Best central vacuum cleaner – a complete guide to built-in vacs

If there is one thing every homeowner strives to achieve, it has to be keeping every room clean. A central vacuum cleaner might be all you need to keep your home clean. With enough power to get the job done, central vacuum cleaners are the go-to option for many of us. I’ve talked about this subject a couple of years ago, but now it’s time to go deeper into the problem.

The central vacuum cleaners stand out with one interesting aspect. You can install the vacuum cleaner onto your house just like e.g. a water heater, and use it to clean dust and debris in the rooms. The system then channels the particles through a tubing array attached to the walls. These are then collected in a designated bag located alongside the power unit.

The central vacuum cleaners have a base power unit and a collection canister for storing debris. You can keep the two sections in the basement or in the garage. Moreover, the systems have inlets across the house, which connect to the tube structure. Then there is a hose management system and a hose too. To the front, the system includes a power head as well as several accessories on the tow. The accessories are at the forefront and are the ones you use for the actual collection of the dirt. This connects to the hose, which then leads to the inlets on the wall. Central vacuum cleaners stand out in several aspects. From the design to the construction, as well as the operation, these are ideal for heavy-duty use. Here are a few things that make central vacuum systems great:

What makes central vacuum cleaners great

Super easy installation

You may think that installing this system would be an almost impossible feat. But the installation of these systems does not come in as time-consuming or difficult. You can call a pro to do this for you, which doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. An expert installer can help get the job done with ease. Besides, they can optimize the system to suit your space. Another great thing about these systems is, you can install it in a new building or on an existing one. And for the existing buildings, you don’t have to take down or destroy the walls. Better yet, it is something you can hardly do in over a day.

If you are going the DIY way, all it takes is to have the right supplies and ensure you get help from the local dealer. If you have some skills, then installing a central vacuum cleaning system should not be a problem. You can start enjoying the benefits right away after installing your system. And this will continue for the long haul.

Enough power

The real deal is in the power that comes with a central vacuum system. These systems have quite large motors. Thus, they have the necessary power to take the vacuuming job in your house in a stride. The machine can pick even the minute debris, dust particles around the house. Moreover, selecting the right central vacuum cleaner for your home does not have to be a problem. These systems have the power units rated by square footage. As such, you can select the one that can deliver enough power.

These systems also boast a range of filtration technologies. Some of the systems feature inverted filters or replaceable bag systems. Others have cyclonic filtration technology for a powerful suction. One of the outstanding things about these systems is the location of the motors. With the strategic placement on either the basement or garage, the motor can stay cool. This not only guarantees high motor efficiency but also enhances its durability. You can thus rely on these systems to suck out the deep grit on your carpet.

Low-noise footprint

Another thing that makes these systems great is the quiet operation. If you have someone vacuuming around, it would be difficult to concentrate on reading or such. You must be aware of how frustrating waking up to a vacuum cleaner noise can get. Besides, no one relishes the idea of watching a movie with a vacuum cleaner in the room.

Well, this could be the issue with most conventional vacuum cleaners. But the central vacuum cleaners are in a class of their own. Thanks to the distant location of the motor, these systems are pretty quiet in use. The only thing you will hear is the air running on the pipes, or suction sound from the power head itself.

Built for convenience

Almost every homeowner wants a tool that can get the job done in a fast, effortless, yet effective way. All the best central vacuum cleaners prove handy without the power cord that can get in the way. The hose management systems in these best central vacuum cleaners are outstanding too. With a system such as e.g. Hide-a-Hose, you can pull out the hose to only enough length for your needs. Then you can connect the power head and continue. Once done, the hose can then recoil into the walls, where it remains out of sight for as long as you are not using it. Besides, you no longer need to take on the task of cleaning the debris canisters or any bags with every use. These systems also come with an array of filtration as well as canister disposal systems. This means having many options at your disposal that can suit your needs.

