Central vacuums are becoming a popular choice for many homeowners and for many good reasons. On top of the fact that they offer more power than a traditional vacuum, and they are very easy to use, there are a number of other reasons why one would choose a central vacuum over a traditional portable vacuum.
They are convenient.
This is one of the top reasons one would choose a central vacuum over a traditional portable upright is the fact they are easy to use. Instead of pulling out a large bulky upright out of your closet you have a 30 to 50ft hose that plugs into a wall inlet and a lightweight hose and lightweight powerhead to use instead. Or some opt for a completely retractable hose up to 60ft long and the option for a lightweight battery-operated power head that attaches to the end of the hose and when you're done, a simple flip of the switch and the suction of your central vacuum retracts the hose back into the wall. No mess, no dragging hoses around and the ability to pull out only the amount of hose you need at a time makes this a very convenient and valuable feature. With other accessories such as dust pans, retractable hoses, wall mount quick vacs and many others it's a lot more convenient than a traditional vacuum cleaner.
More Power
Your traditional portable vacuum cleaner is limited to a very small motor because of the limitations in the outlets it plugs into, the maximum output is typically 15 amps. This means that the motor on the portable vacuum has to be much smaller to accommodate for power surge when the unit is turned on. On a central vacuum you have a dedicated 20-amp circuit that operates one very large or two large powerful motors. This gives you more than 4 times the airflow and velocity of a traditional vacuum cleaner. Combine this with the powerful agitation from your powerhead you have a combination that will deep clean all the floors in your house with ease.
Filtration
The biggest advantage of a central vacuum is the filtration these units offer. Many people who have used a traditional vacuum cleaner know what I am talking about. Most traditional vacuum cleaners are very dirty cleaners, they are not sealed well and because of this the vacuum itself is very dirty, it gives off that "vacuum smell" each time you use it and makes this a chore nobody wants to do. With a central vacuum the dirt is contained in one place, at the unit which is located either in the garage or basement. Because all the dirt is carried outside of the living area into the HEPA bagged power unit, this eliminates all of that giving you better indoor air quality. Some of these have the option to be vented outside carrying all the harmful particles away from the home.
Lower Maintenance
One of the many benefits of owning a unit like this is their cost of operation and maintenance is low compared to a traditional vacuum cleaner. Instead of a bagless container that must be dumped after each use, filters that must be constantly washed or changed with filters costing from anywhere from $15 to $50 every 3 to 6 months or taken to a repair shop once a year at the cost of $100 or more, the central vacuum has a very high-quality HEPA certified bag that you only need to change two or three times a year. One pack of these bags that will last all year costs less than some of the most expensive filters you can buy for portable vacuums. That makes these a viable choice for people who suffer allergies or care about the quality of their indoor air quality.
Longevity
An added benefit to central vacuums is how long they last compared to most portable machines. Because they are built with heavier duty components, large commercial motors steel tanks, heavy gauge wiring inside the machine. This means that the unit has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years or more compared to 1 to 3 years out of most portable vacuums that you buy in the store.
Quiet Operation
Because the main power unit is in the garage, a utility closet or the basement, this means that the only noise you hear is the powerhead if you have that attached which those also are very low in noise emissions. While your average vacuum cleaner is rated between 72 and 80 decibels, a central vacuum on average is rated at 60 decibels, meanwhile your average conversation is between 60 and 70 decibels. This means no more shouting over the vacuum or having to turn it off entirely to hear someone talk.
Added Value To Your Home
On top of the many health benefits a central vacuum, there are also financial benefits to installing a central vacuum. Installing a central vacuum can easily add anywhere from $2000 to $5000 in resale value to your home.
Large Dirt Capacity
Unlike a traditional bagless vacuum which must be dumped after each use or a bagged vacuum where you have to change it every 4 to 6 weeks. A central vacuum can go as much as an entire year without having to change the bag, depending on how much the unit gets used. If using a bagless central vacuum this can be once every couple of months between bin dumping.
Cons of a central vacuum
We wouldn't be completely fair or honest if we didn't cover some of the drawbacks of owning a central vacuum. By posting these here we hope to help you in your decision of installing a central vacuum.
They Are Expensive
This is one of the biggest drawbacks for many people considering a system like this. While I cannot put an exact number on installation costs as each installation varies greatly, I can safely say that this can easily be the most expensive appliance in your home. However though, many homeowners decide that the peace of mind that this system gives them knowing they made a sound investment in their home, health, and indoor air quality is worth the initial investment.
They Can Be Hard To Store
Many modern central vacuum systems do have the option for a retractable hose making storage very simple. However there are still many systems installed in a traditional manner where the hose is not stored in the wall, and this hose is anywhere from 30 to 50ft in length and the many accessories you get with a central vacuum in addition to that can take up a lot of closet space. This can be a hassle if you do not have much storage space in your home, however there are many storage accessories available to make this easier to deal with.
Higher Repair Costs
Central vacuums are indeed built to last but however like anything else eventually certain components wear out over time and need to be replaced. On a central vacuum this cost can be very high depending on what system is broken on the machine or if it is an electrical issue that requires a house call. The good news here is that you won't have to do his very often or even in the normal lifespan of a portable vacuum as these systems are built to quality standards.
Final Thoughts
While central vacuums are quite an investment up front and the potential cost of repair is high, the benefits outweigh the negatives in making the choice of owning a central vacuum. The benefits of having better air quality, cleaner carpets and floors, less allergens and the ability to clean large areas quickly makes them much easier to justify the cost of installing one.
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