If you’re thinking about having a central vacuum system installed, you may have a lot of questions. Perhaps you have neighbors who have such an installation and are looking to see if it’s right for you. Or maybe you want to be the first home on your block to have central vacuuming. Then again, maybe you never heard of central vacuuming until recently and don’t know what all the fuss is about.
Regardless of your knowledge on the subject, this article will answer your most common questions about central vacuuming and Vacuflo installation:
What is Central Vacuuming?
Also known as a whole-house vacuum, a central vacuum system begins with a large vacuum system, such as a Vacuflo machine, that is installed somewhere in your home. Typically, it is set up in an area that is out of the way like the basement or garage. This system is then connected by way of pipes through the interior walls of your home.
These pipes terminate in suction ports that are built into the walls of each room in your house.
When it comes time to clean your home, you simply attach a hose to one of these suction ports and begin vacuuming. You will never have to worry about lugging a heavy vacuum cleaner from room to room again.
What are the Benefits?
There are a wide variety of benefits that come with Vacuflo installation in your home. You’ll save a lot of sweat and effort as you no longer need to carry around a large, heavy vacuum cleaner. Instead, all you will need to carry is a hose, which can attach easily to a suction port in any room you would like to clean.
Central vacuum systems can also bring significantly more suction power than an ordinary portable vacuum due to the large external motor.
Ordinary vacuum cleaners tend to blast allergens, such as dust and pollen, all around the room. These vacuums attempt to allay this problem by using HEPA filters and similar filtration systems. While these filters do help, the vacuums will still blow some allergens back into the room. A central vacuum does not have this issue since its venting system is far away from the rooms that are being cleaned. As a result, it is able to remove 99% of the dust and allergens from a room, with no need for costly filters and replacements.
I am Environmentally Conscious. Are Central Vacuums ‘Green’?
They certainly are! The air quality inside of a home with a central vacuum is going to be significantly higher than one that is cleaned using a traditional vacuum cleaner. By virtue of being much more powerful than ordinary vacuum cleaners, central vacuums are also much more energy efficient. They’re significantly quieter as well, reducing noise pollution and all the associated stresses.
How Much Does it Cost?
Naturally, many homeowners who are intrigued by the benefits of a central vacuum system tend to worry about the price tag. They assume that it will be an extremely expensive unit that is impractical for most homes.
You may be relieved, then, to discover that not only is this not the case, but it will actually save you a lot over the years.
An average portable vacuum usually lasts about 5-7 years before needing to be replaced. Over the decades, this cost adds up. A central vacuum unit, however, can last as many as 30-40 years before its useful life comes to an end. The initial cost of a Vacuflo installation is usually surprisingly low as well, with costs varying depending on the size, style, and age of your home. Reach out to an installer for details related to your specific dwelling.
Can I Install One in an Existing Home Even Though the Pipes Run Through the Walls?
Often, homeowners ask if it’s possible to install a central vacuum unit in an older home that was not originally designed for one. In most cases, the answer is yes! While it’s usually cheaper to install the system at the time of construction, a skilled Vacuflo installation company can easily add a central vacuum unit, as well as the necessary piping, to your home.
Homeowners also worry that a large amount of sheetrock will need to be removed to install a central vacuum unit. This is rarely the case; usually, a minimal amount of sheetrock, if any, needs to be removed.
Can it Easily Be Added to a Home Currently Under Construction?
Of course, the piping for a central vacuum can also be set up in a brand new home. One of the best things about a company like Gary’s Vacuflo is that we can work with your architect and builders to seamlessly install a central vacuum system while your home is being built. The size of the unit and the amount of piping will vary depending on the square footage of the home; speak with our team to get the necessary details.
It’s also worth noting that having a central vacuum unit in your home can increase its market value as potential buyers will be impressed with a home that already has a central vacuum system set up.
Will This Type of Vacuuming System Work in a Commercial Building?
The benefits of Vacuflo installation don’t simply extend to homeowners; they can be installed in commercial buildings as well. For a business owner, the extra power boasted by a central vacuum translates to cost savings. Just as in a home, you will save a great deal on electricity, as well as replacement costs over the years.
What is Involved in Maintaining a Central Vacuum?
As with any mechanical system, your central vacuum will need to be maintained on a regular cycle. We recommend scheduling a system checkup every 2-4 years. A professional will check all of the pipes and systems of your central vacuum unit and make any repairs as needed during our 20-point service inspections. You will also need to empty your waste collection units a few times per year, depending on use.
Have any additional questions or want to understand how a Vacuflo installation will work in your home? Reach out to our team today!
