Which Central Vacuum is The Best?

To answer which model is best, first you need to start with another question which you may have not thought applied to central vacuum systems: Bag or Bagless? Often the question of filtration and collection receives little or no consideration in central vacuum equipment selection. All too often central vacuum shoppers become entangled in a question of motor power instead of vacuum efficiency and easy of use. Some just assume that all central vacuums are made the same way or that they have no choice of how collection and filtration is performed. Some may even believe that it does not matter. Filtration and collection is the center of all central vacuum design and determines every aspect of usability, performance and even durability. Understanding central vacuum filtration and collection is the answer to which central vacuum is best.

For many of us the question of filtration and collection depends on WHO is maintaining the vacuum, WHAT is being picked up with the vacuum, WHERE the power unit will be located in the home and HOW maintaining the central vacuum will affect the performance of the system and the well being of the person doing the cleaning.

A long time central vacuum standard, the majority of central vacuum systems use no disposable bag. Bagless central vacuums collect their vacuumed debris into a removable bin that is dumped when full. For some new central vacuum owners and many more of those replacing an old unit the disposable paper bag system is the more convenient choice. While many bagless central vacuums can be fitted with an optional disposable paper bag for collection they are a few models which exclusively use a disposable bag for both collection and filtration. While there are but two methods of collection, bagless or bagged, there are many methods of filtration including cloth filter, metal screen, pleated media and others. Every method has issues to consider and advantages. For many homeowners more than one method may be viable for their application. By learning about each method available you can quickly identify which is best suited for your home.

Central Vacuum Selection: Get The Scoop! 3 Steps to Select the Perfect CVS Central Vacuums Dirty Secret What Vacdepot Recommends Why Central Vacuums Central Vacuum Filtration & Collection Systems Permanent Filter, Bagless Systems  Permanently Filtered w/Bag Systems  Open Top Collection Systems  Fully Cyclonic & Filtered Cyclonic Systems  Disposable Filtration & Collection Systems

3 Steps to Select the Perfect CVS
There are many brands and many more models of Central Vacuum power units, which can make selection of just one a daunting task. In reality the selection of a CVS power unit is simple once you understand just what it is you are looking for. Think of these three steps as a screening process. Apply each screen one at a time. The models that remain on your list after the third step are good candidates for your application. From there your choice may be influenced by personal factors such as brand preference, cost or availability. Instead of looking for "which model" is for me, look for "what model" does what I need. Find the right central vacuum(s) using this simple three-step process:

	Decide Which Filtration/Collection System is right for you. This article will provide the information needed to know which filtration and collection method is best for you.
	Find the models with the appropriate power for your home. Use the manufacturers suggested square footage and air watts ratings to find a vacuum of appropriate power. Every central vacuum will list both and most all vacuums fall into the small, medium, large and XL flavors.
	Pick out any extra features you want or need. Low noise, utility inlet, LCD controls, extra long warranty or even a particular color. Once you find the filter system you want with the power you need you can usually find all the goodies you would like.

 

Purchasing a new or replacement central vacuum system can be as simple or as detailed a decision as you would like. Which filtration and collection system you choose should be based on your personal preference. There is not a single best method and all designs work very well but the most popular method may not be the best for you.

Central Vacuums Dirty Secret
Many central vacuum shoppers start at the second step and can get bogged down in power unit selection by the confusing and numerous technical terms that describe a central vacuums motor power. Air watts, sealed lift, CFM, motor stages, db level, exhausting port and other specifications are important to be sure. But take a step back and you will find that many of the central vacuums within a given size class offer similar performance, function and features. Many of the CVS power units available today share the same motor systems and offer identical power specifications. Look deeper at the central vacuum models available and you may even realize that a few brands of central vacuum are produced by the same OEM, using the same components with only small differences between them. Knowing which central vacuum has the correct power for a given application is not as hard as some would have you believe.

And the secret to central vacuums: you cannot buy a bad central vacuum. Central vacuums from most any major line manufacturer that you might find browsing online or at your local vacuum showroom are great products - many times stronger, more efficient and more reliable than products produced just a decade ago. Even the wrong central vacuum for your application will likely clean very well but may leave the homeowner unsatisfied with the function or usage of the system overall. Shopping for your new central vacuum power unit will be simple now that you know the secret. Determine the best filtration & collection system for you, find the models with appropriate power for your home and get the extras you want. Remember these steps and you are guaranteed to have a lifetime of cleaning satisfaction.

