Beam. The top-of-line Serenity IQS series comes with a 10-year warranty, a self-cleaning Gore-Tex fabric HEPA filter, optional outside venting, and an anti-microbial bucket to stop microbe growth between emptying. An LCD display provides real-time system maintenance alerts. The motor delivers 600 to 640 air watts of power depending on the system size, which can be calibrated for an overall cleaning area from 7,000 to 12,000 square feet. A sound-reduction package includes an anti-vibration mounting system, canister sound insulation, and an optional muffler that reduces overall power unit noise to as low as 65 decibels. 800.369.2326. www.beamvac.com.
H-P Products. The Element central vacuum system’s dual-filtration design incorporates a first-stage cyclonic action to separate most dust and dirt from the air column, followed by a permanent, two-stage filter that never needs replacement to segregate fine dust particles. The manufacturer says the unit does not require outside venting, but provides an optional vent kit. Models range from 520 to 575 air watts of power with 64.7 to 66.7 decibels of noise. A translucent 6-gallon bucket requires emptying three to four times per year. 800.822.8356. www.elementvac.com.
Hayden. The company’s side-opening valve (left) is also available in an electric SuperValve version (right). Like most inlet valves, these valves have two metal contact points in the valve that provide a low-voltage connection, allowing the user to turn the remote vacuum motor on and off with the vacuum tool handle. Inlet valves such as the SuperValve are also available with line voltage to power electric brushes. 888.461.5307. www.haydenvac.com.
M.D. Manufacturing. The SilentMaster vertical bag-type central vacuum boasts a patented noise-reduction system with total output under 62 decibels. The filtration system offers a proprietary, three-ply, disposable media that does not require venting, although optional venting is available. It has a large 12-gallon debris bucket. The line includes four motor sizes, from 458 to 905 air watts, for homes up to 20,000 square feet. It comes with a six-year warranty. 800.997.2278. www.builtinvacuum.com/silent_master.
Broan-NuTone. Designed for homes 2,400 square feet and smaller, the 400-air-watt NuTone CV400 system offers a small power-unit canister for space conservation, measuring 30 inches tall and 11 inches in diameter. It has a single-stage motor; a HEPA-rated, disposable bag that requires changing twice a year and sequesters particles down to 0.1 micron; outside venting; and a built-in muffler for quieter operation. Other available vacuum systems include one of the industry’s most powerful units, the VX1000, which delivers 1,040 air watts. It has a built-in sound suppression system and an anti-microbial, HEPA-rated dual-filtration system, meeting the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Indoor Air Quality testing program standards. It is available with optional outside venting. 888.336.3948. www.nutone.com.
Central Vacuum Installation 1. Low-voltage wires connect to inlet valve, allowing users to trigger motor using the switch on the tool handle. 2. Main PVC tube. 3. Incoming air and vacuumed debris. 4. A power unit with a cyclonic filtration system is pictured. Some units use a disposable bag. 5. Debris canister. 6. Distance from floor to power unit, per manufacturer minimum, typically about 28 inches. 7. Distance to wall typically 12 inches to allow motor to cool. 8. Motor powered by conventional 15-amp, 120-volt electrical outlet. 9. Optional muffler mounted at the exhaust port quiets the motor (not the hand-held tool). 10. Optional outside-exhaust line. Most green certifications, including NGBS and LEED for Homes, require outside venting for IAQ credits. 11. Vent hood, similar to a dryer vent hood.
Central vacuum systems are driven by a central power unit that holds the motor and is mounted in an out-of-the-way location such as the garage or utility room. PVC tubing is plumbed through floor joists, attics, or walls to connect valves placed strategically throughout the house. Cleaning tools range from carpet brushes and crevice tools to more exotic attachments.
