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.

Related posts:

1. Central Vacuum Accessories.
2. Central Vacuum Cleaners.
3. The Benefits of a Central Vacuum System.

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

Powerful suction: Central vacuum units 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: A major benefit of central vacuum units 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.

Central Vacuum. Image courtesy of www.jltelectriccorp.com

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.

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.

Related posts:

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