If there is one thing central vacuum cleaners can promise and deliver, it has to be sheer performance. These systems usually offer cleaner air after use. Ideal construction and the location of the collection canisters make these systems remarkable. First, the powerful suction takes off all the debris and particles in the air. Then these go down to the garage or basement before disposal, well away from the indoors.

This means the system is great for homeowners with allergy and asthma. You can hardly do this with a vacuum that does not have enough power or ideal design. As such, most of the portable vacuums can recycle these allergens as well the as the dust back into the house. The main culprit is their air exhausts. They thus usually leave “vacuum” smell that usually lingers around.

The use of portable vacuums has led to the need for dusting after cleaning. But these systems help rid that problem. The University Of California Davis School Of Medicine conducted a study on the issue. It shows that the best central vacuum cleaners can improve allergy symptoms by up to 61%.

Masters of versatility

If there is one thing that stands out about these systems, it has to be their versatility. The best central vacuum cleaners can clean almost anywhere around the house. From any type of surface to the different places in any room, they have your needs covered. Thanks to the several tools and the long hoses, you can clean almost anywhere. These features also make these vacuum cleaners ideal for other surfaces. You can use it to clean your boats, vehicles or even the RVs.

A wide array of accessories

Want to take your home cleaning to a higher notch? Well, you need to invest in several accessories in any appliance you want. The good thing is, these systems have a hoard of these accessories for better performance. The extension wands reach high vault ceilings. You can turn to the mini tools that take care of the shelves. And the long hoses are also a great addition to the collection. Some dust mops, rug tools, upholstery tools offer a welcome addition.

Others offer a wide array of attachments for thorough cleaning on every surface. Most of these tools usually cater to different uses. Some are ideal for cleaning your house, while others will work wonders down in the basement. You can also make the most of some with the perfect design for use in the workshop. The choice here is much about your needs and preference.

Super easy use goes a long way too

As a known fact, only a few people love taking on the regular household chores that never end. And chances are you are not one of those few. But what happens if you find a powerful, efficient, yet easy-to-use vacuum? You have the right combination for keeping the dust and allergens at bay. Well, that is what the central vacuum cleaners are all about. If you are not ready to muscle a heavy canister around, then this system is for you.

Once you have a system like this all you need is to have the powerhead connected to the inlet. Because it hardly weighs several pounds, it has what it takes to get whenever you want it, so you do not need to switch it off or on whenever you move to reach every nook and cranny. Best of all, you hardly have to worry about toppling or scratching the furniture in your room.

You can consider it an investment

Most of the appliances you have used in your home have usually ended up in the dump truck. It might have served you for years, but seeing it go is still hard enough. Well, what if you could find something that can save you costs, and promise a good return on your buck? That is every homeowner’s wish. And it is something that a central vacuum cleaner can promise and deliver. Once you have this system in place, it will serve you for years. But if it comes a time when you are selling your home, it can add to the value. Better yet, these systems can last for years without any repairs or servicing. Once you have it in place, you will hardly need to spend any more money down the road.

Can’t beat the durability

When it comes to durability, these offer a great value for your money. The very best central vacuum cleaner should last up to ten, fifteen, even twenty or thirty years. Considering that cleaning can be a rather tough business, such a system that can hold on so long is worth a hard look. So the chances are low that you will need to discard the appliance or some of its parts. This means it is quite a great option to use if you care about the environment.

Deep pockets for the quality

The question of how much the system costs usually comes up is inevitable. It is something you cannot afford to miss out since you also need to weigh in your options before buying. Consider everything from energy to the time, the quality and the material it features. Apparently, a central vacuum cleaner will cost more than a normal one. So as you decide, you have to consider whether the upfront cost is manageable. Speaking of the cost, it can start from $500 and reach even $10000 depending on the size of your home and on the features you choose.

The good thing about this system is that it is robust enough for the lasting use. That is exactly what these systems hinge on. It will cost you a pretty penny up front. But when compared to the accumulative costs of the other vacs out there, the cost of a central vacuum cleaner may seem a bargain. Factor in the need to carry a hefty canister around, the noise, and the inconvenience. Don’t forget you will need to store it. Then you will realize why this type of vacuum stands out.

