Central Vacuum FAQ's Buffalo NY & Pittsburgh PA

FAQ

-With so many different central vacuum units to choose from, how do I know which one is right for me?

Some things to take into consideration is the square footage of your home, the type of unit you prefer, filtered or cyclonic, whether you want a bagged or bagless unit or will you be venting your unit out doors or not .  As always, you may contact the central vacuum specialists at SUPERVACUUM

 -What is the difference between a Filtered Central Vacuum Unit & a Cyclonic Unit?

 The main difference is the manner in which the units deal with the dirt & debris collected while cleaning.  Cyclonic units utilize a cyclonic process to stir up dust and particles in the air then suck these particles into the container, where a centrifugal force and gravity work together to separate the impurities from the air and cause them to sink to the bottom of the canister.

Filtered systems utilize a variety of filters such as screen, cloth, foam or paper to "strain" the air taken in by the vacuum. All filtered systems require that the filters be cleaned & replaced. (Following manufactures maintenance directions is highly recommended to insure retaining the integrity of any Central Vacuum System).

-How much power do I need?

The amount of power you need depends on the square footage of your home.  Each manufacturer has a recommendation for the units they make.  As a rule of thumb, homes up to 4000 sq. ft. will require about 400 Air Watts (see definition section for more information about Air Watts), homes up to 8000 ft. will require about 600 Air Watts and homes over 8000 ft. may require about 1000 Air Watts of power.  The higher the Air Watts, the more cleaning power available.

-Should I purchase a bagged or bagless unit?

The choice is really a personal one.  Do you want to dump & clean the canister or toss a disposable bag into the trash. (Replaceable cloth bags may also be an option)  While bagless units save you the expense of purchasing bags, they place you closer to the dirt & allergens.  Either way, you will likely only need to empty the canister of your central vacuum unit a few times a year, depending on usage, which is much less than required by traditional portable vacuums. 

-Should I choose an air-driven or electric-driven power brush?

Air-Driven Brushes work well in homes which have minimal carpeted areas.  They are more easily installed in existing homes because inlet valves are not required to be located near existing electical outlets.  They are less expensive to run since they use less electric & contain less expensive replacement parts.  They tend to alert the operator when the unit bin capacity is full since the airflow to spin the turbine & roller brush slows down.

Electric-Powered Brushes provide excellent grooming on a variety of carpets.  They provide a better volume of air (CFM) to the vacuumed area, creating deeper cleaning & better suction power to pick up larger items.  They also deliver consistent brush revolutions, generally get clogged less, and run much quieter

-Where is the best place to install my central vacuum unit?

 In an out-ot-the way place in which you have some space, such as a basement, a garage or a utility space.  Remember that the vacuum unit also serves as a collection space for the dust & debris that you vacuum, so you'll want your unit in a convenient spot to empty.  Also, if the unit requires outdoor venting, it's best to place it on or near an exterior wall to reduce the exhaust piping.  Power units should not be place near a heat source or in small confined areas.

-How does the vacuum system get throughout the house?

Via a PVC piping system installed into the walls or floors of your home.  The piping system connectsthe out-of-the-way power unit to vacuum inlet valves placed throughout your home.

-How do I actually use the vacuum system?

By attaching a light weight hose, usually 30-35 ft., to the vacuum inlet valve. Depending on your cleaning needs, you may attach a variety of cleaning attachments to the hose (see central vacuum attachments).  The power unit is triggered when the inlet is opened.  Hide-a-Hose, a retractable hose system, offers an alternative to the detachable hose.

-How many central vacuum inlets will I require?

A rule of thumb, is 1 inlet for about every 600-700 sq. ft., however, this will also depend upon some other factors such as:the layout of your home.  You will likely want one inlet on every floor. the placement of electrical outlets - this becomes an important factor for installation in existing homes for those who have opted for electric-powered brushes. You may contact the central vacuum professionals at SUPERVACUUM with your installation questions. 

-Do I need an inlet valve in every room?

No.  A valve will typically cover 2-3 rooms, depending on sq. footage.  Remember, hose lengths are generally 30-35 ft.  Hallways are generally good places to locate inlet valves to cover several rooms.

-What's involved in installing a central vacuum system?

A central vacuum system can be installed in new or existing homes.  There are 3 main considerations when planning to install a central vacuum system:

1.  Determine placement of the power unit.  An out-ot-the way place in which you have some space, such as a basement, a garage or a utility space is generally a good location.  Remember that the vacuum unit also serves as a collection space for the dust & debris that you vacuum, so you'll want your unit in a convenient spot to empty.  Also, if the unit requires outdoor venting, it's best to place it on or near an exterior wall to reduce the exhaust piping.  Power units should not be place near a heat source or in small confined areas.

2.  Determine placement of the vacuum inlet valves.  A rule of thumb is one inlet valve to every 600-700 square feet.  You will likely want at least one inlet on each floor of the  house, in the garage,  and hallways and/or foyer area.  It is important to place the valves in areas that will not likely be obstructed by furniture or an open door.  Inlet valves should be placed between studs in spots clear of electrical wiring, plumping, heating ducts or other obstructions.  In new builds, the piping is generally installed after the heating, electric and plumbing components are in place, but prior to the drywall.

3.  Determine tubing and low voltage wiring.  Approxiamately 20 feet of tubing and 20 feet of wiring are required per inlet valve.  Tubing and low voltage wiring run side-by-side in installation.

-What are the electrical voltage requirements for installation of a central vacuum?

Homes under 6,000 sq. ft. require a standard 15 or 20 amp circuit and regular three prong plug. Generally, homes over 6,000 sq. ft. require a larger power unit which operates at 110 volts on a 30 amp circuit, or operates at 240 volts on a 20 amp circuit. This usually requires additional work in existing homes from an electrician, but if the home is being built plan ahead by adding the proper electricity.

-Will I have to make large cuts through walls to install a central vacuum system in an existing home?

Generally, the piping can be run between the studs as accessed from the basement or attic.  It will depend on the layout and age (building style) of the home.

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