Manufacturers Recommend Venting a Central Vacuum System

For the best indoor air quality, Central Vacuum Stores recommends venting all central vacuum systems outside. We realize that sometimes this is impossible. If you are choosing a central vacuum system, you need to remember that true cyclonic units require outside venting, so if this is not an option, you need to buy a bagged or filtered unit.

Sometimes people question the validity of venting outside, and even suggest it is hazardous if you do. When we recommend exhausting a central vacuum system to the outside, we have done our research and do not make this recommendation lightly. The majority of vacuum manufacturers recognize the value of venting outside. If we are going to be reasonable and logical we can ask why so many central vacuum manufacturers would suggest an installation practice that would be worthless or even worse, hazardous? Don’t take our word for it, read what the leading central vacuum manufacturers are saying about outside venting…

"Exhausting the power unit to the outside is recommended for optimal performance. The exhaust should not be vented in a wall, ceiling, or a concealed space in the house" (Page 4. Nutone Installation Guide. Nutone.com)

"True cyclonic units must be vented to the outside. Other units may be vented to the outside as well. Use the same tubing and fittings. If vented, the exhaust air should not be vented into a wall, ceiling or concealed space of a building. Venting over 10 feet is not recommended." (Page 18. Installation manual provided with Imperium central vacuum systems. Centralvacuumstores.com)

"The unit may be exhausted to the exterior to expel fumes, germs, and some noise. Use the same tubing and fittings as before. If vented, the exhaust air should not be vented into a wall, ceiling, or concealed space of a building. Venting over 10 feet is not recommended." (Page 10. Beam Installation Manual. Beamvac.com)

DrainVac "For a better air quality, all AC/AE and two motor models can exhaust the vacuumed air outside." (Page 18, section 4.2. Drainvac Installation Manual. Drainvac.com) "…The filtration devices offered by certain manufacturers can reduce the quality of dust, but does not eliminate it completely. In fact, these filtration devices are generally more effective for the larger particles and less effective for the smallest ones. Unfortunately, it’s exactly the smallest particles that are the most harmful, because they penetrate deeply into the respiratory passages. Only exterior outlets can completely eliminate the smallest particles."

"If the system is to be exhausted to the outdoors the power unit should be located on an exterior wall. Venting to areas such as patios and entranceways should be avoided. (Page 2. MD Manufacturing Installation Guide. Builtinvac.com)

"…By having a central vacuum vented to the outside of your home, it is possible to remove even the smallest of particles from your living environment." (vacumaid.com)

"Vacuflo’s Cyclonic Filtration Technology creates a powerful centrifugal force that separates dirt and debris from the airflow. As the dirt spins around, the air pressure forces it through the cyclonic cone and deposits 96=98% of the vacuumed dirt into an easy to empty canister. The remaining 2-4% of fine dust particles are exhausted outside. With Vacuflo True Cyclonic there is no chance for dust or vacuum odors to re-circulate into your living area. The result is a cleaner, fresher and healthier home." (vacuflo.com)

"Electrolux central vacuum systems get your rooms really clean. High suction power assures deep cleaning for furniture and carpets. The air is drawn through a closed pipe system and passed directly out of the house." (electroluxcentralvac.com/introduction.asp)

"In order to prevent these minute particles containing allergens from being re-circulated into the air you breathe, a central vacuum cleaner must be vented outside the home." (haydenvac.com/health-home/fitration-facts.html)

"The true benefit of any central vacuum is that 100% of vacuumed contaminants are removed from your living area and safely exhausted when vented outdoors which is why central vacuums have been clinically proven to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms." (canavac.com/page3.htm)

"The unit may be exhausted to the exterior to expel fumes, germs, and some noise. Use the same tubing and fittings as before. If vented, the exhaust air should not be vented into a wall, ceiling, or concealed space of a building. Venting over 10 feet is not recommended." (Page 11. Eureka Installation Manual. Eureka.com)