Keeping a tidy home is important for the health and comfort of you and your family. Most people across the US use vacuums often to clean up spills or to remove the regular buildup that happens naturally in our homes. There are many different types of vacuums to choose from when picking which vacuum to invest in for your home. Many Americans have been opting to install central vacuum systems over the standard portable vacuum for numerous reasons.
Central vacuum systems are fast, they pack powerful suction, and they’re extremely convenient to have in your house. One huge bonus to having a central vacuum system installed is that you don’t have to lug an upright vacuum around the house and up and down stairs anymore. Imagine the freedom of just plugging the hose into a wall inlet and then vacuuming without having to carry the bulk of the machine around with you or maneuver the cord as you clean. It’s a fantastic upgrade to your home.
Once you decide to invest in one yourself, you must know how to maintain a central vacuum system to keep it in good working order for years to come. Your installation experts at Gary’s Vacuflo have some great tips on how to maintain a central vacuum system.
Check Your Central Vacuum System Filters and Canisters Regularly
Just like the standard upright vacuum, central vacuum systems use filters and bags or canisters to catch, filter out and trap dirt and debris as you clean your home.
Each central vacuum system will have filters that are specifically made to fit that system. One of the most important steps of maintaining your central vacuum system is to clean or change the filters when needed. Some filters will be replaceable, and some will be reusable after cleaning them. It’s best practice to check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to maintain your central vacuum system filters. Maintaining the vacuum filters will help ensure your vacuum system lasts for many years. If you’d like to avoid dealing with filters completely, you can opt for a power unit that doesn’t require them.
If you find you are needing to replace the filter more often, there could be an underlying issue. You may want to schedule a maintenance inspection with Gary’s Vacuflo if you find this is happening to your vacuum system. If you have reusable filters, you can clean them with warm soapy water. Allow them to fully dry before putting them back in the vacuum system.
You should also empty the canister that traps the dirt or remove the bags when they become full to keep your central vacuum system in good working order. Unlike a traditional vacuum, however, a central vacuum’s capacity is much greater, so the task of emptying the debris will need to be performed less often. A good rule of thumb is to replace the bags two to four times a year. However, it may be more frequent if you use your vacuum more often or have multiple pets.
Remove Any Clogs or Sticky Buildup in the Hose
On occasion, you may find your vacuum hose is clogged. This can happen when moisture builds up or a sticky substance adheres to the hose wall. It can also happen if you vacuum up debris that’s too large to fit easily through the hose. There are a few ways to remove the clog yourself.
You can try to use a central vacuum maintenance cloth to clean the inside of the hose. These cloths can be purchased at hardware stores, or they can be found at your local central vacuum shop. To use the maintenance cloth, you place the cloth inside the vacuum while the central vacuum system is running and wait for it to appear at the other end of the hose. The cloth does all the work inside the hose.
If you find you still have a clog, you can try running the vacuum in reverse to blow the debris clogging the hose out. You may need to use a plumber’s snake to remove a blockage if the clog is persistent enough. Lastly, if you are still unable to remove the clog, you can contact a professional to help.
Central vacuum system hoses receive the most wear over time, so it’s important to keep the hose hanging on a hose hanger or safely inside the walls if you have installed a retractable hose system when you’re not using it. Storing the hose properly will help keep it in good working order for longer.
The vacuum hose heads also get wear and tear over time. Make sure to regularly inspect the attachments to remove any hair or debris that has built up. Store the attachments separately from the hose when not in use.
Check Your Vacuum Motor
The vacuum motor system is the heart of your central vacuum system, and keeping it in good working order is very important to keep your vacuum working optimally. The vacuum motor typically won’t need much maintenance. However, on occasion, the vacuum motor may require lubricants.
You also want to check the motor brushes periodically to make sure they aren’t too worn down. If they are showing wear, you may want to have the motor brushes replaced. If the motor requires more maintenance than the occasional lubricant, refer to your central vacuum system experts so they can inspect the motor and repair or replace parts as needed.
Have Regular Inspections by a Professional
Even if you are diligent at regularly checking your central vacuum system motor, hoses, and filters, you still want to make sure to hire a professional to inspect your vacuum system periodically. It is best practice to get your central vacuum system inspected by a professional once every few years. This is how to maintain a central vacuum system in good working order. By having your central vacuum system inspected every few years, you can potentially catch any issues before they become a more serious problem.
Contact the central vacuum system installation experts at Gary’s Vacuflo today to schedule your checkup.
Tags: Filters, Inspection, Maintenance, Power Unit