What Vacdepot Recommends
Vacdepot has a different approach to interaction with customers than much of our competition. Vacdepot is a supplier of central cleaning equipment. The difference of seller and supplier is subtle, but for us it means we promote the idea of central vacuum ownership - not the sale of a specific brand or model. We do not believe one method of filtration or collection is the right choice for every user. Selling all brands of equipment allows us to offer our customer the best equipment for their specific application, regardless of brand. Many of our competitors are "one-brand shops". While one-brand shops may offer (or appear to offer) other brands they primarily promote and push a specific brand to all customers. While one-brand shops may believe a specific type of system is the best for all users, we feel that narrow vision may not always lead to the customer being offered the best equipment for their home or business.

Vacdepot sells many central vacuums of every type; bagless, bagged, cyclonic, permanently filtered, open-top collection, filtered cyclonic, pleated filter and even a water filtered central vacuum system. Vacdepot sells most every type of central vacuum from all the major brand manufacturers of central systems built for the USA market.

Ask us for our opinion on a specific model and you will get an ear full. All of us at Vacdepot have our own opinion on the differing methods of filtration and collection for CVS and each of us use different models of power unit for our own homes. Selling, installing, repairing, servicing and using all types, brands and models of central vacuum and perhaps most importantly speaking with tens of thousands of CVS owners for over 40 years gives us a unique insight on the floorcare industry. When it comes to central vacuum systems you might think we have heard it all but with every day we learn more.

One thing we learned very early in our business is that a customer well educated about the product they purchase is always the most satisfied. To solely rely on marketing claims that any one model of central vacuum is the best for every application will most often lead to disappointment. The more you know about the most important part of your central vacuum system (collection & Filtration) the more satisfied you will be with the purchase of an appliance you can expect to be using for the next 15 - 30 years.

Permanently Filtered, Bagless The bagless central vacuum system. The most common method of production and one of the most widely used methods of filtration in CVS. This design has a permanently installed cloth filter in the vacuum system that separates the incoming debris-laden air and collection system (dirty side) from the motor and exhausting air (clean side). Dirty air pulled into the central vacuum power unit is suctioned through the cloth filter. The dirty side of the cloth filter stops particles on the surface, allowing the cleaned air to pass though. Just like the furnace filter in your home's heating/cooling system, dirt and debris collect on the outside of the filter and the suction motor is protected from damage. This permanent filter is maintained by a mechanical flexing action built into the vacuum that helps it to shed the chunky debris into the collection bin below for emptying by the user. Some dealers and installers prefer this type of filtration since the limiting design helps to protect the power unit's motor from a person unaware of the vacuum system or how full the collection bin may be. This method is quite simple and very fool proof but the permanent filter limits the performance of this system and maintenance limits the application.
The Good. Simple Design, Available in Many Models, Great Motor Protection. Not So Good. Continuously Lowers Performance, Messy to Empty & Maintain, Filter Retains Odors, Limited Installation Locations.
Read More About Paper Bagless Permanently Filtered CVS

Permanently Filtered w/ Disposable Collection Add a disposable bag to a permanently filtered CVS. Some of the bagless CVS's today offer the option or have a built-in ability to use a disposable paper bag collection system in the normally bagless collection bin. Disposable bag collection systems can greatly enhance the end users satisfaction by making the maintenance of the central vacuum hygienic. The disposable bag also acts as an additional filter inserted into the system between the incoming air and the permanent filter.
The Good. Simple Design, Great Motor Protection, Easy to Empty & Maintain, Great for many Installation Locations. Not So Good. Continuously Lowers Performance, Permanent Filter Retains Odors, Extra Cost Of Disposable Bags approx $16/YR.
Read More About Permanently Filtered Disposable Collection CVS

Open Top Collection Permanently Filtered A subset of Permanent Filter Disposable Bag systems; Open Top Collection Systems use a permanent cloth filter system to separate the dirty air and use an open top disposable collection bin liner to hold the debris. This type of system differs from permanently filtered units with a fitted closed top disposable bag in that the disposable collection container (the bag) does not actually provide filtration and the air stream does not flow though the collection media (bag wall). This type of system operates just like a garbage bag in a trashcan and the collection media may be paper or plastic. Dirty air is pulled into the permanent filter system just like an ordinary bagless vacuum system but instead of the dirt falling into an open bin below it is captured inside the disposable collection media.
The Good. Simple Design, Great Motor Protection, Easier to Maintain, Great for Many Installation Locations. Not So Good. Continuously Lowers Performance, Permanent Filter Retains Odors, May Not Offer Hygienic Maintenance, Extra Cost Of Disposable Bags approx $16/YR.
Read More About Open Top Collection Permanently Filtered CVS

