Cyclonic
Central Vacuums
You will
hear sales people make many claims such as..
100%
Efficiency At All Times, No Loss of Power, No Filters To Clean,
Always Constant, No Bags To Buy, Always Cleaning With Full
Power, etc.
Now......
The Truth!
If you are currently in the market shopping for a central
vacuum system, there's no doubt you've been bombarded with a
host of exaggerated performance claims. Other considerations
include ease of use, maintenance and of course overall
performance
and feel. It is our hope, that this section will
help guide you through the exercise of purchasing a central
vacuum unit. There are many choices available on the market
today and a multitude of factors which will influence the
system you choose. One of the leading factors will be the
vacuum units filtration, which is the first line of defense
when protecting your motor. Currently there are four methods
of filtration
currently used for central vacuums.
1) Paper
Bag System.
2) Bagless With Self
Cleaning Filter.
3) Filtered Cyclonic Action With Fixed
Filter.
4) True-Cyclonic® Action With Outside Exhaust Venting.
Some will even private-label under many different
names. And, ultimately, each manufacturer will tell you,
unequivocally, of their preference for either bag-style
filtration or cyclonic-style filtration. Within the major
built-in vacuum industry you will find claims ranging from
"true-cyclonic", "self-cleaning", and "100% efficiency at
all times" to "guaranteed never to clog" and filters with
"no resistance to the air".
With
a cyclonic unit, the dirty air is sucked into the vacuum
unit and whirls around in a fashion similar to a cyclone or
tornado, wherein the heavier dirt falls to the bottom into
a
bucket and the lighter dirt particles are carried through
the motor, fan blades, fan chamber and armature, then
exhausted outside the home.
Also, over filling the unit will cause very serious motor
failure or problems. You must empty the canister often, more
than others. You can't let it go further than 3/4 full or
else the dirt will get into the motor causing your motor to
burn out. Before you know it 6 months has gone by and you
find out your motor has seized and failed. This is a
frequent problem, and is NOT covered under warranty. All
this is noted in the small print of all central vacuum
warranties. This is considered abuse and neglect, and
therefore not covered.
While a few manufacturers may claim it, none utilize "true-cyclonic" in which ALL filtration is achieved by the
creation of a cyclone which uses centrifugal force and
gravity to separate the impurities from the intake air.
Some cyclonic manufacturers come very close to being "true-cyclonic", but all have some type of filter as mentioned in
their service manuals. One manufacturer says, "A guard screen is
located directly above the dirt pan inside the power unit.
It should be inspected and cleaned occasionally. This is to
prevent
such things as carpet fibers, cloth etc. from getting into
the motor's impeller blades. A buildup of dirt or other
larger, clogging-type material may result in loss of
vacuum". But, wait a minute! Their own sales brochure
claimed "100% efficiency at all times". Both statements
can't be true! Furthermore, the service manual goes on to
say that, "much excessive, loose lint and nap, normal in all
new floor coverings, is removed in these early cleanings,
and some will tend to settle on the screen, allowing a
buildup that will impair the suction power unless removed."
How many home owners bother to clean a filter they can't see
and/or are not told about. Here is a manufacturer admitting
that within the first few usage's, his own product can loose
performance. Some also states in their publications, that
they do have a metal screen but, "the pores of this metal
screen are sufficiently large to insure that no plugging
results from normal use. Therefore, you have constant
airflow and no loss of cleaning ability." This sounds
impressive but their service manual says, "if the screen
becomes clogged with lint and rug fibers, it will decrease
your vacuum power to a point where you are unable to clean
properly due to the decrease in air flow." Again, we have
not only a contradiction in claims, but a manufacturers
admission of poor design.
Cyclonic
action does remove the heavy particles, but the light fibers
and dust are emitted threw the fan blades. Some
admit that their system will... "maintain up to 98%
efficiency. The remaining 2% consist of small particles
which are exhausted outside". That's why their service
manual states that when low suction exists, "the exhaust
line may be clogged." Their manual also states that
"overfilling of the unit may cause motor damage." Likewise,
Another manual states, "overfilling could cause debris to
be drawn into the impeller blades which may severely damage
your power unit." These cyclonic systems do have a big
advantage which they emphasize in all literature; there are
no replacement filters or bags to buy or store. This factor
may represent as much as a $15.00 retail savings per year.
Here's something to consider, what would happen if you went
to your grocery store and came
across the garage disposal
bags, would you say "no, if I don't buy bags I could save a
couple of bucks a year". Think about it!
Customers,
beware of other websites playing the old "bait and
switch" game. We know of one such website who attracts
people with Nutone®, Electrolux®, and Canavac® products just to
try to switch them over to their own private-labeled brand,
or a more expensive one. They even have comparisons to their
own brand on the Nutone®,
Electrolux®, and Canavac®
pages just to further persuade you to switch. It's because
Nutone®
systems don't have a large enough profit margin as a
private-labeled vacuum would. We think that with today's
economy, Nutone®
is becoming the best bang for your buck.
Sure, there may be other choices of vacuums out there, but
for the price a Nutone®
is the best bet. That's what we focus
on, getting you the right vacuum for you, not playing games
to get you to spend more.
