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Behind the scenes
As explained by the built-in-vacuum experts from MD Manufacturing, Inc., instead of a portable, self-contained appliance like a traditional vacuum, a central vac is a whole-house system. Tubing installed inside the walls is connected to a vacuum pump and collection unit in the basement or garage.
There are no electrical cords to bother with -- all it takes to start the system is to insert the hose into the wall inlet. The system starts automatically and stops when the hose is removed. The dust and dirt collects in the large canister.
You can have multiple inlets installed in every room, or you can have a single inlet in a convenient location that allows you to reach most rooms with the long (usually 30-foot) hose. "One of the most popular features of a central vac system is the ?dustpan' vac -- a small, wide inlet built into the toe kick area under a kitchen cabinet," Hartley says. "Just sweep debris from the kitchen toward the inlet, open the inlet with your toe, and away it goes - no more messy dustpans needed."
Neat and noiseless
According to Hartley, one of the most noticeable perks of a central vac system is that it has about five times more cleaning power than an upright vacuum. "The superior power means that the system can capture far more dirt and allergens than any cleaning system. And because the motor is outside the living area, a central vacuum doesn't blow air into the room to stir up dust and
allergens," he adds.
Central vacuum systems are also extremely quiet. Because the motor is outside the living area, the sound of a central vacuum system is almost negligible inside the home. "You can hear the phone ring, listen to the radio or hear family members talking while you're using a central vac," Hartley says.
One of the biggest hassles with regular vacuum cleaners is changing the bag -- it's dirty and inconvenient, and it can be hard to find the right size bags. In comparison, the canister on a central vac system requires emptying only two or three times a year, and there are no bags to buy. No other
maintenance is required.
The bottom line
A central vacuum system can be installed in virtually any new or existing home. Professional installers can retrofit existing homes without damaging interior walls. The average cost of installation, according to Beam Central Vacuum Systems, is around $1,000 with each inlet ranging from approximately $70 - $125. They typically provide 20 years of service, which means you can actually save money by not having to purchase replacement vacuums.
Plus, a recent study conducted for real estate assessors found that installing a central vacuum system adds a minimum of $1,300 to the value of a home. And according to the National Association of Realtors, a home with a central vacuum system can sell faster, or for a higher price than a similar home without one.
