central_vacuum

What is a central vacuum system and how does it work?

thatbrian@me.com (Brian Wasicki) — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 13:20:15 GMT

What is a central vacuum system and how does it work ?

What is a Central Vacuum System and How Does It Work?

As a central vacuum expert with 20+ years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining these systems, I can tell you that a central vacuum system is one of the most efficient and convenient cleaning solutions available for homeowners. Unlike portable vacuums, which are standalone units you carry around, a central vacuum system is a built-in, whole-house cleaning solution designed to deliver powerful suction, improve air quality, and simplify your cleaning routine. Let me break down what it is and how it works from an expert’s point of view.

What is a Central Vacuum System?

A central vacuum system is a permanently installed vacuum cleaner that uses a centralized power unit and a network of tubing/pipes to provide suction throughout a home. The system consists of a powerful motor and collection canister (typically located in a garage, basement, or utility room), a series of in-wall PVC pipes, and inlet valves strategically placed in various rooms. You connect a lightweight hose to these inlets to clean, making it far more convenient than dragging a heavy portable vacuum around.

From my experience, these systems are particularly popular in larger homes (2,000+ square feet) or with homeowners who value air quality, such as those with allergies or pets. A good quality vacuum unit is built to last 15–20 years with normal use, offering a long-term investment that can even boost home resale value. At Central Vacuum Service, we’ve been serving Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven, and Westchester Counties since 1997, and we’ve seen firsthand how these systems transform cleaning for homeowners.

How Does a Central Vacuum System Work?

Here’s a detailed look at how the system operates:

1. The Power Unit: The Heart of the System

- The power unit is a stationary motor and canister, usually mounted in a remote location to keep noise out of living spaces. These units are beasts—delivering 500 –1,300 air watts of suction power, compared to the 100 – 300 air watts of even the best portable vacuum cleaners. VacuMaid®, which we often recommend, offer reliable motors with HEPA filtered bag options. The canister holds 3 – 5 gallons of debris (depending on the model, so you’re only emptying it 1 to 3 times a year, depending on how many fury creatures, and teenagers live with you. ;)

2. Tubing Network: The Delivery System

- A network of 2-inch PVC tubing runs through the walls, floors, and ceilings, connecting the power unit to inlets throughout the home. This tubing is installed during construction. A properly-sized system is designed to maintain suction power over long distances.

3. Inlet Valves: Access Points

- Inlet valves/wall plates are installed in walls, typically at the same height as electrical receptacles, and serve as connection points for the hose. In a well-designed system, you’ll have enough inlets to cover every area of the house with a 35-foot hose. Modern options like “Hide-a-Hose” retractable inlets, which we’ve installed for many clients, make the system even more user-friendly by storing the hose in the wall. Ask us about retractable hoses when you are planing an installation for your new home.

4. Hose and Attachments: The User Interface

- The hose is lightweight and flexible, equipped with a handle and attachments like motorized brushes for carpets, crevice tools for tight spaces, and upholstery brushes for furniture. When you plug the hose into an inlet, the system activates—either automatically via a switch in the inlet or manually with an on/off switch on the hose handle.

5. Suction and Collection: The Cleaning Process

- Once activated, the power unit pulls air, dirt, dust, and debris through the hose and tubing into the canister. Cyclonic systems spin the debris to separate it from the air, while bagged systems trap it in a disposable or washable filter. The large capacity means less maintenance, and the robust suction handles pet hair, allergens, and embedded dirt with ease—something portable vacuums often struggle with.

Expert Insights

From my perspective, central vacuum systems are ideal for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, powerful cleaning solution that enhances their home’s environment. They’re quieter more durable, and more effective than portable vacuums. At Central Vacuum Service, we’ve seen these systems pay off in the long run, especially for pet owners, large families, or those with allergy or respiratory issues.

In short, a central vacuum system is a smart, efficient way to keep your home clean and healthy. It works by leveraging a powerful, centralized motor, a hidden tubing network, and convenient inlets to deliver unmatched cleaning performance. For expert advice or service reach out to Brian at www.centralvacuumservice.com—we’re here to help!

My Vacuum Shocked Me!

thatbrian@me.com (Brian Wasicki) — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 12:40:08 GMT

Static Shock from Your Vacuum Hose: Why it Happens, and How to Stop it.

