How to Compare Central Vacuum Systems

Introduction

In June of 2004 the leading consumer magazine tested central vacuum systems. If you look at that article, and look at their results, you will notice the differences between units is almost insignificant. It really comes down to choice. A little information will help you as you compare products and decide which is best for you. If you scroll all the way to the bottom of this article,in the Resources section you will find a link to a central vacuum comparison tool.

By: Renee Ambrose

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Compare the type of unit.
CYCLONIC units require no paper bags and must be vented outside. With a cyclonic unit you do not loose power as the dirt can fills up.
PAPER BAG units require a paper bag and do not need to be vented outside. You will loose suction as the bag fills up.
FILTERED units require a filter and do not need to be vented outside. You will loose suction if the filter becomes permeated with dust.

Step2

Compare their construction.
ALL STEEL units are generally more durable and recyclable.
PLASTiC units are the best choice if you are going to be installing your unit in a moist environment like a carport or laundry room.

Step3

Compare CFM. Cfm means "cubic feet per minute". It is a measurement of airflow. By itself, this measurement means very little. A fan has high cfm, but no suction.

Step4

Compare INCHES OF WATER LIFT. This is a measurement of suction. It has nothing to do with picking up water, but tells us how high a vacuum will lift water up a tube. Without cfm, or airflow, this measurement also means very little. A vacuum might have very strong suction, but if it doesn't move enough air it won't be very effective.

Step5

Compare AIR WATTS. This is the most effective measurement of a central vacuum's power. Air Watts is derived from a formula that combines inches of water lift and cfm. You will see this formula on the internet, but it is the actual physics formula and does not work with the specs manufacturers provide us with. You will just have to take the manufacturers' word for it when it comes to AirWatts.

Step6

Use the link below, found in Resources, to compare units. This site offers you two comparison options. You can use their comparison chart, or you can select specific models to compare side by side.