Selecting A Central Vacuum System

For New Construction

In New Homes under construction, the installation of a Central Vacuum System is simple! Just plan the location of the central vac inlets with your builder or contractor. Tubing and inlets are installed and the electrical hook-up for the power unit is made before drywall, plaster or finished flooring is in place. That's All...

For those trying to stretch their home building dollars, a home can be conveniently pre-tubed, with the power unit selected and installed at a later date.

For Existing Construction

Installation is easy in existing homes as well. Cutting through drywall, plaster and flooring can be kept to a minimum and is determined by the number and location of the central vacuum inlets. Tubing can be run through cold air returns, closets and stairwells.

Central Vacuum Performance Buzzwords
Below are the measurements manufacturers use to assess their vacuum system's performance. But, what does it all mean?

Amps: represent the amount of electrical current consumed by the motor during use. The implication is that the more electricity the motor uses, the more powerful it is. This is not necessarily true. A motor that uses more electrical current does not always mean the current is being used more efficiently.

Horsepower: measures the power of a motor. Horsepower can vary according to voltages, motor loads and temperature variances, and is not an accurate measure of how well a vacuum system will pick up dirt.

Sealed Suction: measures the maximum suction generated by the motor without airflow. Because vacuum cleaners rely on airflow to clean effectively, high sealed suction without airflow will not clean anything.

CFM: is the maximum volume of airflow measured in Cubic Feet Per Minute. Maximum CFM ratings occur when the vacuum system is operating without restrictions to airflow. In normal vacuuming conditions, hoses, cleaning attachments, bags, filters and accumulated dust create restrictions to airflow, reducing CFM. Therefore, CFM alone is not a good indicator of vacuum cleaning performance.

Central Vacuum Measurements To Look For
Maximum Air Watts: represent the air power delivered by the power unit. CFM and Sealed Suction are combined to represent actual vacuum cleaning power. Maximum Air Watts is recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) as the best way to measure the actual cleaning power of a vacuum system.

Sustained Cleaning Power: is the ability to maintain Maximum Cleaning Power over time. The very first time you vacuum with a system that has a bag or filter, there will be a measurable decrease in suction power and airflow as dirt and dust begin to accumulate.