Why Choose A Central Vacuum System?
Homeowners may choose a central vacuum system for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Cleaner Air: Central vacuum systems totally eliminate the re-circulation of dirty air inside your living area, lessening the effects of vacuuming on people with allergies or asthma.
- Increased Vacuum Power: Because they have a larger motor, power is increased which means you spend less time cleaning. The average portable vacuum has an airflow of 60-90 CFM (cubic feet per minute) compared to 185 CFM on the average central vac.
- Convenience: Simply connect a lightweight hose to any conveniently located inlet. No heavy unit to pull, push or drag up stairs, no switches, and no electrical cords to keep tripping over.
- Versatility: Most systems come with complete attachment sets designed to clean any type of surface: carpeting, wood and tile floors, draperies, furniture, crevices, corners, staircases, ceiling fans, blinds and drapes, cars, etc.
- Long Term Cost Savings: A central vacuum system can prolong the life of your carpet, furniture, drapes, etc.
- Increase Your Home Value: Not only can the presence of a central vacuum increase the value of your home, but will also keep your flooring in better condition, which could also add value for resale!
- Lower Noise Levels
- And more!
Finding The Right Powerhead For Your Home
Soft Carpet
Some newer style carpets made in the last 15 years are made of a softer carpet material, also known as Ultra-Soft, due to the backing being so tightly woven with these fibers they do not allow airflow to circulate through the carpet. If you are not using the correct vacuum for this style carpet you may notice it is difficult to push and pull your machine, this can cause damage to your vacuum’s brush roll, motor, and even your carpet.
To accommodate for this solid backed carpet you must have a bleeder valve or a special bumper to allow more air to circulate into your powerhead and hose. For central vacuums we carry two options to solve this issue: The SEBO ET-1 Powerhead with a soft carpet bumper or the EBK360 Soft Carpet Powerhead by Wessel Werks.
Carpet Depths
Each powerhead manufacturer has different recommendations for what maximum carpet depth their powerheads should be used on. For a general rule of thumb turning brush rolls should only be used on carpet depths lower than half an inch.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Turning your brush roll off may seem like the easiest and quickest option to clean your non-carpeted flooring but you do not get a good seal due to the height of your powerhead.
Horsehair tools are perfect for hardwood flooring and other scratchable surfaces due to the softness of their bristles.
Nylon Tools are a great option for rougher surfaces like stone, tiles, and bricks. The rougher bristles on these tools help get dust and debris out of cracks and crevices while lasting longer due to their rougher material.
Finding The Right Unit For Your Home
Picking a central vacuum can be a tricky process, please feel free to contact us for specific sizing on a machine for your home.
Cyclovac
Cyclovac is one of the few brands that give you the option of running your unit either bagged or cyclonic. Having a bag in your machine helps your motor and filter last longer due to an extra layer dust must get through, bags also make it cleaner and easier to empty your canister. Cyclonic can also be a good option due to less recurring bag costs.
Cyclovac Units We Carry:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Suction But Powerhead Turns On
No suction can also be caused by the same issues listed under our low suction guide above. If your unit is not turning on at all you may also have an electrical issue with your central vacuum unit or a low voltage issue. Please contact us for a full troubleshoot walkthrough to find the exact root of your problem.
Suction is Fine But Powerhead Does Not Turn On
If you are getting full suction but your powerhead does not turn on there are a few different issues that could be happening. There could be something wrong with the electrical in your home, an issue with the switch in your hose, or an issue with your powerhead. the easiest way to find the root of these issues is to bring your hose, powerhead, and wand into your local service center for testing.
Low Suction
Low suction can be caused by multiple different things, most commonly clogs or motors starting to go bad. Please contact us for a full troubleshoot walkthrough to find the root of your problem.