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Central Vacuum Sizing Guidelines

By Tim Carter
©1993-2009 Tim Carter

Summary: Sizing a central vacuum system for the average home is fairly easy. The difference between units lies in the motor of central vacuum systems. Use this chart to help determine which size of the central vacuum cleaner systems is needed for your home.

Central Vacuum Sizing Guidelines

If you have an average sized house, purchasing a central vacuum system will be fairly easy. There are different sized units, but for the most part, they are quite similar. The difference lies entirely in the motor. I have a medium sized unit in my own home and some of my vacuum outlets are very far from the motor. I have never had a problem with suction power. In other words, I don't regret buying the medium sized unit. Just so you know, it was sized properly. I didn't just "guess".

The table below is just a general purpose table to help you get close. Once you select a brand, you will need to refer to its specific sizing table to make sure you get the right unit. If you are on the borderline between two units, always chose the more powerful one.

Central Vacuum Sizing Guidelines
House
Square Footage
Cubic Feet
Per Minute of Suction
Water
Column Height
Number of
Vacuum Outlets
Filtration
Type
2,500 110 95 3-4 Cyclonic
6,000 107 113 5-8 Cyclonic
7,000 110 123 6-10 Cyclonic
2,300 110 95 2-5 Foam Filter
5,000 100 123 5-8 Foam Filter
1,100 95 90 1-3 Paper Bag
2,400 124 98 2-5 Paper Bag
4,000 90 136 4-7 Paper Bag


Comments:

jc
23 Dec 2007, 09:06
If I purchased an oversized central vacuum power unit, will it create problems? Said another way if I have a 2000 sq ft house and I buy a unit designed for 12,000 sq ft house will I have problems or what type of problems will the larger than needed unit create?
AsktheBuilder
23 Dec 2007, 10:15
JC,
No. You can't have too much suction.

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