Kelly Becker
Section Editor
Photos courtesy of Beam Vacuums & Alternative Systems of Southwest Colorado

Probably the biggest myth about central vacuum systems is that they are only for the rich and famous. They are not. True, they will cost more than the common uprights or canister vacs, but considering the benefits, they can be worth the extra money.

As far as some of us know, the central vacuum system is a big, boxy device that we have nowhere to put. Wrong. A central vacuum is a tidy, small (no bigger than a conventional vacuum) canister that is wall-mounted in an out-of-sight location where it draws the dirt. So, to learn more about central vacuum systems, we consulted Durangoan Troy Felker of Alternative Systems of Southwest Colorado. Felker says that central vacs have been in existence since at least the 1940s, possibly even longer ago than that. In those days they were pretty much confined to the homes of the wealthy. These days, however, almost all central vacuum companies have systems that start at around $1,000 installed.

Felker also went on to explain that it is important to know that these systems are not just for floors. Owing to a 30-foot hose with strategically placed inlets to attach the hose to, plus various attachments, virtually everything one would vacuum with a conventional vacuum can be done with a central vacuum. Do expect to pay for attachments or tools a la carte. There are pet-grooming tools, hard floor tools, ceiling fan cleaning attachments, under-the-refrigerator cleaning tools and more. If desired, a separate garage “car care” kit can be purchased to as to not soil the interior hoses and attachments.

According to Felker, log homes were not thought to be good candidates for central vacuum systems, but that is not the case. With some not-too-difficult work for creating inlets for the hose to connect to, log homes can definitely benefit from a central vac. What better way to clean the textured, uneven walls and ceilings than with a 30-foot hose and attachments. A central vac does an excellent job in a log home.

Although all central vacuum systems have a filter, consumers may want to compare these to the self-cleaning systems that are virtually maintenance-free. These models have a canister that can be easily removed and emptied periodically – in some cases as infrequently as two times a year, depending upon the household’s dirt contributors such as mud, pet hair and so on.
If you’re tired of stooping with a dust pan to sweep up a small spill or if you don’t want to get the vacuum hose out, sweep the dirt right up to the intake, turn the vacuum on with your foot and the dirt will be drawn right from the floor. That’s a great feature!

Felker says that all manufacturers are really keen on stressing indoor-air quality. Today’s “tight” building construction actually promotes increased allergens. Central vacuum systems not only do not “stir up” more dust while in use, they completely pull the dirt out of the living area. Each inlet covers approximately 600 square feet and the hose has an ON/OFF switch to the motor. Other niceties of some models include a powerhead for use on carpet which can be shut off and the vacuum immediately can go to a hard surface because the brush has stopped.
The pipes from the inlet to the vacuum itself are polished on the inside to reduce static and friction, which helps boost suction. The canister sizes for central vacuum systems are four-gallon and seven-gallon.