In order to end up with the central vacuum system best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of central vacuum systems are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a central vacuum system.
Research the market: Central Vacuum System essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the central vacuum system market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
System Components: A central vacuum system consists of a centrally located power (vacuum) unit that is normally located in a garage or basement. This is what collects all the dust and debris as it is vacuumed. A lightweight hose and powerhead are the portable components that are carried from room to room. These are connected to ports or inlets located in individual rooms of the house. They transfer the dust and debris to the power unit via tubing located in the walls.
System Capacity: Central vacuum systems are available in different wattages and with a range of dust bag capacities. Powerheads may be unpowered or powered with a rotating head and brushes, and hoses are made in different lengths to accommodate large and small rooms.
Dust bag capacity: The canister for collecting dirt is centrally located in the power unit and can be either a disposable bag or plastic canister. Their holding capacity is often larger than most traditional vacuum cleaners and therefore they don't need to be emptied as frequently, depending on the amount of dirt and debris vacuumed from your floor surfaces.
Cost: The cost of central vacuum systems varies depending on the size of the power unit, number of outlets and whether the system is installed during construction of a new house or into a pre-existing house.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a central vacuum system. For example, will you use the vacuum system only for floor surfaces, or drapes and furniture as well?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a central vacuum system before? |
| | If you have used a central vacuum system, work out what you did or didn't like about the system. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What types of flooring surfaces does my home have? |
| | This may seem a silly question, but it is one that you should at least think about. The main thing to consider is how much of your house has carpeted floors versus tile or hardwood floors. While vacuum systems can be used on the low, hard surfaces like tile, if your home has very little carpeting then you may not want to buy the super-expensive model that is made for cleaning carpets. |
| How much traffic does my floor see on a day-to-day basis? |
| | This is a critical thing to consider. If you live alone, then logic says that there is little traffic and not much dirt and debris accumulating on the floors, and so you may not need a vacuum cleaning system in your home. If you have a full house, however, complete with pets (which thoughtfully contribute their fur everywhere) then you will need something that can keep up with the comings and goings in your home. |
| What is my budget? |
| | Remember that vacuum systems vary in price, and just because something is the most expensive, flashy model out there does not mean that it is going to work well for you and your needs. Think ahead of time just how much money you are willing to invest in a vacuum system and firmly draw the line there once you begin considering the various models. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of central vacuum systems and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:GeneralHow do central vacuum systems work?Selecting the right central vacuum systemBuyers guide to central vacuumsThe pros and cons of central vacuum systemsThe power of central vacuumsTypesCentral vacuum systemSeveral types of central vacuum systemsRange of ducted vacuum systems