Cyclonic Vacuum Systems Cyclonic Separation is a method of filtration used in central cleaning for nearly as long as CVS has been available. This design applies a spinning motion to the incoming dirty air combined with a cone design inside the vacuum to force the heavier debris to the outside of the of the air stream where they drop into the collection bin below. A small amount of debris, usually 3% - 6% at peak efficiency and up to 10% or more at a low efficiency cannot be separated from the air stream and is pulled into a second filter. Fully cyclonic vacuums are often erroneously referred to as "filterless". The secondary filter may be either a fiberglass media cartridge filter (a filtered cyclonic system) or a mesh metal screen (a fully cyclonic or "true cyclonic" system). Sometimes described as the most efficient method of central vacuum filtration the cyclonic separation vacuum system is perhaps the method of filtration we hear about most often from customers seeking to replace their old or broken central vacuum. It is also a design many new central vacuum shoppers ask about after seeing demonstrations at home & garden shows.
The Good: Filtered Cyclonic Great Motor Protection, Excellent Peak System Performance, Venting Not Required. Not So Good: Filtered Cyclonic Long Cycle Filter Lowers Performance, Cartridge Filter Retains Odors, Messy Maintenance & Bin Emptying, No Sealed Bag Option, Cost Of Filters (est. $20./yr), Limited Installation Locations.   The Good: Fully Cyclonic Excellent Peak System Performance, No Permanent Filter Odors. Not So Good: Fully Cyclonic Higher Maintenance Requirements, Low Motor Protection, Messy Collection Bin Maintenance, No Sealed Bag Option, Exterior venting Required, Limited Installation Locations.
Read More About Filtered Cyclonic and Fully Cyclonic CVS

