DEAR TIM: I am thinking of having a central vacuum system installed. Is it possible to install these in an existing house or just new homes only? Are there different systems and sizes? How do you know where to install the inlets? What about accessory tools?; George W., Norwich, CT
DEAR GEORGE: Central vacuum systems are superb! I have one in my home and would never think of going back to a traditional upright system. I love the whisper quiet operation and the fact that all dust and dirt is directed to the collection canister and/or outdoors through the vacuum exhaust port. What really appeals to me is their cost. Often you can get a high quality system installed in an existing home for the same money you might spend for a top of the line upright vacuum cleaner.
You absolutely can install a central vacuum system in an existing home. The tubes that transport the dust and debris can be installed in attics, basements and crawl spaces. Even two story houses can be retrofitted. A professional worker can often install a system within one day with minimal mess and hassle. Installing a central vacuum system in a new house is extremely simple. The tubing can often be finished in just several hours.
Not all central vacuum systems are created equal. There are two basic types of systems - one type incorporates filters or filter bags and one system doesn't. Central vacuum systems that use filter bags operate at peak efficiency when the filter bags are brand new. As you vacuum, dust particles clog the filter paper and dirt fills the bag. These characteristics cause the system to suffer a reduction in suction power as dust and dirt build up within the filter bag.
The other type of central vacuum does not use a filter. Using advanced design, the dirt and dust enter the central vacuum cannister and swirl around. Centrifugal force created by the cyclonic spinning of the air transports the dirt and dust to the sides of the cannister. Here a series of cones and stand pipes stop all but the finest dust. This fine dust is transported to the exterior of your home where it belongs.
Sizing a central vacuum system is important. The smaller your house is the smaller your central vacuum system needs to be. The power of a vacuum system is often measured by how high a column of water it can support or pull. Most manufactures make models that can pull anywhere from a 90 inch to as high as 136 inch water column. An average home that contains 2,400 square feet of finished floor space might easily be serviced with a vacuum system that is rated at 95 inches of water column. Large homes above 6,500 square feet usually require motors that can create a column of water 120 inches or more. Extremely large homes often require two or more separate central vacuum systems.
The positioning of the inlets ports requires some planning. These ports are the locations where you plug in your vacuum hose. Vacuum hoses come in different lengths and some people like long ones and other people prefer to use short ones. Long hoses have greater reach from room to room. If you use one of these, you may only need two inlets per floor that are located in hallways. Short hoses obviously require more inlets per floor. Be sure that you place the inlets on walls where they will not be blocked by furniture. Often the best place is near a doorway.
Central vacuum system manufacturers offer a complete line of accessory cleaning tools. These are often matched to the system and can't always be interchanged between manufacturers. Consider purchasing ones that are electric powered instead of air powered. Air powered accessories might not work at peak efficiency if there is a loss of suction power.
Make sure that you can get at least one of the nifty dustpan inlet accessories. These special inlets are cut into baseboards at the floor level. They are ideal for mud rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. You simply use a broom to quickly sweep large messes over to the sleek baseboard mounted door. As soon as you open the door with your toe, the motor starts up and your dirt offering is gladly accepted by the vacuum cleaner spirit!