If you’ve ever felt a surprising zap while using your central vacuum system, you’re not alone. Static shock from a vacuum hose (any type of vacuum cleaner) is a common annoyance, especially during dry winter months. While it’s usually harmless, it can be startling and uncomfortable. Understanding why it happens and how to prevent it can make your cleaning routine more enjoyable. As experts in central vacuum systems at Central Vacuum Service (www.centralvacuumservice.com), we’re here to explain the science behind static shock and offer practical solutions.

Why Does Static Shock Happen?

Static electricity occurs when an imbalance of electric charges builds up on an object—in this case, your vacuum hose. When you touch a grounded surface, like a metal inlet or furniture, the charge discharges, resulting in that familiar shock. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon when using a central vacuum:

1. **Dry Air**: Low humidity, common in winter or air-conditioned homes, reduces moisture in the air. This dryness allows static charges to build up more easily on non-conductive surfaces like plastic hoses.

2. **Friction**: As you move the vacuum hose across carpets, rugs, or floors, friction between the hose and these surfaces generates static electricity. Synthetic materials, like nylon carpets or plastic hose components, are particularly prone to this charge buildup.

3. **Non-Conductive Materials**: Most vacuum hoses are made of plastic, which doesn’t conduct electricity well. This allows static charges to accumulate rather than dissipate.

4. **High Suction Power**: Central vacuum systems have powerful suction, which increases air movement and friction, amplifying static electricity generation compared to portable vacuums.

How to Stop Static Shock from Your Vacuum Hose

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with static shocks. Here are three practical steps to minimize or eliminate the problem:

1. **Increase Humidity**

- Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60%. This adds moisture to the air, reducing static buildup. Place the humidifier in the rooms where you vacuum most often for the best results.

2. **Use Anti-Static Accessories**

- Look for anti-static sprays designed for fabrics and apply them to carpets or rugs to reduce static buildup.

3. **Wear Appropriate Footwear**

- Avoid wearing rubber-soled shoes, which can insulate you and increase static buildup. Opt for leather-soled shoes or go barefoot to help dissipate charges through your body to the ground

Static shock doesn’t have to disrupt your cleaning routine. With these tips, you can enjoy the superior power and convenience of your central vacuum system without the zap. For personalized assistance, visit us at www.centralvacuumservice.com or call today!

Central Vacuum Buying Guide 2023

thatbrian@me.com (Brian Wasicki) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:13:41 GMT

How to Buy the Best Central Vacuum

Let’s face it – trying to decide which is the best central vacuum unit can be a daunting task. You have a lot to choose from out there, and things can get confusing quickly, if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Not to worry though. We’re here to help narrow your choices down and give you some suggestions. With this buying guide, you’ll have the expertise you need to make an informed choice, and avoid making a costly mistake. It won’t answer all of your questions, but it’ll point you in the right direction, and, if you have more questions, just contact us .

Follow These Rules When Buying a New Central Vacuum Unit

There are dozens of companies that make central vacuum units. It would take far too long for you to research all of them, and some are too small to even bother with, so use these four guidelines as a shortcut. If you just want the rules without all the details, here’s a quick list for you. The next section will give you far more details.

Go With a Company with Some History
Don’t Get Too Caught Up in the Numbers
Bags Over Bagless
Look for Best Value vs Lowest Initial Price

1. Go With a High-Quality Manufacturer That Has Been Around

This is important, huge even. A central vacuum unit is an investment in your home, so make sure to buy a quality product. Some of the smaller companies aren’t much more than a couple of guys in their garage. You just don’t know what kind of service to expect with them. Brands like NuTone and Beam are large multi-national companies that used to produce quality products, but have slipped into decline.

The US company we use is called VacuMaid®. It is a privately-owned company that’s been around since 1956. Manufactured in the US, with superior-quality, long-lasting motors in many of its product line. The VacuMaid® SR66 and SR800 both have long-life (1,500 hour) motors, which is about 3 times what the average central vacuum motor lasts. Talk about great value.

2. Don’t Get Caught Too Up in The Numbers

Unless you’re an engineer or a glutton for punishment, don’t pay a whole lot of attention to all the numbers. These central units have a ton of specs, but they won’t mean much to the average buyer.

The only number you really have to check out is square footage recommendation. Central units have a maximum recommended square footage they can cover, and you don’t want to buy one that’s undersized for your house. You won't have sufficient suction power if you do. Here's a pro tip: We recommend that you cut manufacturer's "up to" square footage recommendations in half. In other words, if a manufacturer says that a central vacuum unit is good for "up to" 10,000 sq ft of living space, you should expect it to work very well in your 5,000 sq ft home. This is a general rule, and used by many central vacuum installers because it provides a great result.