The Cyclonic system does not use a cloth filter and by design cannot use a disposable closed top collection system. The collection bin must be empty and ideally have smooth round sides to facilitate the spinning action that is required to separate the debris from the air. Some cyclonic vacuums use a fiber media (usually fiberglass or paper spun) cartridge filter -similar to that of a car's air filter- to remove the remaining debris before the air stream is pulled through the motor and exhausted out. This design is known as Filtered Cyclonic and is manufactured by Vacuflo in the Royal brand vacuums and Vacuflo FC Series. The filter cartridge must be replaced periodically at approximately $20./yr. Another type of secondary filter for cyclonic separation is a metal mesh screen filter, which is mounted inside the power unit just before the motor intake. The screen filter stops large particles that are not separated by cyclonic action before they are processed through the motors impellers, which would cause permanent damage to the motor. Fully cyclonic and filtered cyclonic are the same machine and operate on the same cyclonic principals only differing in their secondary method of filtration. Cyclonic Separation provides the least amount of resistance to airflow in the system when the filter system is clean. The cyclonic action is a proven low-tech approach to filtration that is used in many industries and filtration devices where bulk filtration is required. Interestingly cyclonic separation is often used in continuously operating very large (room sized) cleaning systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities where the exhaust is sent through a final filtering system before venting outside. Cyclonic separation is also used often in fluid filtration, particularly in the filtration of solids from lubrication fluids. Most fluid filtration systems use a backwash to clean the secondary filter for continuous operation. In residential central vacuum systems the cyclonic separation method has issues that limit its application for some users. Unlike large commercial systems or cyclonically separated fluid filtration the residential cyclonic cental vacuum requires regular maintenance and cleaning to operate at acceptable performance levels. Filtered cyclonic models do benefit from increased airflow over permanent filter units. The trade for increased performance in filtered cyclonic models is additional maintenance and replacement of the filter media to maintain peak performance. Without peak performance the filtered cyclonic vacuums efficacy can spiral down at an exponential rate. Unable to use a hygienic closed-top disposable paper bag, filtered cyclonic vacuums suffer the same messy maintenance issues associated with any bagless vacuum when it comes time to empty your filtered cyclonic central vacuum. Fully cyclonic central vacuums are sometimes marketed as "filterless" vacuums. The fully cyclonic system suffers from the same issues as filtered cyclonic models and often require more maintenance to sustain peak performance. The secondary screen filter in fully cyclonic models becomes clogged with light debris that will not be removed from the air including animal fur, carpet fibers, upholstery & clothing lint and other high surface area - low weight debris such as polyfiber fill, feathers and Styrofoam. The filter screen will most often require maintenance each time the vacuum is emptied and in some applications, such as homes with multiple indoor pets of fur or feather, you will need to clean the filter screen more often to prevent low flow performance. Once debris begins to collect on the filter screen the vacuum system's performance will drop. A drop in airflow allows more (and smaller surface area) debris to escape the cyclonic action and become entrapped in the filter screen which in turn reduces the efficiency, allowing more (and smaller again surface area) debris to collect on the filter and so on, and so on. This downward spiral will quickly result in unusable performance and require maintenance often times before your collection bin is full. A complaint we often hear about cyclonic vacuums is how dirty a person becomes when emptying the collection bin and cleaning the secondary filter of the vacuum. The screen filter is mounted deep within the vacuum and requires you to reach up inside the unit with a brush to clean it. This maintenance process results in dirt and debris falling out of the vacuum onto the floor, walls and unfortunately the person and person's clothing that is performing the required maintenance. When we speak with customers that are replacing an old or broken cyclonic vacuum system the maintenance of the vacuum is often a sore point for the large majority of them. Cleaning the central vacuum quickly becomes a job for the "man of the house" in homes with a cyclonic central vacuum. The routine maintenance of a cyclonic vacuum may also lead to dirt sent back into the air where fine particulate may float around for hours becoming a hazard to those with allergies or asthma. One customer who described himself as allergic to house dust told us of his "vacuum maintenance regimen" which involved a painters dust mask and a tire/wheel brush with a long handle to clean the filter screen inside his fully cyclonic power unit. The inability to use a closed-top disposable bag limits the cyclonic vacuum to "dirty areas" including the garage or unfinished basement. Another design concern of Cyclonic central vacuum is the requirement for an outside exhaust. Due to the volume and size of particles that are vented from these vacuums they must have their dirty air exhausted to the outside air to prevent contamination at the mounting location. As for one websites preposterous claim that venting fully cyclonic vacuums (or any vacuum) outside is dangerous, well that's just silly. That statement is just a desperate attempt of one website operator who prefers to sell expensive "exhaust filter systems" for interior venting bashing a competitor that prefers to sell fully cyclonic vacuums which must be vented outside. Fully cyclonic vacuum systems are not dangerous due to venting requirements, just more limited for some applications and locations. Permanently filtered and Disposable Filtered vacuums can be vented within the same room which they are mounted, though we recommend venting any central vacuum to the outside when possible. Cyclonic vacuums are limited in the type of debris they can safely or easily recover and should never be used to clean ultra fine particulate including baby powder, dry wall dust or fireplace ashes. Cyclonic action in residential central vacuums is not strong enough to remove these low weight, high surface area particles from the air stream and they will be pulled through the motors impellers and exhausted out of the vacuum. We are often asked about the potential for motor damage if a fully cyclonic vacuum is accidentally overfilled resulting in large debris being pulled through the motor. While a filtered cyclonic system protects the motor from the possibility of overfill damage a fully cyclonic vacuum does not. This type of damage can destroy the motor's impellers which are not designed to contact debris or can destroy the entire motor unit if contact is severe enough. Accidental overfill damage is not considered a manufactures defect and is not covered by the warranty. No central vacuum motor system is designed or specially made to contact debris. Fully Cyclonic vacuums over time will also develop a collection of dust on the impeller blades. In humid areas this can happen more quickly which can result in an out-of-balance condition and cause motor bearing failure. For those fully cyclonic vacuum manufacturers that offer a lifetime parts warranty this type of damage would be covered as it is not the fault of the user. Careful consideration should be used with the application of a fully cyclonic central vacuum in a home where the cleaning system may be used by a cleaning service employee, children or other persons who may not keep a close eye on the debris level in the collection bin. CLOSE

