Central Vacuum System
Living in Santa Fe, NM everyone is familiar with dust. Have you ever vacuumed your home and just hours later have dust flying around? A Central Vacuum System will help to keep dust and debris out of your home. It can make cleanup easier if you have pets. There are many advantages to installing a central vacuum system. We will discuss the advantages, disadvantages and the maintenance involved with the installation of a central vacuum system.
What is a Central Vacuum System?
A central vacuum system is a type of appliance that is installed into a home or building as a semi permanent fixture. It is usually installed in a basement, garage, electrical closet, or storage room. Inlets installed in the walls throughout the home or building. Inlets are very similar to a plug outlet. You attach the power hose to the inlet and vacuum your home.
There are no bags you do not have to push a heavy vacuum around. It removes dust, particles, and small debris from the rooms in your home. Most power hoses typically have a power switch located on the handle. When you are finished in one room, simply remove the hose and attach to a different inlet in a different room. It’s that simple. There are many benefits to installing a central vacuum system. It completely removes dust and other allergens from circulating in the home through the air, which happens with traditional vacuuming. Your home would be more green. In a new home, it can help home certifications. It is better for your health. With many different inlets available no one will ever know!
Maintenance
Central vacuum systems do require you empty the dirty canister periodically or replace the filter bag. Changing usually occurs 2-4 times per year. In some models, you should change the filters more often. If you decide to buy a filtered system, the bag needs to be changed sooner then the actual capacity of system because it could cause clogging which will make the actual system not work like it should.
A filterless option is available which only requires emptying the dirt collection container before the container is full. You can now have a see through canister which allows you to view how full the container without having to remove the canister to check how full it is.
The electric motor may require lubrication of its bearings. You may also have to change the carbon brushes, however, this usually isn’t needed for years!
Central vacuum systems rarely become clogged, however, if it ever does happen it will probably be within the flexible hose and the obstruction can be dislodged by using a plumber’s snake.
Advantages
Improved Air Quality and Allergy Relief
Central vacuum systems are often recommended by allergists because they remove 100% of all dust, dirt, debris, dander, pollen, and other allergens that are not picked up from a traditional vacuum. Traditional vacuums reintroduce dust and other debris into the air as you vacuum making your allergies worse. Allergy sufferers notice improvement in their systems after using a built in vacuum system. Also because the central vacuum system is much larger, meaning you will have less exposure to fine dust particles and when having to empty the system typically it will be away from the main living space.
Convenience
A central vacuum system is convenient, you won’t have to carry a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs. It’s versatile, you can clean carpets, hard wood flooring, upholstery, drapes, high ceilings, and hard to reach spots. You will have the option to place the inlets in the exact locations you see fit for your needs in your home making it much easier than searching for an outlet. No more dealing with cords!
Disadvantages of a Central Vacuum System
Not Portable
A central vacuum system become a semi permanent fixture in your home, you will not be able to take the system with you when you move, however, it will typically increase the value of your home if you choose to sell.
Initial Cost
A complete system can cost between $800 to over $4,000 depending on the size of the system you choose and depending on the size and age of your home. Although the initial cost can be expensive installing a central vacuum system is a good investment. This sounds expensive but when you consider the alternative, installing a central vacuum system is a good investment.
1:22 pm
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that a central vacuum system keeps dust and allergens from circulating in the home. My daughter and I both have pretty bad allergies, and I know I sometimes have problems after I vacuum. It would be nice to be able to not have to worry about having an allergic reaction while inside, so I’ll definitely look into the possibility of installing a central system. Thanks for the great post!
12:54 pm
I’m glad you talked about how central vacuum systems are a great investment. The initial cost may seem high, but when you price it out in the long run, it’s actually not bad at all. Good vacuuming leads to better cleanliness, which translates to less sickness in the home — there’s a lot of other benefits besides just the convenience of it. I want to see if we could put one of these systems in the house we’re building!