Central Vac vs Portable Vac
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vacerator
Well-known member
I like mine.
Some think they clog, but as the hose enters the wall, the piping is wider. You can make them clog, if you try to use them as a shop vac, or suck up socks, etc.
Still, mine has a detachable elbow before the power unit so I can clean it out.
It is quiet, strong, requires no bags, and only an occasional emptying and brushing off of the polyester filter.
One can be had for the price of a Kirby, etc., and can be retrofitted into most homes. The can be installed in a closet, basement, or garage. You don't need the more costly high voltage valves for a power head either.
Hoses come in non electric, the 24 volt power unit total control type, electric with a pig tail for a powerhead that plugs into a wall outlet, total control or not, as well as the inclusive high voltage connection. The hose doesn't really tangle, because the handle end swivels.
The hose does get caught up on corners occasionally, but no worse than a corded vacuum. A full length hose sock is available to protect furniture and wall trim.
For stair case cleaning, it is the best because you don't have to stand the vac up on a step. Also for cleaning above kitchen cabinets and the cob webs in ceiling corners, etc.
Maybe the Canavac brand from Canada is available in the UK now. I know Beam is. They offer several two and three stage models with various attachment packages. Their power nozzles are like Wesselwerk, but most CV hoses and kits are interchangeable with other brands. Electrolux is the exception because some of their hose and wand ends are oval shaped.
Some think they clog, but as the hose enters the wall, the piping is wider. You can make them clog, if you try to use them as a shop vac, or suck up socks, etc.
Still, mine has a detachable elbow before the power unit so I can clean it out.
It is quiet, strong, requires no bags, and only an occasional emptying and brushing off of the polyester filter.
One can be had for the price of a Kirby, etc., and can be retrofitted into most homes. The can be installed in a closet, basement, or garage. You don't need the more costly high voltage valves for a power head either.
Hoses come in non electric, the 24 volt power unit total control type, electric with a pig tail for a powerhead that plugs into a wall outlet, total control or not, as well as the inclusive high voltage connection. The hose doesn't really tangle, because the handle end swivels.
The hose does get caught up on corners occasionally, but no worse than a corded vacuum. A full length hose sock is available to protect furniture and wall trim.
For stair case cleaning, it is the best because you don't have to stand the vac up on a step. Also for cleaning above kitchen cabinets and the cob webs in ceiling corners, etc.
Maybe the Canavac brand from Canada is available in the UK now. I know Beam is. They offer several two and three stage models with various attachment packages. Their power nozzles are like Wesselwerk, but most CV hoses and kits are interchangeable with other brands. Electrolux is the exception because some of their hose and wand ends are oval shaped.
central vacuum and hide a hose
The hide a hose system does not use electric hoses, if you wanted an electric power nozzle, you could purchase the Volt nozzle, it's also sold as the hide a hose CX 1000. I think the charger will work with 220 volts since it's a switching power supply, you would just need an adapter to convert the plug.
I like central vacuums, they are more powerful than portable vacuums, they are also quieter since you are not carrying the motor with you while you are cleaning. If you really want a powerful vacuum, get a central vacuum unit and attach the hose directly to it without using pipes, works extremely well. Or, if you want to install a central vacuum with pipes, I would say go for it, you should have good results.
Mike
The hide a hose system does not use electric hoses, if you wanted an electric power nozzle, you could purchase the Volt nozzle, it's also sold as the hide a hose CX 1000. I think the charger will work with 220 volts since it's a switching power supply, you would just need an adapter to convert the plug.
I like central vacuums, they are more powerful than portable vacuums, they are also quieter since you are not carrying the motor with you while you are cleaning. If you really want a powerful vacuum, get a central vacuum unit and attach the hose directly to it without using pipes, works extremely well. Or, if you want to install a central vacuum with pipes, I would say go for it, you should have good results.
Mike
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
For multi-level homes you usually install an additional outlet to service that floor.
Many homes can suffice with one outlet per level. My Uncle's house has one on each end of the house, as it is quite large on both floors. An additional is in the garage for car cleanout. They also have a vac-u-pan, dust pan in the kitchen where you sweep your sweepings against the baseboard under the cabinet and step on the switch and everything is sucked away.