Like we said before, just double the square footage of your home and look for units that can cover it. You double it just to make sure you have enough suction for deep cleaning, even for the most remote parts of the house. Or in case you want to make additions to your home, or finish part of your basement later on.

What about Air Flow and Water Lift?

You don’t need to worry about things like air flow (CFM) and water lift, not by themselves at least. These numbers only matter because they’re used to compute something called “air watts”, which is a number that is useful when comparing central vacuum units.

Air watts measure how much cleaning power the central unit has. But for the average buyer, it’s just a good way to compare different brands. Although, beware, it does tell the whole story. Power does not equal quality. Two vacuum units may have the same Air Watts (cleaning power) but with much different longevity. Inferior brands use small, cheaply-made motors that spin at very high revolutions. Those motors fail very quickly. In a few short years you will be faced with replacing a central vacuum unit that you "saved" a mere $100 on.

3. Bags Over Bagless

Good maintenance is crucial to your central vacuum unit. Without it, you’ll encounter problems pretty quickly. And with some brands, improper maintenance can void your warranty. So know what you’re getting into up front. Ask yourself these questions about the units you’re interested in.

• How often do I need to empty the dirt receptacle?

• What’s involved in cleaning or replacing the filter?

• How much dirty work’s involved in maintaining the unit?

• Do I need proprietary filters and/or bags?

Bagless systems can be extremely messy, and some have expensive filters which need frequent replacement, which is why we recommend Vacumaid central systems with easy-to-change, disposable, multi-layered bags.

Be honest with yourself. Don’t set yourself up for failure by committing to maintenance you won’t always be able to do.

4. Always, Always, Always Go For Higher Quality over Lowest Price. Always.

We hope the message is clear by now. A vacuum system is an investment in your home and health, so be willing to spend a couple of dollars more to get a high quality vacuum unit. We've seen "cheap" units fail in as little as 2 years, while quality central vacuum units can last 10, 15, even 20 years, depending on usage.

Here are two popular central vacuum units we install every day:

VacuMaid SR66

VacuMaid SR800

These are high quality models, in terms of performance and serviceability both. They’re reasonably priced, and have long-life motors which are built to run for approximately 1,500 hours — about 3 times the average central vacuum motor!

Lastly, you’re just going to get better longevity performance and service when you buy a higher quality vacuum unit. We can’t emphasize enough how important quality is.

Get the Right Filtration System

After the motor, the filtration system is the most important part of your central unit. Broadly speaking, there are three different filtration types: bagged, filtered, and cyclonic units. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, which we’ll discuss below.

1. Bagged Central Vacuums

Bagged units are about like they sound. They use a bag to gather debris, just like many portable vacuum cleaners do.

Although outside venting is alway an option, one advantage of bag units is that they don’t require it — IF they have a good quality bag, that is. We use and recommend genuine Vacumaid 5-layer HEPA bags for most of the Vacumaid systems we install.

Bagless central vacuum are really messy. Who wants dust in their face, and all over the floor, when they empty the canister? Bagged central vacuums are far cleaner and easier to use and maintain.

2. Filtered Central Vacuums

Filtered units use a filter to protect the motor from getting clogged with dust and debris. They may or may not also use a bag, depending on the manufacturer and model. And just like a bagged unit, outside venting is not required. The downside is that the filter inevitably reduces air flow and suction power, and that can happen pretty quickly. Also, replacing and/or cleaning filers is very messy and replacement filters can cost from $20 - $30 each.

You have to clean the filter, to ensure efficiency and better protect the motor. This is a very dirty job (take my word on that. I've done it many, many times).

In our opinion, vacuum units with removable filters that need cleaning or replacing, are not the way to go. They are extremely messy, time-consuming, inefficient and very expensive over the life of the unit.

3. Cyclonic Central Vacuums

Cyclonic central vacuum units work by spinning the dust and debris around at incredibly high speeds, like a cyclone. The heavier dirt stays in the canister, while the rest is either exhausted outside the home or sticks to a "filter" screen which needs to be cleaned often. This means that outside venting is always required.

It’s our experience that the lack of a filter is a real drawback. It's a bad design idea because without a proper filter, dust and debris get into the motor, greatly reducing suction power and causing premature motor failure. This almost guarantees many service calls down the road. We think that cyclonic central vacuum units are by far the worst of the 3 options .

