Installing a Central Vacuum in Your Home

ACCORDING to a recent research by the University of California at Davis School of Medicine, a central vacuum system installed in a home can decrease allergy-sufferer’s symptoms by as much as 61 percent. According to professionals at the National Association of Realtors, a home with a central vacuum system is easier to sell.

Why, then, don't most houses have central vacuum systems?

''One of the biggest problems with our industry in this country is that we haven't gotten our message out,'' said Larry Hartley, marketing director for Beam Industries in Webster City, Iowa, one of the largest manufacturers of central vacuum systems. 

And, Mr. Hartley said, even some of those who consider central vacuum system installation hesitate because of a misconception that it is very difficult, and quite expensive, to retrofit such a system in a prevailing home. 

A number of industry specialists agreed with Mr. Hartley's observation that misplaced perceptions about central vacuum system cost and installation difficulties keep most homeowners from even thinking about trading in their upright and canister vacuum cleaners for the quiet and expediency of a central vacuum system.

'Anybody with a mild to moderate mechanical aptitude can install a central vacuum system in an existing house,'' Mr. Hartley said. ''And they can usually do it in one day for under $1,000.'' (Most manufacturers also have a network of dealers and distributors, who would charge an estimated $300 to $600 to install systems for homeowners who do not want to do the work themselves.)

He said most central vacuum systems have three common components: the power unit, a three- or four-foot high canister-shaped, vacuum-producing motor enclosure, which is typically placed in the basement or garage; the hose and attachment set, which is what is employed in the actual cleaning; and the plastic tubing and inlet valves that are used to connect the power unit to the hose and attachment set.

''Most central vacuum systems have three to five times more suction power than traditional vacuum cleaner,'' Mr. Hartley said. ''And one of the most common misconceptions is that you have to have an inlet valve in every room.''

Because the hose that comes with most systems is 30 feet long, it is often possible to have a system that can be utilized in every room of the house with as few as three strategically located inlet valves. ''We need one inlet valve for about every 700 square feet,'' he said.

Richard Kitney, director of sales and marketing for Hayden Industries, a manufacturer in Branford, Ontario, said one benefit of a central vacuum system is that the exhaust from the system is usually released to the exterior of the home. ''That's the true spirit of a central vacuum,'' Mr. Kitney said. ''The only way to create a healthy home environment when you vacuum is to exhaust the system to the outside.''

The Top Canister Vacuums for Pet Hair

Pet hair. It is here, there, and all over! It accumulates on upholstery at a fast rate. It carries allergens like dander and saliva. To sum it up, getting rid of it is a pain. Vacuuming is the fastest way to remove animal fur, especially if you use the best dog hair vacuum.

Best Rated Canister Vacuums Across the Globe

1.      Kenmore Elite 600 Series Canister Vacuum Cleaner

It may be difficult to fish out the appropriate attachment while vacuuming. No worries, though! Kenmore has managed to tackle this problem with its exceptional Pop-N-Go system. Thanks to the user-friendly way the floor head is kept on this vacuum for pet owners, pressing the handy nozzle onto the floor head is required. Besides, there are storage caddies for the motorized Power Mate brush as well as other attachments.

The entire machine is controlled by two motors so that you can use suction with the brush roll or without it. That’s not all – a switch on the handle enables you to adjust the suction, making cleaning from floor to ceiling quicker and more comfortable.

This vacuum comes with a HEPA filter that does an excellent job of capturing allergens such as dander. With a telescopic wand and a 28-foot cord, you can get all the necessary reach, such as dusting on shelves and wiping out cobwebs in corners. The cord rewinds automatically for fast and straightforward storage after vacuuming.

2.      Miele Classic C1 Canister Vacuum Cleaner

It is another best pet hair vacuum on the market. This Miele vacuum offers six suction speeds controllable with the turn of a dial on the machine itself. You can vacuum curtains, hard floors, upholstery, carpets, and area rugs safely.

Further, you may need to clean your carpets using the Electro+ motorized floor head at the five-level or deal with a hard floor with the parquet floor head with the capability to swivel 180 degrees. And what’s more, there is included a crevice tool, dust brush, upholstery brush, and turbo tool, and you can store all of them on the home of the canister vacuum.

The 18-foot electric cord lets you reach a large cleaning radius. Above all, you do not need to worry about pet odors or allergens because of the Active AirClean filter, which is charcoal-layered.

3.      New Miele Complete C3 Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This canister vacuum for dog hair is very user-friendly. You can choose from any of the six speeds for suction while you are cleaning by pressing the minus and plus buttons. The on-board display lights allow you to confirm your choice fast.

Notably, you can use this pet hair vacuum on all the floors in your living place as it comes with an adjustable-height floor head. Moreover, the turbo brush is useful for lifting tenacious pet hair. 

To get rid of allergens and odors, the vacuum features an Active AirClean filter with a layer of activated carbon. It is contained within a single sealed system; hence, the captured dust cannot escape.