BTW--My Aunt was always tripping over the hose, and broke her arm twice. They now just use portable vacuums.
Many homes can suffice with one outlet per level. My Uncle's house has one on each end of the house, as it is quite large on both floors. An additional is in the garage for car cleanout. They also have a vac-u-pan, dust pan in the kitchen where you sweep your sweepings against the baseboard under the cabinet and step on the switch and everything is sucked away.
BTW--My Aunt was always tripping over the hose, and broke her arm twice. They now just use portable vacuums.
electric hose
I actually have several central vacuum units in my apartment, a few have a built in utility valve, for the other ones, you just attach a utility valve to the intake. The electric hose I have has a cord that plugs in to an outlet to provide power for a power nozzle. Hose is 35 feet long.
Mike
I actually have several central vacuum units in my apartment, a few have a built in utility valve, for the other ones, you just attach a utility valve to the intake. The electric hose I have has a cord that plugs in to an outlet to provide power for a power nozzle. Hose is 35 feet long.
Mike
vacerator
Well-known member
Mark,
I did install mine. I don't know if any newer models can accomadate an electric hose directly at the power unit.
Installing inlet valves on a second floor requires a hole saw and drilling through the sole plate in the ceiling between walls. Many new construction homes can come prepped for a CV system. All the pipes and 24/120 volt valves are there.
It does save having to cut into the walls and patch them afterward.
I live in a single story house. I put the unit in the garage, and the 35 foot hose reaches all rooms and ceiling corners with an extension wand from the great room wall in the center of the house.
The first hose I had 23 years ago was an MD total control hose. Kids are hard on things, and the hose finally tore at the handle swivel and was unrepairable. I replaced it with a Canavac gas pump style total control hose.
I did install mine. I don't know if any newer models can accomadate an electric hose directly at the power unit.
Installing inlet valves on a second floor requires a hole saw and drilling through the sole plate in the ceiling between walls. Many new construction homes can come prepped for a CV system. All the pipes and 24/120 volt valves are there.
It does save having to cut into the walls and patch them afterward.
I live in a single story house. I put the unit in the garage, and the 35 foot hose reaches all rooms and ceiling corners with an extension wand from the great room wall in the center of the house.
The first hose I had 23 years ago was an MD total control hose. Kids are hard on things, and the hose finally tore at the handle swivel and was unrepairable. I replaced it with a Canavac gas pump style total control hose.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
What I like about central vacuums better than portable is first off, I find them more easier to use like vacuuming the stairs for example. Another thing is that they are more quieter to use (If you are just vacuuming inside the house instead of out in the garage). I also like how it can be emptied either once or twice a year (Depending on the usage). They are very powerful because they use bigger motors and some models can be put with two motors in the unit which is unbelievable (You can actually have either two or three people vacuuming with those two motor central vacuums at once). And I like the warranties that they offer.
Also depending on the filtration that you would like, some models like the Simplicity for example can be used as either bagged or bagless.
Also depending on the filtration that you would like, some models like the Simplicity for example can be used as either bagged or bagless.
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
There is debate about CVs
And allergy sufferers. Though you would think by exhausting outside so say should the allergies. When taking into account the air infiltration, or outside air coming into the house to replace that which was just exhausted. Your gains are negligible in the cleaner air department.
And allergy sufferers. Though you would think by exhausting outside so say should the allergies. When taking into account the air infiltration, or outside air coming into the house to replace that which was just exhausted. Your gains are negligible in the cleaner air department.
vacerator
Well-known member
I suffer from allergies
and that's why I got my CV system. I noticed a difference almost within the first week. Hepa filters are great, but they don't exhaust odors from pet dander and hair which breed bacteria.
Outside air enters your house every time you open a door anyway.
We've had two large dogs and I was allergic to both of their dander, but the system helped. I also noticed less house dust.
I'm also allergic to most air freshener scents, and Febreeze makes me asthmatic.
I'll take fresh air from outside anyday, besides the hvac media filter on the air handler cleans it once it's in the house.