Central vacuum cleaners vs normal vacuum cleaners

For many, the decision to whether to go for a normal vacuum cleaner or a built-in one is always a tricky choice. But reaching the right decision doesn’t have to be a daunting feat. It all comes down to your needs. Sometimes the choice can depend on the budget you have set aside. In most cases, it’s all about the differences between central vacuum cleaners versus the other types. Here are some of the most common differences.

Central vacuum cleaners keep the interiors cleaner

These vacuum cleaners can rid the re-circulation of dust and allergens. This makes them ideal for a fresher environment after vacuuming. You shouldn’t worry about allergens and pollutants floating around the room after cleaning.

Central vacuum cleaners prosper in power

Another impressive difference between the central vacuum cleaners and the normal ones is the power. Some of the central vacuum cleaners have up to five times the suction power that most normal vacuums can deliver. One may argue that they need that much power to cover for all the tubing structure. However, this high rating power is made possible thanks to possibility to install better motors, which don’t need to be portable and as such don’t sacrifice on performance.

Central vacuum cleaners are more convenient

Central vacuum cleaners have proved to be the most convenient option around by far. You do not have to carry the unit around, up or downstairs, from one room to the next. This can be convenient for almost everyone. They are also very helpful for users with back pain problems or arthritis, because these people don’t need to lift any weight. Besides, there are no power cords to get in your way as you clean. This reduces the risk of injury as well and make the chore more pleasant.

Central vacuum cleaners offer ideal positioning

When you use a central vacuum, you send the vacuumed debris to a safe distance from the place you’re vacuuming. Central vacuums and their dirt containers can be placed far from the living area. Moreover, they come in large canisters. This means you won’t need to discard the collected dirt quite often. This does a lot for you, as alleviating the need for dusting after vacuum cleaning. Besides, central vacuum cleaners are very effective when it comes to the filters. Most are washable and replaceable.

Top 10 central vacuum cleaners to go for

It is time to find out some of the best options in town. Selecting the perfect central vacuum cleaner out there can be a challenging undertaking. Not to worry though, I’ve tried to make things simple for you.

PowerStar PS405 / PS505 / PS705 / PS805

If you have a small home, then this system is all you want. The PowerStar is ideal for homes with a space under 3,000 square feet. One of the interesting things about this system is its 500-air watts suction power. Also keep an eye on the water lift (110 inches) and air flow values (120 CFM). This sheer power makes it suited for heavy-duty use. It comes with a bagged unit that can store up to 4 gallons of particles. It’s bigger brothers, Power Star PS505, Power Star PS705 and Power Star PS805 have higher efficiency indices, but are also meant to larger homes. The price for a PowerStar PS405 is sometimes discounted.

NuTone PP500 / PP600 / PP650

This system can come in handy if you have a home with about 4,000 square feet of space. It can also be ideal for users with a condo, it all depends on your needs. The robust 12-amp motor delivers enough power to cater to your suction needs (500 AW, 120 inches water lift). Moreover, the power unit is also quite silent, operating at only 70 dB low noise, thanks to an anti-vibration function and a sound-absorbing motor design. It also boasts a durable construction, with a bag for keeping the captured debris and a top-of-the-line filter. You can go for up to six months without having to check these parts.

If you want to cover more space, you can move to the next NuTone from this line of central vacuums, which is the PP600. This product ensure you can clean 7000 sq ft. Still in the PurePower series, the NuTone PP650 has what it takes to keep a home up to 9000 square feet free from dust and debris. What’s more, this unit offers the opportunity to use it whether you have the bags or not. This system features a design ideal to cater for bagged or bagless uses. You can always make the most of it to suit your needs or preference. The most interesting thing about it yet is how quiet it can operate. This system is among the quietest top central vacuum cleaners on the market. It operates at 65 dB sound, the same as the sound of people in a conversation. And the NuTone has yet another surprise, it comes with a sealed HEPA filtration design. You can find the one of the best prices for the PP650 here.

