A central vacuum system is a godsend for homeowners with a lot of carpeting and flooring to keep clean on a daily basis. Pets, kids and absent-minded spouses always seem to have a way to create a mess where one is absent. But what if you want to buy a system besides the typical Nutone and Beam central vacuums? Fortunately, there is a vast and varied marketplace for people looking for alternatives to the brand names. Obviously it’s important to purchase products from a company that stands behind their product, but that company isn’t necessarily one that spends the most on advertising or has been around the longest. As domestic technology keeps burgeoning, so do the ideas and components that go into a central vacuum system. Having a sense of what different manufacturers offer can not only get you a great deal, but also ensure you are on the cutting-edge of centralized vacuuming.
The biggest component of the system will be the power unit that will create the vacuum force as well as be attached to the receptacle that collects all the sucked-up dirt and debris. Motor speed and voltage are two big factors in assessing power, as are maximum air watts, which indicates the force of return rate to the unit. A power unit can draw suction from a home’s preexisting cold air returns, though this is best done in conjunction with the special tubing sold with most systems. If you are uncertain about what any of that means, having a contractor perform an installation may be best.