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Central Vacuum Systems
You can clean your home with a central vacuum system and avoid some of the pitfalls of the more traditional varieties. The central vacuum system starts with a power source most often stored in the garage or basement. It is connected with hoses that are snaked through walls, ending in outlets in each room. You simply take your vacuum brush and hook the hose up to one of the outlets. The dirt is sucked up through the hose and through the wall, down through the other hoses until it reaches the main unit in the garage or basement. The pros of a central vacuum system include an ease of use, a stronger suction unavailable in an upright vacuum (stronger the pull, deeper cleanings with less wear and tear on your carpets and you), easy maneuvering, and no heavy canister to lug around. Like the canister however, the central vac system can clean your drapes, walls and furniture.
When the central vacuum’s dust collector is full, you may need to either change the bag or in the case of a bagless variety, the container. Your personal preference determines which type you should buy. Some people cannot stand shopping for difficult to find bags at not inconsequential price points. The container, bagless or otherwise, will need a change generally twice a year, whether you opt for the bag or the bagless.
The central vac system is not however the best vacuum for a quick cleaning. Who wants to go get the stored hose and attach it to the outlet for a quick pick up of a few crumbs. And if you happen to vacuum up something larger than usual (think baby’s pacifier, an errant lego piece, or even money, retrieving it might be a problem with a central vac system. Another complaint about this kind of vacuuming system is that the long hose can also get in your way as you try and clean a room.
And speaking of hoses, there are a variety of choices for this system. Generally there are two widely used options. The wire reinforced hose is as its name describes…a hose with wire coiling that allows the hose to keep its shape. Unfortunately, this type of hose can get bent out of shape and even cause a decrease in the suction. The answer is the crushproof hose that is wireless. The crushproof hose offers more flexibility and weighs less than the wire reinforced hose, plus if it is crushed, squeezed or condensed it will not lose its shape.
And while you are thinking about purchasing a central vacuum system, make sure it has a warranty that will cover you when the system fails.
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