Central vacuum cleaners were once thought of as a thing of the past. However, in many homes being built today, it is hard to find a new house without a central vacuum system included. A central vacuum cleaner is basically a normal vacuum cleaner with one exception - instead of carrying around a canister you insert the vacuum hose into a plug in the wall.



Another added benefit is the cleaning performance of central vacuum cleaners, as well as the elimination of dust and other airborne risks. This is one of the main reasons that homeowners seek the installation of a central vacuum cleaner. For those with several allergic reactions, removing the airborne harmful substances is the key to a healthier life.

The motors that are present in the central vacuum cleaners are much more powerful than portable vacuum models. Studies that have been produced which compare central vacuum cleaners to other brands showed that they were 25% more effective than the portable or canister vacuums.

In addition to the powerful suction, the central cleaning systems do not re-circulate the dirt back into the air, which portable models can do. The most common problem with portable vacuum cleaners is when the bags become too full. The dust has no where to go but out into the air. The bags also tend to trap air that is released when the bag is removed from the unit. While the HEPA filters in the portable vacuum units do a good job of capturing the allergens, the size of the filter causes the air flow to be restricted which in turn reduces the suction power of the unit.

One of the favorite features that homeowners enjoy about central vacuum cleaners is the elimination of noise. Regular upright vacuums or canister vacuum cleaners are able to be heard throughout the entire house when in use. The motor for a central vacuum cleaner is located in an area of the house where there is no traffic, such as in a basement or garage.

When searching for a central vacuum system, you need to know what you are expecting to gain from this type of vacuum cleaner. When shopping you will notice a term used such as "water lift". This refers to the suction power of the cleaner. If you have a home that has the square feet of 2500, then you should purchase a central vacuum cleaner with a water lift of 105 to 120 inches.

Another factor to consider is the price associated with the installation. While having this type of vacuum in your home will be a great asset and will add value to your house, the installation can be expensive. For just the materials, you should expect to have to pay anywhere from $600 to $1500. The cost to install the products will usually be added in separately.

Above all, make sure that the system you are purchasing is covered under a warranty. This will protect your investment if the system were to stop working. You should also make sure that you inquire about what the warranty covers and how long the warranty will last. A good warranty would include coverage for any attachments as well. Another sign that it is a good warranty is if it lasts for more than one year. Being worrisome about the warranty is not a sign that the product will not last. As a matter of fact, older homes that are being resold on the market have the central vacuum system and it works like new.