Bagged Style Clean & Easy BAG OR BAGLESS ? It All Depends on Just How Close You Want To Get To Your Dirt.. u Dump Out Style Unclip & Empty!

Consumer Reports
The first consumer reports publication on central vacuums came out in 2004, which means all machines were tested in 2003. This particular publication was generally not accepted in the central vacuum industry as accurate. There was a very small amount of vacuums tested at this time, therefore limiting the results they could of had. A lot of variables such as filtration type, bag or bagless style, quietness, etc. were left out of the equation. This means any vacuums that were featured in this publication were not compared to all the other central vacuums on the market and can be misleading. This industry changes rapidly with stronger, more quieter vacuum units and with more advanced technology going into central vacuums, consumer report magazines simply can't keep up with the changes. Our staff continuously attends vacuum conventions and seminars to make sure we are aware of all the latest advances in the central vacuum industry. The question is, do you want to make your investment based on something a writer for a magazine wrote or from the advice from a central vacuum expert? With over 30 years of experience, we eat and breath this business.



Although the different consumer magazines can be a good guide to purchasing a good central vacuum, many individual needs are not taken into consideration. For example, if you have a child that suffers from asthma you may need a certain filtration. Another example would be the sound level of a central vacuum. You may need to install the unit in a interior closet, requiring a quiet unit. They also do not talk about the units track record of service or repairs. These are just some examples of individual needs that make a in depth comparison chart a better guide when purchasing a central vacuum.

We were approached in the fall of 2007 by two popular and leading consumer magazines because of our unbiased, comprehensive and truthful knowledge of the central vacuum industry. They wanted the most of complete overview of the central vacuum industry so they could form their own opinion based on thousands of hours of research. They actually purchased the majority of the vacuums they tested. Seven of the 13 units that were purchased from us were to be tested for future publications. They choose our site to buy that day, and when we got that phone call we felt like we were on cloud 9.

#1 Power

u The Higher The Air Watts... The Better The Pick Up! Airwatts is a combination of water lift (suction) and CFM (airflow). This is the truest measure of cleaning power. 99% of all central vacuum manufactures measure the power of their units by Airwatts. Maximum Airwatts is recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) as the best way to measure the actual cleaning power of a central vacuum system. Other misleading terms such as Airflow, CFM's and Waterlift are not a true measurement of power, but rather part of an equation that equals Airwatts. Airwatts = CFM's x Waterlift divided by 8.5 u

CFM's x Waterlift divided by 8.5 = Airwatts

u This measures the "volume" of air the motor is capable of moving and works in tandem with "Suction". Airflow can be a bit confusing however, since performance measurements are taken from the motor and do not factor any resistance found in a typical central vacuum system. Filtration, piping, hoses and accessories all restrict and reduce the amount of actual Airflow a system has. While Airflow is important to system performance, Suction or the "pulling of air" maintains the Airflow velocity necessary to sweep dirt and debris away at the hose end where vacuuming takes place. CFM is NOT a true measure of suction, however it is a form of measurement and part of the equation when measuring Air Watts. This is a misleading measurement of suction power. Please note certain companies will lower this number in order to inflate the waterlift. This is done to influence a consumer by making the suction power appear stronger - Wrong!

CFM's x Waterlift divided by 8.5 = Airwatts

u This measures the suction strength of a central vacuum motor. Essentially, it tells how much "pull" or "lift" power the motor has. This measurement is always taken at its maximum value, the 0" inch orifice (sealed vacuum) where suction is at it's greatest. Since this measurement is taken from the 0" orifice, it is very misleading. This measurement does not take into account piping, hoses or accessories etc., thus giving a false measurement of power. Often referred to as Inches or Waterlift or Vacuum, Suction is vital to overall system performance since it is the "pull power" that maintains Airflow though the complex network of vacuum pipe, hose and accessories. While Airflow is necessary for a vacuum cleaner to work, suction creates the lift and velocity of air which sweeps dirt away. Waterlift is NOT a true measure of suction, however it is a form of measurement and part of the equation when measuring Air Watts. This is the most misleading measurement of suction power. Please note certain companies will inflate this number to influence a consumer by making the suction power appear stronger - Wrong!

