How to Choose a Central Vacuum System for your Home

The Inlet Kit

1.  You need to decide the number of inlets (where you plug the hose into while vacuuming) throughout your home. We lean towards one inlet for every 700 sq. feet. This step is important because regardless of the unit or attachments you select, the rough-in portion of your system will not be affected. If you need assistance in this step, please contact us and we will give you some ideas and suggestions.

2. Now decide if you are going to install standard or electrical inlets. The type of inlets you choose depends on several variables: New construction or existing; type of flooring (bare floors, carpet, area rugs); animals that shed. 
Standard Inlets have only low voltage power and cannot power electric powerheads unless you purchase a hose with a "pigtail" end that can be plugged into an electrical receptical.They do however provide your system the capability to turn the unit on or off from the handle. These types of inlets are installed in both new and existing homes.

3.  Electrical Inlets have the 110 current directly wired to the inlet and when a “direct connect” hose is plugged in for vacuuming, you have no other wires to operate an electrical power head for cleaning your carpets, and these inlets are also wired to turn the unit on and off from the handle. Electrical inlets will require an electrician to hookup the electrical portion of the inlets. Normally, these types of inlets are installed in new construction. Installing them in existing homes can be done by taping the electricity from the closest 110 receptacle nearest to the inlet that you are install.

      Note: Our inlet kits come with universal inlets which will work with all major brand attachment

Click here for central vacuum tubing information

The Central Vacuum Power Unit

1.  Paper Bagged Filtered Systems – These units deposit debris into a paper bag that also serves as an exhaust filter. As the bag fills, you discard the bag and replace it with a new one. NuTone, Eureka, AirVac and WalVac all carry central vacuums with paper bags. Outside venting is not necessary, but recommended if possible. 

2.  Fabric Drop Down Filtered Systems – These units have reusable filters. Just shake out to clean. Debris is captured in the dirt canister which then is emptied. AirVac, Beam, DustCare, Eureka, Hayden, Hoover, Imperium and NuTone all carry fabric and filtered central vacuums. Outside venting is not necessary, but recommended if possible.

3.  True Cyclonic Separation Systems – These units require No bags, and No filters. Cyclonic action separates debris with centrifugal force by directing debris through a cyclonic separator. These systems provide maximum air flow where bagged or filtered units can be constricting. The true cyclonic units are: Imperium, Vacu-Maid and Vacuflo. True cyclonic systems require outside venting

Click on our exclusive Comparison System to help you determine a system for your home.

Confused about which unit to buy? Look here for a more detailed explanation

The Central Vacuum Attachments

1.One of the most common misconceptions is that attachments are brand specific. Regardless of your power unit. match your attachment set to the type of inlet you have.

2.  If you have electrical inlets, you will need attachments with a direct connect hose. If you have standard inlets, you will need to choose either a non-electric hose, or if you require an electrical power head, then you will need a hose with a corded\or “pigtail” end.

3.  Once you have determined if you are going to require a direct connect hose, non-electrical, or pigtail, then you have a choice between any manufacturers that you desire.

4.  Consider these tips when selecting an attachment set:

• If you have none or very little carpet - Bare Floor Tool Kit

• If you have low pile and no animals (i.e. Berber) - Air Driven Tool Kit

• If you have bare floors, carpet, animals - Electrical Tool Kits

• If you have carpet and are not comfortable without an electric power head, regardless of your pile size or animals - Electrical Tool Kit Note: There are also kits available for specific uses like the garage

The Central Vacuum VacPan

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