The Basics of choosing a Central Vacuum system for your home

The Inlet Kit:
Note: Our inlet kits come with universal inlets - compatible with all major brand attachment kits
  1. Determine the number of inlets (where you plug the hose into while vacuuming) throughout your home.  A good approximation is every 675 sq. feet. Don't forget to consider convenience and furniture placement. Remember regardless of the unit or attachments you select, the rough-in portion of your system will not be affected. Please contact us for further assistance, ideas and suggestions. 1-800 649-7996
  2. Do you install standard or electrical inlets?  The type of inlets depends on the following factors: New construction or existing; type of flooring (bare floors, carpet, area rugs); animals that shed.
    1. Standard Inlets have no electrical ability to power any attachments that you might use.  They do however provide your system the capability to turn the unit on or off from the handle. Electrical attachments require a “corded” or “pigtail” end that plugs into an electrical receptacle that is normally 4 to 6 feet from the inlet.  Standard inlets are installed in both new and existing homes.
    2. Electrical Inlets have the 110 current hard wired to the inlet. A “direct connect” hose is plugged in for vacuuming, eliminating the need for other wires to operate the electrical power head for cleaning your carpets. Electrical inlets are also wired to turn the unit on and off from the handle. An electrician is required to hookup the electrical portion of the inlets. Installation in new construction is most common.  In existing homes the electricity can be tapped from the closest 110 receptacle.

      3. Standard Inlet ValvesDirect Connect Electravalve
  
The Unit:             
  1. There are four main types of central vacuum units to choose from:
    1. Paper Bagged Filtered Systems – These units deposit debris into a paper bag that also servers as an exhaust filter.  As the bag fills, you discard the bag and replace with new a new one. 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.   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. True cyclonic systems require outside venting.
    4. Filtered Cyclonic Systems – These units have pleated filters. Cyclonic action separates debris with centrifugal force by directing debris through a cyclonic separator. The remaining dirt is removed through a pleated filter.
 The Attachments:         
  1. The most important requirement for your attachments, regardless of your unit, is the type of inlets that you have installed. 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.
  2. Determine the type of attachments that fit your needs:
    1. If you have none or very little carpet – Bare Floor Tool Kit
    2. If you have low pile and no animals (i.e. Berber) – Air Driven Tool Kit
    3. If you have bare floors, carpet, animals – Electrical Tool Kit
    4. Garage kits are also available
  3.  Attachments do not to be made by the same manufacturer.Once you have determined if you’re going to require a direct connect hose, non-electrical, or pigtail, then you have a choice between any manufacturers that you desire. 
 The VacPan:         
  • VacPan's are excellent for kitchens and other high traffic areas.They offer the convenience of sweeping dirt right up to the VacPan, installed in baseboard, and simply kicking the switch to activate the vacuum and remove the debris.
For more assistance:

      Call us toll free and we will be more than happy to step you through making a decision.

1-800-649-7996