Q: What kind of warranty does a Gary’s VACUFLO Central Vacuum come with?
A: The best in the industry! H-P Products (VACUFLO) offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the power units they manufacture. This warranty also extends to the tubing and the valves if installed by an authorized VACUFLO Dealer such as Gary’s VACUFLO. To top it off Gary’s VACUFLO offers an unlimited one-year guarantee of satisfaction on all parts and accessories. If you aren’t delighted, we’ll buy it back!

Q: What kind of maintenance does a VACUFLO System require?
A: Very little! Just empty the dirt bucket when it is full (it is clear so it is easy to see when this is needed), clean the screen on the true cyclonic models and you are done! On filtered models, you should clean or replace the filter once a year. For step-by-step instructions on how to clean the screen on true cyclonic models, click here. (text link downloads manual directly)

Q: Can you service existing systems, even if they are not VACUFLO?
A: Absolutely. Call our Portland office and we’ll arrange for one of our friendly Service Representatives to take a look at your system.

Q: I have been using my VACUFLO system over a period of a year or more, and my suction seems to be reducing as I continue to use it. What could be wrong?
A: If the unit is True Cyclonic, the problem could be that you have not been cleaning the screen that is inside of the Power Unit. This should be done each time that you dump the dirt bucket. If it is not maintained, a build up of debris could cause the screen to become clogged, thus causing low suction throughout the system.

To clean the screen:

1. Remove the dirt bucket from the bottom of the canister.
2. Use a flashlight to look up inside the bottom of the canister, you will see a plastic cone, and up inside that cone (above elbow deep) is a screen approximately 8" in diameter.
3. We recommend using a toilet brush to stick up inside the cone and scrape the dust from the screen (you can also use your hand, but it can be a dirty job!)
4. One other tip to avoid getting too dirty, put a toilet brush inside a 20 gallon garbage bag and secure this bag around the bottom of the canister with a large rubber band, grab the toilet brush from outside the bag and use as you normally would; all of the dirt will fall right into the garbage bag.

If the unit is Filtered Cyclonic, the problem could be that you have not changed the filter that is inside the Power Unit. This should be done at least once a year. If it is not changed, a build up of debris could clog the filter, thus causing low suction throughout the system.

To change the filter:

1. Remove the dirt bucket from the bottom of the canister
2. Remove the cone by pulling straight down
3. Turn the filter latch 1/4 turn and remove the filter
4. Replace filter, cone, and bucket

Q: I have been cleaning the screen inside my Power Unit, but I am still experiencing low suction, what else could cause this?
A: Another cause of low suction could be that your Turbocat brush is not spinning properly (see frequently asked question on Turbocat not spinning), or it may be that you have a clog in your hose or in the tube in the walls. If the suction feels strong at the inlet valve in the wall before you plug your hose in, it could mean that something is clogged inside your hose. Methods to unclog a hose:

1. Cup your hand around the handle end of the hose and stick it inside one of your inlets (trying to create a seal around the inlet with you hand); while doing this, tap the palm of your hand on the other end of the hose-this may loosen up the clog and pull it out
2. Press the hose a long its length to try and feel for the clog, when you find it, press down on it and knead --- this may break it up enough so it will go through the hose
3. Use a dry garden hose and fish it through the end of the hose --- this may push out the clog.

If you have determined that your Turbocat brush is spinning freely and you do not have a clog in your hose, you may have a clog inside the tubing in your walls.