Central Vacuum Cleaning Guide

This central vacuum cleaning guide will explain how to clean with a central vacuum system and what the advantages and disadvantages of having one may be for you.

A central vacuum cleaner is also known as a built-in vacuum. It is made up of a power unit installed in a garage or basement, PVC tubing installed under floors and behind walls, inlet valves throughout the home, vacuum hoses, and accessories that make cleaning your home easy and quick. Central vacuum cleaning is considered the modern method of maintaining a spotless household.

These built-in vacuums can be used to clean not only the carpets and bare floors of your home, but your drapes, pillows, window casings, ceilings, computer keyboards, and upholstery.

In order to operate your central vacuum system, all you do is plug the 20 to 30-foot long hose into an inlet valve and begin. There's no need for switches since the motor remains constantly in a stand-by mode, ready at any time for use.

What are the pros of a central vacuum cleaner?

1) It is extremely quiet. With the motor operating in a basement or garage, noise is significantly reduced, if not practically eliminated. You can vacuum any time you like and still hear the children or listen to your favorite television show while you work.

2) Powerful suction means a cleaner and healthier home. Compared to a portable vacuum, a central vacuum delivers nearly three to five times more power to help remove harmful allergens, dust, and pollen from your home. You'll never again worry about re-circulating allergen-filled air back into your home. All of the dust and debris is carried to a central receptacle, contained either in the garage or the basement.

3) The deep down cleaning and removal of particulates and dirt from your home means healthier indoor air quality, which is important for everyone.

4) The receptacle requires emptying occasionally, about every three months or so.

5) Central vacuum cleaning is much easier than cleaning with a portable vacuum. All you need to maneuver around your home is the lightweight hose and wand with your preferred attachment. This type of vacuum is ideal for every home, but especially for those who are physically unable to carry heavy items.

6) Your home's value will be increased immediately with the investment of a central vacuum system, anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, which will be beneficial if you need to sell your home.

7) Central vacuums can be installed in either new or existing homes.

8) Central vacuum cleaning is said to prolong the life of everything from your drapes, furniture, and carpeting since it removes more dirt and debris than a traditional portable vacuum.

9) It's easy to move directly from carpet to bare floors.

10) The tools and accessories make it simple to clean every surface and item in your home as you move through each room. It's sort of a one-stop cleaning appliance.

11) The price difference between central vacuums and portable vacuums has recently become more cost-effective.

What are the cons to a central vacuum system?

1) The initial cost of installing a central vacuum system in an existing home can be somewhat daunting. The cost of your particular system will be determined by the size of your home since you must have a certain number of inlets and a certain amount of power to have excellent suction and cleaning power throughout the house. Installation costs also vary and can become expensive, depending on how much needs to be done to the house to accommodate the central vacuum system.

2) The tools and accessories for a central vacuum must be carried along with you and used on a regular basis in order to truly get your home spotless. It may become cumbersome for some, depending on the size of home you're cleaning.

3) Some people find that carrying around a 30-foot hose is awkward.

4) Small items, such as toothpicks, sticks, or rocks, aren't taken in by a central vacuum since those items could become lodged inside the tubing behind the walls and begin to clog the pipe.

Overall, central vacuum cleaning provides better indoor air quality, relief for allergy sufferers, and provides an easier method by which to clean any size home. Prior to making a decision to switch to the built-in vacuum cleaner, weigh the pros and cons and see if it is a good fit for your household.

If you are still not sure, whether central vacuum systems are a good choice, take a look at detailed vacuum cleaner reviews to find the right model for your needs.