.  If you have to get in someone to fix or re-install you original work it may cost you a lot of money.

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