Whole house vacuums, which are also known as central vacuum systems, are becoming the preferred alternative to portable vacuums in more and more homes.
They can be installed in all different sizes and styles of homes, from large or custom homes to single level. However, when new homes are being built, this is an option that many overlook.
Whole house vacuums can also be installed in existing homes. However, installing them in a home as it’s being built is typically an easier process. Gary’s Vacuflo also offers a significant builders’ discount. Homebuilders in the Portland, Vancouver, and Bend areas have all trusted Gary’s Vacuflo for their whole house vacuum needs for years now.
There are different whole house vacuums available based on price and the layout and square footage of the home. More information on the different models, attachments, and whole house vacuums can be found on our website.
The whole house vacuum consists of three parts, which are the tubing, the valves, and the power unit. The power unit should be installed in a cool and dry room. Whole house vacuums will typically last longer if they are in well-ventilated areas so that they won’t get too hot. Because of this, most decide to install the system in what will be the home’s basement or garage.
The Benefits
A whole house vacuum is an upgrade because it provides an easier and more powerful way to clean. Homeowners will no longer have to carry around a portable vacuum from room to room. Instead, they just have to attach the hose and attachments to the inlets placed on the walls.
And because the whole house vacuum has a more powerful suction than a portable vacuum it is, overall, a better clean. Thanks to the many different attachment options, homeowners will also have the ability to clean in more of those hard to reach places in each room. Also, portable vacuums can be quite noisy and irritating. But with a whole house vacuum, since the engine is typically in the basement or garage, using it is much quieter.
If the home is going to be sold, having a whole house vacuum already installed will likely lead to more of a profit. This is because homes that come with them are typically perceived as being higher-cost. Government reports say having a whole house vacuum can increase the value of a home by up to $4,100. This means that when selling the home, one can ask for a higher price than they may have initially expected.
This is also a benefit to builders and another great reason to offer it as a home upgrade in new housing communities.
Another standout benefit of whole house vacuums is that they will improve air quality. As it turns out, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. This can be due to synthetic building materials and furnishings, chemically formulated household products, and tightly sealed housing construction. And portable vacuums just recirculate dirt and dust into the air.
With a whole house vacuum, the power unit that collects the dust and dirt is outside of the living area. So, in addition to eliminating 100% of vacuumed dust and allergens, it also won’t exhaust into the air people breathe. This makes the homes healthier and is especially great for anyone with allergies or asthma. Gary’s Vacuflo whole house vacuum systems are shown to reduce the discomfort of allergy sufferers by about 60%.
If you’re building the home with the intention of making it ‘green’, whole house vacuums are also a more environmentally friendly option as it helps homes meet National Green Building Standards. Again, this will also help to sell the home because many home buyers are environmentally conscious and looking for more energy efficient homes nowadays.
And they’re an investment since whole-house vacuums can last up to 30 or 40 years. This is far longer than a typical portable vacuum, as those typically have to be replaced every couple of years.
Plus, they are easier to maintain. Because whole house vacuums hold more than portable vacuum cleaners, homeowners will not have to clean out bags or filters as much, and only have to empty the unit out two or three times a year.
Easy Installation
As for the installation process, it’s easier than you might have assumed, and actually does not take a lot of time. In total, it will take a few hours over two days. Gary’s Vacuflo will work with contractors to make sure the installation fits within their schedule and won’t leave a mess, either.
In new homes, the installation is a two-step process. The first step is known as the rough-in or pre-pipe. This involves installing the vacuum tubing system. This step will ideally take place at about the same time as the electric wiring is installed. The reason it’s done at that point is that tubes can be installed beneath the flooring.
If there’s not enough space beneath the flooring, though, the tubing can also be installed in the walls, the attic space, or the crawlspace.
The second step is known as the trim stage, which is when the valves and power unit of the whole house vacuum is installed. This step is ideally done after the flooring and cabinetry are installed. After this stage, Gary’s Vacuflo can demonstrate how the system works. If you want, Gary’s Vacuflo also offers Do It Yourself kits. But having a professional perform the installation is typically recommended.
Ultimately, whole house vacuums are a final touch that will put each house built above and beyond. Because of the benefits offered, it will make each home more appealing to buy and more comfortable to live in for years to come.
For more information, or if you have any questions, contact Gary’s Vacuflo or read more on our website.
Tags: homebuilding trends, ideas for homebuilders, upgrades for homebuilders, whole house vacuum
