Benefits of a Central Vacuum Cleaner System

The filtered systems use a combination of screens to clear the air sucked in from the vacuum. Both collect debris in the bottom half of the canister. Some canisters include a bag that sits in the bottom of the canister.

Central vacuum cleaner system accessory kits usually include 25-50 feet of hose, a power brush and various hose heads. Power brushes can be either electrically or air driven. If you purchase a type that is electrically driven you should install your hose receptacles near wall outlets so that the power brush can be plugged in.

Installing a Central Vacuum Cleaner System Installing a central vacuum system can be done by the do-it-yourself homeowner however it is a little tricky, particularly if you are doing it as a retro-fit. The central vacuum canister system should be mounted on a wall in a utility room or garage area, away from the main living space, as they can be noisy. They should be installed near an outlet that is rated for 20 amps. When purchasing a central vacuum system you will need to buy sufficient piping and hose receptacles for your home’s particular needs. The PVC pipe can easily be cut and glued together.

It is best to install a central vacuum cleaner system when the house has just been framed, and before the drywall has been installed. PVC piping and wiring should be snaked from the central vacuum system canister through the wall studding to various locations throughout the house. Typically you will want to install one or two central vacuum hose receptacles on each level of the house. It is always good to include one in the garage as well.

If you are installing a central vacuum system in your house as a retrofit effort, then it may be wise to install the canister unit in the basement. This way you can snake PVC piping along the floor joists. To get to the upper level floors, you will need to cut 2” wide holes in the 1st level flooring and up through existing walls on the 1st level floor. This can be tricky and you may need to remove some sheet rock on the 1st level floor to properly glue together the piping and to securely mount the central vacuum system receptacle to the wall. You will have to go through the same process if you want to install the piping up to the 2nd level of the home.

Again, installing a central vacuum cleaner system is well worth the time and investment. If you are going to install one as a retrofit, first plan where you will locate the canister unit and how you will route the piping. Look for ways to route pipes in existing walls or in closets.