Whether you are installing a central vac unit or have relocated to a home equipped with a central vac, you are probably wondering whether or not central vacuums need to be vented. We have researched all about central vacuums and have answers for you.
Central vacuums need to be vented. It is best to vent the exhaust from your central vacuum outside. This is because venting a central vacuum provides better air quality. If you are unable to vent your central vacuum outside, you will need to purchase a bagged or filtered unit.
Keep reading to get answers about why your central vacuum is loud, where is the best place for a central vacuum to be installed, whether or not you can install a central vacuum in the attic, and how to unblock a central vacuum pipe.
What You Need To Know About Central Vacuums
Central vacuums are an efficient and effective way to keep your house clean. This is due to the fact that they reduce dust and debris. Central vacuums are much more powerful than portable vacuums and are said to reduce allergies. This is particularly true for those who have allergies aggravated by dust particles.
Even though they are more powerful, they are similar in price to high-end versions of the portable vacuum. The price is dependent on a few factors. The accessory kit, power unit, hose, type of wall inlets, and the number of wall inlets all affect the overall price.
The hose of a central vacuum is typically 30 to 35 feet. If parts within your central vacuum break or malfunction, they can be replaced without having to replace the whole unit. Installing a central vacuum will increase the value of your home. Upon re-selling your home, you can add about $2,000 just because you added a central vacuum.
Click here to see the OVO Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System on Amazon.
Click here to see available accessories for your central vacuum.
Construction of a Central Vacuum
The central vacuum pipe is most often hidden behind a wall in your home. These can be installed without demolishing any of the interior walls. This means there is no additional cost to be factored in regards to construction.
Central vacuums can be installed during the building process or in a home that already exists. They are designed to be a permanent fixture in which dirt, dust, and debris travel through tubing to a collection container or outdoors. Usually, the power hose or inlet valve has a switch on its handle to turn the central vacuum on and off.
Central vacuums are especially useful because they take away dirt, dust, and debris to remove it from your home rather than re-circulate it. You will need to empty your central vacuum container approximately four times per year. This works out to be every three to six months.
Why is my central vacuum so loud?
Your central vacuum might be loud for several reasons. An increase in sound may be caused by the motor being dirty. If that is the case, then it will need to be cleaned. Another reason this may occur is if your central vacuums belt drive may be defective. When this happens, the belt drive will need to be replaced.
Be sure to check the filter. If the dust buildup is excessive, your central vacuum will run louder because it is working harder to produce suction. You should only need to replace the filter about once every three years, but it is still good to check it out every six months to a year just in case. This mostly depends on how must dirt and dust run through your vacuum.
It is possible to help maintain your central vacuum filter by cleaning it with soap and water then allowing it to dry completely before putting it back in the vacuum. If you or someone in your home have dust allergies, you may want to replace your filter more often.
One last reason your central vacuum may suddenly become louder is if the fan inside is broken. This is also a replaceable part. A central vacuum creates a quieter experience in most cases because the power unit is hidden in the basement or another area that is not a high-traffic area within your home.
Where should a central vacuum be installed?
To prevent condensation, a central vacuum should be installed in a heated part of your home. The best areas of a house or building for a central vacuum to be installed are the utility room, laundry room, or heated garage. Wherever you choose, you have to make sure there is an exterior wall for the exhaust line.
If you are unable to install your central vacuum in a warm area, be sure the tubing and exhaust pipe are insulated. When choosing the right place for your central vacuum, consider a cool, dry room with little foot traffic. The dirt, dust, and debris are removed and carried to a collection container which is usually located in a basement or garage.
Can a central vacuum be installed in the attic?
The attic is not specifically recommended for the location of a central vacuum. Ideally, you want your air to vent outside. If you choose to use a collection container instead of venting the air outside, then you can install it in your attic.
Because central vacuums require between two and four inlets for each floor of the home, many users end up adding inlets in their basement, attic, garage, and sometimes even on their back porch.
If your attic is easily accessible for the removal of dirt, dust, and debris, then it is okay to install your central vacuum there. The main thing to watch out for when choosing where to install your central vacuum is that you must have access to it, and it must be heated. Since heat rises, it makes sense that this should not be a problem for most attics.
How do you unblock a central vacuum pipe?
If your central vacuum gets clogged, it is most likely the hose that is backed up. The elbow that is first within the wall inlet acts as a trap. Since the elbow is the tightest component, that is where you want to check first.
Built-up dust, dirt, and debris are what will cause your central vacuum to become clogged. In order to unblock a central vacuum pipe, you can use the hose attachment on your portable vacuum. Doing so will loosen and suck up the impacted dust, dirt, and debris. If the hose from your portable vacuum does not get good enough suction to clear the hose of your central vacuum, wrap a towel around the hose of the portable vacuum to help seal it.
It is also a good idea to check the filter of your central vacuum. They are easy to remove and replace. If you find that your central vacuum is clogged, you will want to fix this problem as soon as possible. Continuing to run a clogged vacuum will ultimately damage the motor.
In Closing
Central vacuums should be ventilated. For ideal indoor air quality, the best way to vent your central vacuum is outside. If you can not vent yours outside, make sure your tubing is insulated.
Central vacuums are said to last up to 20 years which is much longer than a typical portable vacuum. There are several benefits to installing a central vacuum. The most beneficial reasons to install a central vacuum are to remove dust and dirt particles rather than re-circulating it as a portable vacuum does. They are cost-effective and do not require the destruction of your interior walls.
Before you go, check out the following links to learn more on related topics:
15 Ways On How To Prevent Dust In A Room
Do Curtains Attract Dust? [And How To Keep Them Dust-Free]