Central vacuum cleaner buying guide

What is a central vacuum cleaner?

A central vacuum is basically a fixed vacuum cleaner with a large bag or a tank - installed on the wall of the garage or laundry room - with a network of pipes distributed around the property. At strategic locations there are wall outlets or floor outlets into which a long pipe (around 8m) is connected. The pipe is able to cover large areas - up to around 40 m² - meaning that just a few outlet connections can serve a whole property.

Besides the ease of use it offers, it has one particularly hygienic strong point: everything that is sucked in is collected in the room where the main vacuum unit is located. Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, a central vacuum therefore avoids re-contaminating the room you're cleaning with dust and mites. The waste can even be discharged to the outside.Of course, installation requires substantial work to plumb in and conceal distribution pipes, so it's much easier to install in a new-build context, but it does provide unparalleled user comfort!

Central vacuum: flow, power and vacuum strength

Your choice on these three key points will depend on the floor area you need to cover, as well as the types of flooring.

Vacuum

A vacuum is what provides the force to suck up and collect dust; its strength is measured in kPa (kilopascals) or mmH2O (pressure in columnar millimetres of water). 1 kPa is equal to 102 mmH2O. Both units of measurement are used by manufacturers, so it's useful to be able to convert between them when comparing products. The vacuum strength you'll need should be chosen according to the types of flooring you need to clean, standard values being 40 kPa for hard floors and carpets, 20-35 kPa for smooth flooring. You're best off with an adjustable setting on the vacuum extension to modulate vacuum strength for different types of flooring - if your home has more than one, that is!Note that excessive strength can be counterproductive because the brush tends to stick to the floor and the pipe becomes more difficult to manoeuver.

Flow

Flow rate is expressed in dm3/s (cubic decimetres per second) or m3/h (cubic meters per hour). This translates as the device's ability to quickly transport dust from floor to tank. The greater the flow, the more effective the cleaning. Allow around 36dm3/s for smooth floors and 40dm3/s for hard floors.

Power

Effective power, expressed in Watts (W), is a combination of the two previous parameters, giving an overall indication of vacuum cleaner performance. Bear in mind that this will be lower than the total electrical power consumed, since devices are never 100% efficient. And be careful, as lower-quality devices will have much higher power consumption rates than the useful power they provide. You've been warned!

Central vacuum: comfort and decibel level

Noise is a crucial factor when choosing your vacuum device, especially if the vacuum unit is installed inside and you want to listen to your favourite music while vacuuming.

Noise generated is measured in decibels (dB) and for this type of device, noise levels are generally between 60 and 75 dB.

Bear in mind that decibels aren't a linear scale like metres, so a sound level of 75 dB is about twice as loud 65 dB.

If you can, install your central vacuum cleaner in a garage or other remote location, or choose a low-noise model.

Central vacuum: installation

Supplied with a wall mount and various accessories - extensions, brushes and suckers (quality having an impact on the suction effect) - as well as 2 or 3 suction outlets, these devices generally come as a ready-to-install kit. Some central vacuum cleaners even have a "garbage collector" outlet for installation on the kitchen worktop - just sweep your waste towards it, open the outlet, and hey presto, it disappears! As if by magic!

Some suction outlets are activated via a power switch. This type of device requires electrical wires to be plumbed in alongside the outlet pipes. Others are sound-activated - the central vacuum unit detects the specific sound produced by the outlet being opened; some even trigger suction via vibration - just shake the extension pipe and off you go!

The suction distribution network, supplied in kit form, has various elements:

• A suction unit;

• Lengths of pipe;

• Various connection components;

• Fittings and elbows in a range of angles.

Many distribution systems are based on 50mm PVC pipe. Make sure you check compatibility with inlet and outlet ports.

Installation advice

Limit pipeelbows to 90° to avoid loss of suction power.

Tank suction unit or bag suction unit?

Bag suction system

Bag suction systems are much more efficient but require bag changes at regular intervals. Capacity, expressed in litres (L), varies from one model to another. Bag-type central vacuum cleaners are also more hygienic.

Tank suction system

Tank systems don't require any consumables; their capacity is also expressed in litres. They are less hygienic and therefore not advisable for people with dust allergies - emptying a vacuum tank has never been high on an asthmatic's list of priorities. The tank also requires regular cleaning.

Advice, features and accessories for central vacuum cleaners

Centralized vacuuming is a practical and efficient way forward as long as you choose a decent quality system!

Filter

Filter quality and ease of removal for cleaning are paramount for optimal use.

Tank

Tank ergonomics and volume should be carefully chosen for ease of emptying.

Bag

Bag volume as well as availability of spares shouldn't be overlooked.

Brush and nozzle

Brushes and nozzles low in quality lead topoor suction - it's as simple as that. These are generally interchangeable with one another.

Extension pipe

The length of the extension pipe has a direct influence on the overall vacuum installation: the longer the pipe, the fewer outlet connections you need. Pipe quality is cucial.

Materials

The quality of manufacturing plastics and accessories is a strong indicator of durability.

External evacuation

Suction units with external evacuation are much more hygienic. Particularly preferable for people who are allergic to dust.

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Flow, vacuum strength and power

Flow, vacuum strength and power must be chosen to suit your floors; choose your technical specifications as accurately as possible.

Noise level

The dB level produced by your device is significant if you want to hear yourself think while vacuuming!

Happy installation!...

Learn more about home renovation...

To find out more about home renovation, follow our editors' advice and check out their other guides:

How to choose your kitchen?How to choose your plaster?How to choose your wall and ceiling paint?How to choose your flooring?How to choose your interior floor tiles?How to choose your worktops?How to choose your drill?How to choose your paintbrushes?How to choose your painting tools?How to choose your masonry tools?