Conclusion

So there you have it – a great buying guide to help you buy a new central vacuum unit. We’ve given you the most essential information, but you can always research individual brands if you want more. With this buying guide, you’ll know exactly what to compare and how to evaluate your options.

Brian Wasicki

The Best Central Vacuum - With Anchovies

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:17:59 GMT

This might sound crazy, but purchasing the best central vacuum system is not that much different than ordering a great pizza. In fact, a great central vacuum system has more in common with a pizza than you might think. This is especially true when you consider how the best wholes are always greater than the sum of their parts.

So what exactly do built-in central vacuum systems and delicious pizzas have in common? To start with, they’re both simple and complex simultaneously, depending on how you look at them. If you’re just looking at their components or ingredients, they’re both pretty straightforward, right? Pizzas are typically made with pretty everyday ingredients — dough, cheese, tomatoes. . . And the components of a central vacuum system are pretty simple too. They’re all made up of a vacuum unit (the part that creates the suction), the hoses and accessories, and the pipes and wires that go into the walls of your home.

But things get more complicated when you consider them as wholes. When you order a pizza, you’re getting more than just the ingredients. You’re getting a recipe, the ovens, the chef, and hopefully a quick delivery. But most importantly you’re paying for the pizza place’s reputation and the service they give.

And it’s exactly the same with a central vacuum system. Of all the components that go into a central vacuum system, the most important is the installation, the part where the technicians put the pipes and wires into the walls of your home. Here's why: If your vacuum unit or hoses break, they can easily be repaired or replaced, but if you have a bad installation, you’ve got a real situation on your hands because the pipes and wiring are hidden behind walls. That’s why choosing the right central vacuum company is so important. You’ll regret it if you leave the job to an unlicensed or untrained company. We see this often.

A problems associated with a bad installation may or may not show up right away, but I guarantee you they WILL show up eventually, even if it takes several months. Then the problems will start coming fast and furious.

I wish my customers and potential customers alike could come along on some of my service calls. Then they’d see firsthand the nightmare installation problems I deal with on a daily basis, all of them caused by inexperienced or unlicensed companies.

There are a hundred pizza places in just about every town, but only a few who knock it out of the park. And just like with pizza, there only a few central vacuum installers who will do the job right the first time and give you the follow up service you deserve. And if you want to know who does the best installations, do what you do with pizza places and ask the locals for advice.

How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Central Vacuum Cleaner

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:09:20 GMT

How to Avoid Buying the Worst Central Vacuum

Follow These Rules When Buying a Central Unit

There are dozens of companies that make central vacuum units. It would take far too long to research all of them, so use these four guidelines as a shortcut. If you just want the rules without all the details, here’s a quick list for you. The next section will give you more details.

Go With One of the US Companies
Don’t Get Caught Up in the Numbers
Bags Over Bagless
Always Choose Higher Quality over Lower Initial Price

1. Go With One of the US Manufacturing Companies

This is important, huge even. A central vacuum unit is an investment in your home, so make sure to buy from a bigger company. Some of the smaller companies aren’t much more than a couple of guys in their garage. You just don’t know what kind of service to expect with them.

With a US company like VacuMaid you know what you’re getting. Vacumaid has been around since 1956, with a good reputation and solid products. Their central vacuum units have good serviceability and support, so go with one of these.

2. Don’t Get Caught Up in The Numbers

The only number you really have to check out is square footage. Central units have a maximum recommended square footage they can cover, and you don’t want to buy one that’s undersized for your house. You won't have sufficient suction power if you do. Here's a pro tip: We recommend that you cut manufacturer's "up to" square footage recommendations in half. In other words, if a manufacturer says that a unit is good for "up to" 10,000 sq ft of living space, you should expect it to work very well in your 5,000 sq ft home. This is a general rule used by many central vacuum installers.

What about Air Flow and Water Lift?

Air watts measure how much cleaning power the central unit has. But for the average buyer, it’s just a good way to compare different brands.

3. Bags Over Bagless

• How often do I need to empty the dirt receptacle?

• What’s involved in cleaning or replacing the filter?

• How much dirty work’s involved in maintaining the unit?

• Do I need proprietary filters and/or bags?

Bagless systems are extremely messy, and some have expensive filters which need frequent replacement, which is why we recommend Vacumaid systems with easy-to-change, disposable, multi-layered HEPA bags.

Be honest with yourself. Don’t set yourself up for failure by committing to maintenance you won’t always be able to do.

