Finding the Right Central Vacuum System for your Home
Buying a central vacuum? Get excited for cleaner air, less work, and higher resale value! No matter what unit you choose, make sure its got the suction you need for your cleaning needs and home size. Then you will be better off than with a regular vacuum.
As is the case with almost any piece of cleaning technology, certain units will suit your needs better than others. Before purchasing a system, consider the following questions:
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- Should you vent particles to the outside?
Some central vacuums need to be vented to the outside, especially ones with a removal filter that will need to be cleaned and washed on an ongoing basis. Remember if you choose one of those types of central units you should consider if you have any space outside your house where no one sits? Can you accept some dirt on your lawn? Is it even possible to vent from where the vacuum unit will be installed to the outdoors? These questions, more than anything, will determine the kind of vacuum that you would like to consider. If you do not want the hassle of having to wash a filter and vent to the outside, the best type of filtration are central vacuum units that use a self-cleaning filter and disposable bag system. This way the maintenance is very minimal. Simply remove the bucket, take off the disposable bag, replace with a new bag, and you’re ready to start vacuuming again.
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- Are you okay with buying new bags every 6 months or so?
Traditional bag systems need new bags and filters every 6 months. Although this seems like an inconvenience to some, this shouldn’t be a strong factor in your decision, as bagged systems are often the best choice for most – considering the bags are large, inexpensive and low maintenance.
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- Will you dedicate time to emptying a canister every 2 or 3 months?
Central vacuum bagless canisters can fill up quickly, and even a shallow coating of dust affects the vacuum’s performance as it clings to the filter. Ensure you schedule reminders for yourself to keep your canisters clean!
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- Do you suffer from allergies, asthma, or lung disease?
Central vacuums that are installed in the garage remove allergens and lung irritants from the air, out of your living space, helping you to be able to breathe easier. However, if you are unable to install the central unit in your garage, you can still improve your air quality by ensuring you use a throwaway hepa bag system.
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- How much power do you need?
There are many specifications to look at and understand to reach a decision on what central vacuum unit to buy that best suits your needs, so pay attention to them when shopping. Your power needs will not only depend on your house size, but also how much suction you would like. Length of tubing in your walls, number of outlets, and whether you have carpet or mostly bare floors will indicate which suction power you will need.
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- Where will your central vacuum be installed?
The central vacuum unit will be installed in the garage if you have one, in the basement, or utility room in a condo. There are many applications to installing a central vacuum system including veterinarian offices, daycares, restaurants, hair salons.
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- How much noise can you handle?
Noise might not be important, unless you have young children or work the night shift, in which case it becomes a little more important. Most central vacuums come equipped with a muffler which contributes to the low-decibel rating as it reduces the high pitch noise of the motor. Some brands may offer even lower decibel ratings, but that can be accomplished with any central vacuum. It’s a simple technique to insert some soundproof insulation around the motor. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay for this, as the motor will not be cooling as it should and therefore expire prematurely. It might be nice to have a really quiet central vacuum, but at what price!
Central vacuum systems are known to be a good feature for a home’s resale value, as most people appreciate that it’s included in the home sale. There is no wrong answer to the question of what kind of vacuum you need, just a lot of good answers and great options! For help in narrowing down what will best suit your needs, contact with The Vacmaster team today!