I was able to stop using my inhaler.
and that's why I got my CV system. I noticed a difference almost within the first week. Hepa filters are great, but they don't exhaust odors from pet dander and hair which breed bacteria.
Outside air enters your house every time you open a door anyway.
We've had two large dogs and I was allergic to both of their dander, but the system helped. I also noticed less house dust.
I'm also allergic to most air freshener scents, and Febreeze makes me asthmatic.
I'll take fresh air from outside anyday, besides the hvac media filter on the air handler cleans it once it's in the house.
I was able to stop using my inhaler.
dysonman1
Well-known member
I love my Central Vacuum. It's a Vacuflo cyclonic, and all Vacuflo cyclonics are vented outside.
I have a hide-a-hose, sixty feet long, and a Volt power nozzle. I have a Vroom under the kitchen since, and two Wally-Flex units (laundry room and over workbench).
All the dirt I suck up leaves where I am at that moment, never to return. I can't hear the machine run (it's in the garage). If a moth or bug enters the house, I suck it up and send it to the separator. If the cat has a hair ball and throws up, just suck it up. Three damp Viva paper towels to clean the inside of the hose and I'm good to go.
I clean my front porch and back balcony with it. Rocks and leaves don't make any difference to it. It's nothing like using a portable vacuum
Best of all is there's NO SMELL of last week's dirt. True, the Vacuflo exhausts about 2% of the fine dust it pick up, but who cares? It's vented outside.
Mine is a dual motor unit, I can use two hoses if I want (the hide-a-hose, plus a hose for the three electravalves if I wish to use two hoses at once). Sounds strange, but we actually did clean with two hoses at once to get the house cleaned before Thanksgiving dinner in record time.
Since my model is a commercial machine, it holds six months worth of dirt, dog hair, fur balls, dryer lint, rocks, grass, leaves, dog sick, everything. No bag, so I just empty it into the trash can before the trash man comes. No cost, no loss of suction, no loss of airflow, and constant 130 inches of water lift to clean my house. My machine is almost 40 years old now, and on the original motors.
I have a hide-a-hose, sixty feet long, and a Volt power nozzle. I have a Vroom under the kitchen since, and two Wally-Flex units (laundry room and over workbench).
All the dirt I suck up leaves where I am at that moment, never to return. I can't hear the machine run (it's in the garage). If a moth or bug enters the house, I suck it up and send it to the separator. If the cat has a hair ball and throws up, just suck it up. Three damp Viva paper towels to clean the inside of the hose and I'm good to go.
I clean my front porch and back balcony with it. Rocks and leaves don't make any difference to it. It's nothing like using a portable vacuum
Best of all is there's NO SMELL of last week's dirt. True, the Vacuflo exhausts about 2% of the fine dust it pick up, but who cares? It's vented outside.
Mine is a dual motor unit, I can use two hoses if I want (the hide-a-hose, plus a hose for the three electravalves if I wish to use two hoses at once). Sounds strange, but we actually did clean with two hoses at once to get the house cleaned before Thanksgiving dinner in record time.
Since my model is a commercial machine, it holds six months worth of dirt, dog hair, fur balls, dryer lint, rocks, grass, leaves, dog sick, everything. No bag, so I just empty it into the trash can before the trash man comes. No cost, no loss of suction, no loss of airflow, and constant 130 inches of water lift to clean my house. My machine is almost 40 years old now, and on the original motors.
You have a great system there Tom!
I do like the Hide a Hose system. The Volt looks like the ideal partner. Combining the power of the central vac with the direct air motor in the Volt plus the cyclonic action with no loss of suction/airflow.
Sounds great to me!
The only drawback would be the emptying of the Power Unit. I'd imagine a very big dust cloud similar to a Sahara desert sand storm
I do like the Hide a Hose system. The Volt looks like the ideal partner. Combining the power of the central vac with the direct air motor in the Volt plus the cyclonic action with no loss of suction/airflow.
Sounds great to me!
The only drawback would be the emptying of the Power Unit. I'd imagine a very big dust cloud similar to a Sahara desert sand storm
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