Disposable Filter Systems Disposable filter systems use a single disposable bag for both filtration AND collection. The disposable filter uses a closed top gasketed or locking collar fitted onto the intake tube to force all vacuumed debris into the filtration media. While all other functions and features are similar to any other central vacuum filtration method the disposable filter system is more similar to the maintenance convenience of a paper bag portable vacuum. When the disposable filter is full the entire filter and collection system is disposed of in one step. Disposable filter systems offer the most hygienic of all filtration methods where the user, the vacuum and the surrounding areas are not contaminated with dust during a normal bag change. With the ability to dispose of both filter and collection system you also rid your vacuum of odors each time you change the bag, important for those homes with inside pets or where the vacuum power unit may need to be located inside one of the "clean rooms" of your home. Disposable filter systems are the preferred filtration method for those who are sensitive to dust, suffer from allergies or have breathing issues including asthma that may be triggered by small particulates in the air.
The Good. Excellent Performance Short Cycle Filter, Great Motor Protection, Easy & Hygienic to Maintain and Use, Great for Any Installation Location, Best Design For Users w/Allergies or Asthma. Not So Good. Extra Cost Of Disposable Bags approx $16/YR., Limited Models Available.
Read More About Disposable Filter - Disposable Collection CVS

Though it may be the most sanitary of all filtration systems used in modern central vacuums the disposable filter system is available in fewer models than other methods due in large part to the industry preference for marketing "bagless" products. Disposable filter systems use only one consumable, the disposable container that may be traditional micro filter paper bags or high efficiency synthetic bags. Most Disposable Filter systems also contain a non-filtering bag booster made from fiber mesh or open cell foam that supports the bag and allows airflow around the filter media. Disposable Filter units require no maintenance or cleaning other than bag replacement. Disposable Filter vacuum system users also benefit from a short cycle of the filter system, which restores the vacuums airflow and cleaning performance to 100% each time the collection system is replaced. This assures during the vacuums life span each area being cleaned will receive peak performance, which will remove embedded debris resulting in less floor covering wear. More frequent peak efficiency available in Disposable Filter systems also results in higher usage efficiency. The simplified hygienic maintenance of a Disposable Filter system means of all central vacuum filter systems you will spend less time cleaning your home and less time cleaning your vacuum with a Disposable Filter type vacuum system. Disposable Filter units require the consumable disposable containers that can cost upwards of $16./yr. Disposable Filter units can be vented to the outside or vented at the unit providing for unlimited mounting locations. Thanks to the clean maintenance of a Disposable Filter system the power unit can even be mounted in an interior closet if no garage/basement is available or if you simply wish to make accessing your power unit more convenient. Along with disposing of all the vacuumed dirt, dust, debris, allergens, fleas, flea eggs and dust mites Disposable Filter units also allow you to quickly dispose of all the odors trapped within the collected debris - a highly coveted feature for those of us with inside pets. With allergens and dust trapped within the disposable collection container the Disposable Filter unit is the ideal design for those owner/operators with allergies. The dustless maintenance of a Disposable Filter unit means no puff back from dumping a bagless models collection bin full of dust and dirt into a garbage can which can send millions of ultra fine particles into the air where they may float around for hours aggravating allergies or triggering an asthmatic reaction. For many central vacuum users the Disposable Filter system can fulfill the promise of truly convenient cleaning using a built in vacuum system. CLOSE

Why Central vacuums
It has been clinically proven that a central cleaning system is the most efficient means to rid your home of dirt, dust and allergens. Using a central cleaning system will not only easily maintain your home's neat appearance it will also allow you to maintain a healthy home. Central vacuums are also an excellent choice for green building and provide up to 5 points in the NAHB Green Building Guidelines. Central Cleaning Systems are not only more powerful, but are also many times more quiet and can provide perfect 100% filtration inside your home which can not be achieved using any portable vacuum that exhausts the return air into the same room your are cleaning. Central vacuum are both more versatile and more convenient to use than portable vacuums and unlike any portable vacuum, a Central vacuum System installed in your home will add resale value to your property often double or more the initial cost of the equipment.

The cost of purchasing and installing a central vacuum has fallen dramatically in the last 15 years thanks to increased production efficiency and robust competition that provides central vacuum users with a large selection of filtration methods to choose from. Conversely the cost of a quality portable vacuum has risen in the same period of time with some models now selling for more than the cost of a quality central vacuum installed in your home. Installing a central vacuum in your home is also easier now days with standardized tube and fittings that conform to the Uniform Building Code, and a do-it-yourself or handyman can often complete installation in two days for an existing home or less than a day for a new home under construction. We speak with thousand of people each year from all over the country and the question often is What's the best central vacuum? The answer is not a black box of confusing equations that can only be found with a slide rule by a professional installer. Knowledge is the answer and using this new tool you now have the key that can unlock the mystery of Which Central Vacuum is the Best for me.  
An Original Vacdepot Article. © 2010
 

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