4. Always, Always, Always Go For Higher Quality over Saving a Little Money. Always.

We hope the message is clear. A vacuum system is an investment in your home and health, so be willing to spend a couple of dollars more to get a high quality power unit. We've seen "cheap" units fail in as little as 2 years, while quality units can last 10, 12, even 20 years, depending on usage.

These are high quality models, in terms of performance and serviceability both. They’re absolutely worth the extra money you pay up front. The first service call will eat up whatever you save on a cheaper model anyway.

Lastly, you’re just going to get better longevity performance and service when you buy a higher quality vacuum unit. We can’t emphasize enough how important quality is.

Get the Right Filtration System

After the motor, the filtration system is the most important part of your central unit. Broadly speaking, there’s three different types: bagged, filtered, and cyclonic units. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, which we’ll discuss below.

1. Bagged Units

Bagged units are about like they sound. They use a bag to gather debris, just like many portable vacuum cleaners do. It’s best to change the bag when it's about 1/2 - 2/3 full, otherwise you’ll begin to lose suction power and strain the motor.

Although outside venting is alway an option, one advantage of bag units is that they don’t require it — IF they have a good quality bag, that is. We use and recommend genuine Vacumaid 5 layer HEPA bags for all of the Vacumaid systems we install.

2. Filtered Units

Filtered units use a filter to protect the motor from getting clogged with dust and debris. They may or may not also use a bag, depending on the manufacturer and model. And just like a bagged unit, outside venting is not required. The downside is that the filter inevitably reduces air flow and suction power, and that can happen pretty quickly. Also, replacing and/or cleaning filers is messy and can be costly as filters can cost from $20 - $30 each.

You have to clean the filter, to ensure efficiency and better protect the motor. This is a very dirty job (take my word on that. I've done it many, many times).

In our opinion, vacuum units with removable filters that need cleaning or replacing, are not the way to go. They are extremely messy, inefficient and very expensive over time.

3. Cyclonic Units

Cyclonic units work by spinning the dust and debris around at incredibly high speeds. The heavier dirt stays in the canister, while the rest is either exhausted outside the home or sticks to a screen which needs to be cleaned. This means that outside venting is always required. There’s no filter to clean in cyclonic systems, so you’re virtually guaranteed to get 100% cleaning power, at least initially.

It’s our experience that the lack of a filter is a real drawback, even if it does give you maximum power, initially. But without a proper filter, dust and debris inevitably get into the motor over time, greatly reducing suction power. This almost guarantees many service calls down the road.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the ultimate buying guide to buying a central unit. We’ve given you the most essential information, but you can always research individual brands if you want more. With this buying guide, you’ll know exactly what to compare and how to evaluate your options. Good luck!

"Can't See it From My House"

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:20:06 GMT

The image above is of an extremely poorly done section of a central vacuum installation. The shocking thing is, it's not a rare occurrence. I see stuff like this far too often.

Why are there so many sloppy and incorrectly done central vacuum installations? I've thought long and hard about this, and I've come up with only two possible explanations.

The first is incompetence. The people who've done these installations simply can't do any better because they are unable. Since there are no training schools for central vacuum installation, and since many installations are done by other trades, such as alarm companies or electricians, who don't specialize in this area, it's understandable, although not excusable. You wouldn't ask your plumber to wire your house, so why have your electrician run central vacuum piping? There simply is no substitute for experience.

The second is apathy. Many people simply don't care about the quality of the work they do. They know and are capable of better work, but they are too lazy or thoughtless to do it the right way. These are the people who do a poor job and then jokingly exclaim, "You can't see it from my house". In case you aren't familiar with that expression, it means that they (the installer) don't have to look at it or deal with it after they leave. They are going to cash your check and be long gone, leaving you, the unsuspecting homeowner, with a substandard job and the headaches that go with it. Inexcusable.

People are either conscientious or they aren't. You can't train someone to care, so this problem is not correctable. Unfortunately, it's epidemic in the construction industry, and I see the results of it on nearly every other service call I am on, which is why it is so important to get the installation done correctly when you are building a new house.

A good portion of the work we do is making right what others have done incorrectly, so if your current vacuum system doesn't seem to work very well, or if you are building a new home, and want to get it right the first time, give us a call. We've helped thousands of homeowners with their central vacuum systems, and we can help you.

Don't Do This

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 18:12:52 GMT

I can't stress enough how important it is to get the installation of the central vacuum pipes correct. It will save you money and time because it will work well, and be trouble-free. Other than simple periodic maintence, there isn't anything to do but enjoy your clean home.