Central Vacuum Hot Takes

[amtraksebo1997]

For no particular reason, I decided to share some of my probably controversial opinions on certain central vacuum accessories. This isn't me necessarily saying that I hate them, I just think that they're unnecessary/inferior to other accessories. Without further a do, here they are:

1. I'm not a huge fan of retractable hose systems. Don't get me wrong, they're extremely convenient to use, but the Achillies' heels of them is that 1., they're extremely complicated to install compared to normal CV inlets, and 2., you can't use an electric power head with most of them (unless you're one of the seemingly few who have a Cana Vac Doc-It or Hoover Hose Magic). You either have to use a turbo head, or one of those new cordless power heads (which aren't cheap). However, I do think that they could be very good matches for elderly folks who don't have the strength to carry around a hose, but for those who can, I see little value in putting in one. A good alternative to them in my eyes would be to get a flexible hose, similar to those found on cheap portable vacuums. They're relatively cheap compared to HAHs, can be used in any normal CV inlet with an 1 1/2 in. opening, and are lightweight and compact. The only problem I see with them is that they could have the problem of recoiling when you block off the suction, which would be especially problematic on a CV, but other than that, I'd take one of those over a retractable hose system.

2. I'm not big on direct connect valves. I see no point in them when you can just use a pigtail hose, unless the inlet you're using has no electrical outlets near it. They also more complex to install than standard inlets.

3. I don't understand why Vacuflo had an obsession for automatic inlets. I like the look of them, but the automatic portion of them seems unnecessary. The only time you'd want the vacuum system on is when you're using it. It's not a huge deal, but I prefer to have that control of when I want to turn on or off the central vacuum system.

 

[panasonicvac]

You can control the Vacuflo valves, you just need to use the correct hose for them. The whole purpose for those inlets are RV applications since they're easier to turn on. The only inlet valves on the market today you'd have no control over whatsoever are the VacuMaid Microswitch ones.

 

[amtraksebo1997]

PanasonicVac

Ok, but how exactly is having the system turn on when you open the door, and then shutting off when you plug in the hose to uave manual control any easier than having it turn on when you plug in the hose? I see no benefit in doing it that way.

That reminds me, another thing that I don't like is when central vacuum manufacturers use proprietary pipe diameters for their systems (I'm looking at you Kennmore and Vacuflo). It makes servicing the system a pain and a half, as you either have to track down parts and fittings from the company that made the system, or try to adapt the piping to use a modern unit and/or inlets, or some other solution that I'm not aware of. I can't speak on behalf of those who've actually had to service systems like those, but I can't see how it's an easy or pleasant task. Thank goodness most central vac manufacturers have opted to use 2 in. diameter tubing and 1 1/2 in. hose and inlet diameters as standard. Also, did vacuflo make that change? Or do they still offer their own size of tubing? I can't tell for sure.

 

[panasonicvac]

I see an advantage

If I were to randomly find something like a bottlecap and don't have a trash can nearby but have a Vacuflo valve right next to me, I could easily dispose of it through the inlet. Not to mention I personally find inlets cool that turn on automatically when the door opens, reminds me of the old Filtex and Kenmore (USA) systems. Also, Vacuflo uses the same size pipes as everybody else today.

 

[blackheart]

Hmm.

Yeah i see some of your points with the retractable hose you need the space for the pipe work for it. I think i'd rather install something like a vroom or wally flex which despite my dislike of stretch hoses would be a lot easier to install with less space used for quick cleans.

I've not seen a ton of central vacs in the area but all of the ones i've seen have been pigtail setups. I believe you need to be a licensed electrician to install the power for a direct connect which would be an additional cost.

 

[amtraksebo1997]

PanasonicVac

Ok, fair point I suppose, but I personally would just throw whatever trash I'm holding in the nearest trash bin, instead of risking clogging my system (and having to bend down to flip open the inlet). I also personally like having more control of when I want a system turned on or off, however, I do like the looks of the automatic Vacuflo inlets. They look like a nice mediation between a Vacu-Valve and some other inlet type. As for the pipe thing, that's nice to hear.

 

[amtraksebo1997]

Blackheart

Exactly. Why would you go through all of the effort of getting an electrician to make the connections for a direct-connect inlet, when you can just place your inlets near electrical outlets and use a pigtail hose that gives you the same results?

 

[panasonicvac]

This person did the install on a mobile home with direct connect valves, says it wasn't hard at all.

 

[amtraksebo1997]

PanasonicVac

So he did. If wanted to do that, than that's fine. I don't hate how his central vacuum is set up, I must personally don't see a benefit in most cases to install direct-connect valves over just using a pigtail hose. I suppose if some situation were to come up where you couldn't put an inlet near an outlet, then I could see the benefit. However, I think that in most cases they're just unnecessary expenses to an already pricey CV system. I personally wouldn't opt for them (not that I could easily, since my planned system is gonna be a retrofit).