NuTone VX1000 and VX1000C

If you live in a bigger home, NuTone has prepared 2 special units for you, one bagged (VX 1000) and one baggless (VX 1000C). These central vacuums can tackle up to 12,000 sq ft and have properly increased parameters: and airflow at 2″ opening of 230 CFM, a water lift of 130 inches and a suction power of 1040 AW. Get the latest deal for the VX1000C  on this page.

Honeywell 4B-H403 / 4B-H503 / 4B-H703 / 4B-H803 / 4B-H902

Honeywell’s classic line of central vacuums can cover for every need. Starting with the smallest 4B-H403 and ending with the biggest 4B-H902, virtually any space size is covered. E.g. the Honeywell 4B-H902 system is the master of them all. It can cater for homes as large as 15,000 square feet. The 1000 AW suction power is unmistakable. And that’s not all yet, another quite exciting thing about this vacuum cleaner is the large 7-gallon bag. With this vacuum handy, you can keep the collected dust and debris for months before you have to dispose of it. You will also come to love the 2-stage motor of these vacuums.  This motor delivers enough power to take on even the most challenging vacuuming tasks you might throw at this system. Then you will also love the HEPA filter, which is self-cleaning and life-time guaranteed to make the work easier for you. Last I’ve checked there were only a few 4B-H403s left in stock here.

Honeywell 4B-H750 and 4B-H850

For those looking to take matters to a whole new level, these are the most recent Honeywell central vacuum cleaners, which come with new technologies such as the Quick Lock Bucket, the Interactive LCD and the Slide-in mounting bracket. The Honeywell 4B-H750 is perfect for homeowners with up to 8,000 square feet of space, while the 4B-H850 can cover for 10,000 square feet. Their powerful motor can deliver up to 600 AW/640 AW suction. Their robust design gives it the leverage to deliver an impressive performance in such big homes. But this vacuum cleaner still has another trick up its sleeve, the debris collector. At 6.3 gallon, this bag has enough space to keep the dirt for a considerable length before you have to empty it. What’s more, the filter is self-cleaning and it never needs to be changed. This adds to the usability. You also have to reckon with the quiet operation. Don’t miss this deal for the most advanced Honeywell, the 4B-H850.

Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3650 and PU 3900C

The Electrolux Quiet Clean power units are proffered by many due to their easy installation and great performance. But there is so much more about these vacuums. Take the permanent self-cleaning filter for example. That’s a technology you need. The sound absorbing mounting brackets are another. These units work at around 70 dB. The list could go on. The PU3650 can deal with homes as large as 8000 sq ft. It has a 4-gallon bag and can produce 600 AW. Built for heavy-duty use, the PU3900C can take on up to a 12,000 square feet home. Its massive bag can accommodate 7 gallons of dirt. The ideal power unit location in the garage or the basement proves crucial. The 3-stage motor in this system makes it outright unique. The other thing you cannot afford to miss is the LCD display. This feature helps with showing any maintenance or service problems the unit detects. Get the PU3900C for a fraction of the price you would find at other dealers.

BEAM central vacuums

BEAM is a company which was acquired by Electrolux 30 years ago. They produce all-around central vacuum cleaners which can cover any home size, and any power needs. Not only they feature some of the most powerful central vacuums, BEAM is also famous for making them really really quiet. Their most famous product line, Serenity, is well known by the professionals in this domain. BEAM products are usually sold directly from the their official dealers.

Final thoughts

Here’s a table with all of the above listed by a few parameters such as recommended home size, suction power, water lift and air flow:

It seems finding the right machine is not that difficult after all. And with so many central vacuum cleaners to choose from, it all becomes a matter of choice. Make sure to consider the size of your home before throwing yourself into it. You need one that can get your needs covered, but an overkill will only mean that you’ll spend more on your electricity bill. With any of the central vacuum cleaners listed above (except BEAM), you can decide whether to go the DIY way or call in an expert to install it for you. So why wait, get out there and grab your perfect central vacuum system and post here any questions that you may have.