How Does a Central Vacuum System Work?

A central vacuum system is much easier to use than a standard upright vacuum cleaner. You don't have to move the unit from room to room, because it's installed in the walls of your home, accessible through inlets into which you plug a hose. Having a central vacuum system installed in your house actually costs less than purchasing a high-end portable vacuum cleaner, and the system basically serves as built in vacuum for every room of your home. It also adds to a home's resale value as it is a highly desirable option for many would be homeowners.

How Does It Work?

A central vacuum system is fairly simple in design and consists of only a few main components, including wall inlets that are installed throughout the house in various locations. Inlets are installed either in the wall or on the floor. The system also contains a main collection unit and debris canister. A central vacuum uses bags that occasionally need to be replaced.

You don't have to lug around a bulky vacuum cleaner and search for electrical outlets for the plug. All you have to do is move the lightweight hose from room to room, plug it into the wall, vacuum the room and then move on.

The Structure and Usage

These systems use a system of ducts or tubes installed in the walls, or in some cases beneath the flooring of the home. When vacuuming, all the dirt and debris is carried out to a centralized collection container located in another part of the house, such as the basement or garage. All you need to vacuum is the hose and a power brush. The power unit does not have to be carried around, as it is installed in a permanent location. Instead of lugging around a heavy vacuum unit, you get away with carrying the lightest parts of a vacuum cleaner.

Installation

Being a centrally located unit, the installation of the central vacuum system becomes important. The first decision is about where the debris will be directed to. Once this spot is decided upon, connections are made from this central unit to various rooms of the building by means of ducts. There is heavy construction involved and for that reason the best time to install such a system is when the building is being constructed or renovated. There is a limitation on how far the vacuuming hoses can reach. Currently, the typical maximum lengths of these hoses are not more than 25 feet.

Cost and Cost-Effectiveness

You can't pin down the actual cost of a central vacuum system, but you can say that it depends on the lengths of ducts that are needed. The cost usually starts from $600 for small homes and goes upward. However, the cost of installing the whole system depends on quotation basis. When you zero in upon a company to install this system for your building, they will send someone over to look at the building and give you a quote.

Despite the significant cost, a lot of people are going in for such systems today mainly because there is good value for money. Being a central unit, the electricity bills tend to become lower (more than one room can be vacuumed at a time, which is what usually happens) and there is also the fact that the dust receptacle is outside the home, which means more efficient cleaning.