Central Vacuum Buyers Guide
Tips for Choosing the Best Central Vacuum Cleaner.
The process of selecting the best central vacuum cleaner can be challenging with a plethora of options available in the market. If you don't know what to look for, it can be easy to get confused. However, don't worry. In this guide, we will help you make an informed decision by narrowing down your options and giving you some suggestions. Although it may not answer all of your questions, it will at least point you in the right direction. If you have additional queries, please contact us for more information.
Follow these Guidelines When Buying a Central Vacuum Cleaner
Dozens of companies make central vacuum cleaners, but researching all of them can take up a lot of time, and some of them may not be worth considering. Therefore, we have provided some guidelines as a shortcut. If you want a quick list of rules without all the details, you can check out the following points. The next section will give you more information about these guidelines.
Consider the noise level of the machine
Check the warranty
Consider the right size motor for your home and usage
Choose a company with a history.
Don't get too caught up in the numbers.
Go for bagless over bagged so there is no loss of suction.
Maintenance, What is required to keep the system working well
Look for the best value instead of the lowest initial price.
Flooring, what you will choose for flooring will determine what type of vacuum and accessories you will need.
Consider the Noise Level
A central vacuum cleaner can be a noisy appliance, and some models are louder than others. When shopping for a central vacuum cleaner, make sure to look for models that offer quiet operation. A central vacuum cleaner with a noise level of 70 decibels or lower is ideal. Since these systems are normally located in the garage or similar space, the noise may not be a concern for most homeowners but it is important to look for a unit with a lower decibel level to minimize noise pollution.
Check the Warranty
A warranty is an important consideration when buying a central vacuum cleaner. Some cheaper systems offer a low warranty and often the company selling them is not around for long. Make sure to check the warranty before purchasing a central vacuum cleaner to ensure that you're protected in case of any defects or issues with the product. This also includes the warranty for installation. Once the pipes are in the wall it is very hard to repair. A quality install should provide trouble free central vacuuming for the life of the house.
Consider the Power of the Motor
The power of the motor is an important consideration when buying a central vacuum cleaner. A more powerful motor will provide better suction and clean more thoroughly. But choosing a motor that is suitable for the size of your home is most important. Machines like Maxvak 2400 can be too powerful for your home if it is too small. This can make it hard to move the floor brush hard to move across the carpet. This doesn’t make the cleaning process fun when you have to fight with the central vacuum suction. This can be overcome by using a low-profile floor tool. But it is best to purchase the right size cleaner at the start. Some companies who sell central vacuum machines might like you to buy the more powerful machine as these are more expensive. VacuumOne offers a free design service. Share your plans and VacuumOne will design a system that will suit your house and how you intend to live in the home.
Choose a High-Quality Manufacturer with a History
This is critical when investing in a central vacuum cleaner as it can add value to your home. Buying from a small or new company could be risky as you don't know the kind of service they will provide. To ensure quality, go for multi-national companies like NuTone or Beam, but expect to pay for the brand name!
Alternatively, you can choose privately-owned companies like VacuumOne and Electron EVS, both companies has been in business for well over 30 years, producing quality and long-lasting motors. For instance, the Electron EVS 2808 and 2606b have long-life motors that last up to 1,500 hours, which is three times more than the average central vacuum motor. Thousands of New Zealand homes have central vacuum systems installed by VacuumOne. Other well-known brands include Hills HCV 1600 and Maxvak.
Don't Get Too Caught Up in the Numbers
Unless you're an engineer or expert, you don't need to pay attention to all the numbers. The central vacuum cleaners have various specifications, but most of them won't mean much to the average buyer.
However, one number you need to check is the square metre recommendations. Each central vacuum cleaner has a maximum of recommended square metres it can cover. It would be best to avoid buying one that is too small for your home as it would not have sufficient suction power. As most good systems will include a 12m hose, it is easy to pace out 10 paces to indicate how many inlets your house will need. Check with the manufacturer for the recommended maximum number of inlets. This will guarantee you have enough suction power for deep cleaning, even for the remote parts of your house.
Choose Bagless Over Bagged Central Vacuums
Bagged central vacuum cleaners may seem like a convenient option, but they come with their own set of issues. With bagged models, you'll need to frequently replace the bags, and some require expensive proprietary bags that can be hard to find. Additionally, as the bag fills up, the suction power can decrease.
On the other hand, bagless central vacuum cleaners offer a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run. These systems have reusable filters that can be easily cleaned and don't require the purchase of additional bags. Plus, bagless vacuums don't lose suction power as the dirt canister fills up.
When considering a bagless central vacuum cleaner, ask yourself these questions:
How easy is it to empty the dirt canister?
How often do I need to clean or replace the filters?
Is the filter easily accessible for maintenance?
Are replacement filters readily available?
Many bagless models, such as the Electron EVS, feature easy-to-remove and clean dirt canisters and filters, making maintenance a breeze.
Maintenance
Good maintenance is critical for the longevity of your central vacuum cleaner. Without proper care, you'll encounter problems pretty quickly, and some brands may even void your warranty for improper maintenance. Therefore, it is essential to know what you're getting into upfront. Here are some maintenance tips to consider before choosing a central vacuum cleaner:
Regularly empty the dirt receptacle or replace the bag to ensure optimal suction power.
Clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent clogs and maintain suction power.
Make sure the filter is easily accessible for maintenance.
Check and clean the powerhead periodically to prevent buildup and maintain suction power.
Use proper cleaning techniques and attachments for your specific flooring types to prevent damage and prolong the life of your central vacuum cleaner.
Flooring
Another important factor to consider when buying a central vacuum cleaner is the type of flooring in your home. If you have primarily hardwood or tiled floors, then you may not need as much suction power as someone with carpeted floors. In this case, a lower-powered central vacuum cleaner may suffice. However, if you have thick carpets, then you will need a central vacuum cleaner with a more powerful motor to effectively clean the carpets.
It is also important to consider the accessories that come with the central vacuum cleaner. Look for a unit that comes with a range of accessories such as crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and dusting brushes. These tools can make cleaning more efficient and effective, allowing you to clean every corner of your home.
Conclusion
By considering all of these factors, you can select the best central vacuum cleaner for your home. Remember, investing in a high-quality central vacuum cleaner is an investment in your home's cleanliness and your family's health.
Talk with the team at VacuumOne for a free design for your new home or renovation.