CFM's x Waterlift divided by 8.5 = Airwatts

#2 Warranty
Durable components assure long life and solid performance. The second most important decision when deciding on a central vacuum is the warranty on a unit. Simply put, the longer the warranty, the greater confidence a company has in their own quality product and is a measure of the products durability. Typically the longer the warranty the longer the vacuum motor or the unit will last after the warranty period has ended.




#3 Sound (Quietness/Decibel)
The third most important decision when choosing a central vacuum would be quietness. Noise pollution is the most common complaint we get when our technicians are out on service calls. Vibrating sounds through the house, screeching noises and certainly the neighbors know when you are using the central vacuum. Vacuum cleaner companies are maximizing new sound suppression materials which reduce motor and cooling fan noise while optimizing air flow.

Ratings
There are 10 universal factors that go into these ratings. These factors are power, warranty, quietness, convenience, longevity, durability, maintenance, state-of-the-art materials, number of service calls and best dollar value.

ABS vs Metal Body Construction
When choosing a central vacuum another aspect to consider is the construction type of the vacuum unit. Vacuum units can range from high quality ABS Polyethylene/Polypropylene injected plastic, to metal, to a combination of both. The quality of the vacuum unit's outer casing is especially important when you factor in such things as vibration, quietness, denting, scratching, rusting, weather conditions and how these things effect the performance and longevity of your central vacuum unit. Please note that the construction material does not in anyway effect the filtration of a vacuum unit, and has no bearing on such things as allergies, dust mites, etc.

ABS Body Construction
Before any ABS production begins, all components are put through rigorous tests and subjected to enormous strain and stress that exceeds typical residential household use. ABS is globally recognized for its durability and longevity, and offers such advantages as being dent proof, rust proof, erosion proof, scratch proof and heat resistance as well as offering a vibration-free performance. The use of this material in central vacuum units also greatly helps reduce the decibel level of a unit, making for a quieter operation. In addition to all these features it also gives you the advantage of having a much lighter canister to work with when changing the bag or dumping the canister. The lighter the canister is, the less likely it is to fall or drop. This can cause heavier metal units to dent. ABS Polyethylene/Polypropylene injected plastic is being used by today's top vacuum manufactures. Vacuum companies such as Sebo, Bosch, Dyson, Electrolux, Oreck, Riccar, Panasonic, Hoover, Eureka & 99% all of the commercial vacuums use this material to insure longevity and durability. Miele, considered the finest quality vacuum in the world, also uses this material in every vacuum they produce. These companies have already recognized the futuristic advantages of this material and all the benefits it has to offer. This isn't your child's toy material! Central vacuum companies that use this state-of-the-art material are; Electrolux, Eureka, Drainvac, Whirlpool, Nutone, Royal, Dirt Devil^®, Hayden, Vacuflo and so many more.

Metal Body Construction
Many central vacuum companies still use metal as a sign of durability and strength. Metal canisters tend to be much heavier and more difficult to deal with. The vibration caused by the metal design will increase the decibel level and make the vacuum unit operate louder. The metal material may rust over time causing problems with hinges and latches. Metal material may chip over time and is NOT dent proof, rust proof and erosion proof. Heavy metal canisters may also vibrate themselves off of the mounting bracket, falling to the floor. This design is basically a round garage can with a motor in it. Central vacuum companies that use metal are; Hoover, WalVac, Cana-Vac, Budd, M.D., CycloVac, Zenex and so many more.

All central vacuum units regardless of construction material are designed to last. You will hear many claims from different central vacuum companies about the strength and durability of their vacuum unit's outer casing. These many different claims are based on their own bias opinion and are said to try and influence the consumer. There is truly no good or bad side, but rather a matter of customer opinion. Another important factor when trying to determine the quality of a vacuum units outer casing is its warranty. The length of the warranty is a great indicator of the strength and durability that can be expected from it's material. More than 60% of companies in the central vacuum industry will be using state-of-the-art ABS Polyethylene/Polypropylene injected type materials by 2009. Similar to the garbage can industry, which saw the widely used metal trash can virtually disappear and become replaced by the more durable, lighter plastic/rubber style garbage cans, thanks to the injection mold process made famous by companies such as Rubbermaid ®.

Central Vacuum PVC Pipe vs
Plumbing PVC Pipe
100% of the companies in America will tell you; never use regular plumbing pvc when installing a central vacuum system in your home. Plumbing pvc inside wall surfaces are too rough and elbows are too tight, and will provide insufficient air flow. Central vacuum pvc pipe has a thin wall and will prevent clogging for many years to come. This thin wall is a schedule 20 gauge as apposed to a schedule 40 gauge. We will only sell you the highest quality virgin thin wall pvc tubing
(new style easy fit bell ends). NO REGRINDS. We only use top quality fittings which are made in stainless steel molds and are 25% heavier than inferior fittings.

 >> Click Here For More Central Vacuum PVC Information

Accessory Kits

Air Driven, Electric Kits, Floor Tools & Accessories. Standard or Basic Straight Suction Attachments For homes with limited low pile carpeting and bare floors such as wood, marble, ceramic and linoleum.   Air Driven Attachment Kits Turbo (non-electric) attachment kits are for homes with low to medium pile carpeting and bare floors such as tile, marble, wood and linoleum. This carpet nozzle rotates to drive deep into the pile and lift out dirt, dust, sand and hair, leaving the carpet with a nice groomed look. The higher the CFM's of the vacuum unit, the faster the nozzle will spin.   Electric Attachment Kits For homes with wall to wall low, medium and high carpets along with all types of bare floors. The ultimate in deep carpet cleaning that will give you that just vacuumed look. Carpets will look newer and last longer with this electric beater bar nozzle. Also great for pet hair.

Motors

The most important component in any central vacuum system is the motor. There are four major suppliers to the central vacuum industry, Ametek Lamb Electric, the German made Domel, GS Motors and most recently the China made motor. These companies make several different motors which a central vacuum manufacturer can utilize. Some of these motors differ dramatically in cost, performance and reliability. When comparison shopping also look at the motor warranty. Simply put, the longer the warranty the more confident the manufacture is in their product.

5.7 vs 7.2 Diameter - What's Better?

Typically 95% of most central vacuum manufacturers now a days use the reliable 5.7 two stage hi-efficiency (German made) Domel or Ametek Lamb motor. These motors usually spin an average of 21,000 RPM. Among manufacturers who use the 5.7" impeller series motor in their most popular models are Drainvac, Dust Care, PowerStar, WalVac, Honeywell, AirVac, Beam®, Electrolux, Eureka, Modern Day Hoover, and Smart Vac etc. Drainvac & Dust Care use the highest quality German made Domel double ball bearing motor, that same motors used in Miele vacuums, the most powerful vacuums in the world. The Domel motor is now also featured in ProTeam Commercial Backpack vacuums, the industries best backpacks, to insure the longevity and quality their known for. The German Domel Premier Line of motors utilizes all steel construction, double ball bearings, no-load fan, and have proven superior to all other Ametek Lamb motors under controlled testing. Simply put these motors are the best motors available for central vacuum applications. >> Click Here For More Domel Information * Average Life of a 5.7 Motor - 18 to 22 Years or More. (High Efficiency) Ametek Lamb also makes a 7.2 diameter motor, called "Premier" (Part#115334) their most durable motor ever, which is being used in most all cyclonic motors.  These motors will move air (CFM) at slower speeds (RPM), thus extends motor brush life (1,200 hours) and bearing life. The lower speed creates a twirling effect or tornado inside the canister called the "cyclonic configuration" effect, however this lowers the power (air watts) as well as the CFMs and water lift which will also lower your suction. This does not provide more power, but in actuality lessens it. * Average Life of a 7.2 Motor - 18 to 22 Years or More. Impeller Diameter This is directly related to the volume of air (CFM) a motor is capable of moving. Many manufacturers use the (America made) Ametek Lamb & (German made) Domel motors which have a 5.7" impeller in their most popular models. Because these motors are universal motors, and require motor brushes, impeller diameter also affects motor brush life. Because of the small diameter of the impeller, RPM is increased to allow the impeller to move at least 100 CFM. Carbon brushes should be replaced every 800 hours on a 5.7 motor and 1200 hours on a 7.2 motor with normal household use. Takes only minutes to change and extends the life of the motor adding years of trouble free performance.

Call us Toll Free 800-322-2965
© Copyright www.ThinkVacuums.com 2008
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
Our Retail Location Hours are Monday-Friday 8-6, Saturday 10-4