Read more about private-labeling vacuums.
A dust cloud around the wastebasket and washing dirty
containers does not paint a clean picture of hygienic dust
removal,
especially if you have even the mildest case of
allergies or asthma.
We would also like to review another manufacture brochure which states
that their units have "100% efficiency at all times",
"you'll be cleaning with full power every time" and "Vacuum
power doesn't decrease, no matter how often you clean. It's
always constant." A recent brochure first states that their
unit contains "no filters" and then defines "true-cyclonic"
which explains the cyclonic action, and then says "Once the
air, in a downward spiral, reaches the bottom of the cone or
plate, it is suddenly unrestricted and slowed abruptly. At
this point, 96-98% of the dirt thrown to the outside simply
drops out of suspension and spirals down the cone and into
the dirt can". "At the same time, the clean air containing
2-4% of the fine dust particles has reduced it's speed and
is drawn to the center of the inverted cone. From there it
rises and is exhausted to the outside of the living area."
To quote directly from a service manual publication,
"Each time you empty the dirt pan, brush off the protective
screen under the motor of the power unit. This eliminates
any lint or dust build-up,... keeps your system
working at maximum efficiency." Now remember they "have no
filters"!! It also states, "Experience has shown that when
cleaning new carpets or rugs for the first few times, it is
advisable to check the dirt pan and screen at more frequent
intervals. Much excessive, loose lint and nap, normal in all
new floor coverings, is removed in these early cleanings and
some will settle on the screen, allowing a build up that
will impair the suction power
unless removed."
The manual then continues in it's "Power Unit Maintenance"
section; "A guard screen is located directly above the dirt
pan inside the power unit. It should be inspected and
cleaned occasionally. This is to prevent such things as
carpet fiber, cloth etc. from getting into the motor's
impeller blades. A build up of dirt or other larger,
clogging type materials may result in loss in vacuum." Under
the "Troubleshooting Guide" it states "If there is a loss of
vacuum", "the guard screen may be clogged with lint or
carpet fiber". While we agree that they do warn the consumer
about this FILTER, we feel that their sales brochures are
misleading by insisting that they "have no filters."
The consumer would not
find this out until after purchasing the product...
We feel this filtration system causes a few problems. First,
over filling the unit presents a very serious motor problem.
Second, the power unit always requires exterior venting;
otherwise, considerable dust accumulates from the exhaust.
Third, when cleaning off this screen, much of the debris
will go through the screen. With razor sharp fan blades
spinning at 20,000 RPM's it won't take long for this debris
to cause motor imbalance and excessive bearing wear. Lastly,
some dealers complain that it's very difficult to completely
clean this screen. For an average home-owner it would
probably be even more difficult.
Rule #1 -
Protect Your Motor From Dirt, Heat & Dust... The filtration is
the first line of defense in the fight to protect your
motor. Fact: 98% of central vacuum manufacturer all admit
you need some what of filtration in a central vacuum.
Would you use an air conditioner without a filter?
Would you not use a trash bag in your kitchen garbage?
Would you run your pool without a filter?
Would you run your car without a fuel filter? Would you run an air purifier without some sort of filter?
Would you drink filtered or unfiltered water? I think you
get the idea. No one likes to get near dirt or to get dirt
all over their arms, hands and face. The proper filtration
will eliminate this disgusting problem.
The truth is virtually all central vacuum manufacturers use
either the German made Domel motor or "Ametek/Lamb".
The big difference
between systems is how the central vacuum
unit itself protects the motor from damaging dust and heat
(The two leading causes for premature
motor failure). Most central vacuum motor
manufacturers state specifically in their warranty
"...typical signs of abuse..."including" ...dirty motors,
failure of which was caused by inadequate filtration... will
not be considered in warranty failures". Therefore, built-in
vacuum manufacturers must adequately protect the fan blades
of the motor from debris.
Ametek says: "If their filter is too porous, dirt and
other foreign materials can build up on the fan blades over
time." "A motor can only handle a certain amount of this." says
Stormy Greer of Ametek. "but what really causes a problem is
when this material breaks away unevenly. When this happens,
the vibration in the motor increases. The high speed
operation of the motor makes balance critical and as
vibration increases, premature motor failure can result.
This is one reason we are so concerned about adequate
filtration. The amount and rate of dirt build-up on the fans
in an inefficient design or un-maintained system can cause
problems sooner than a customer expects. When this happens,
we all have a problem." The building up of foreign
materials over a period of time is a fact so often ignored
by these manufacturers. If a system can run adequately for
five or six years, they are content. Furthermore, this
is very hard on the motor. This is why
virtually all
manufacturers choose to use a filter of some description in
their unit.
To summarize, any filter you install (screen, cloth, foam,
paper, etc.) will impede air flow in some manner.
On the
other hand, you need filtration to protect the motor.
You might ask, why is a filter necessary for a central
vacuum if the unit is going to be vented outdoors? The
primary function of a central vacuum filter is to protect
the central vacuum motor from fine dust particles not
removed by the cyclonic action inside the vacuum system.
Without a filter, all these finer particles pass through the
motor collecting on the fan blades which causes the motor to
go off balance leading to among other things, bearing
problems inside the motor. This dramatically reduces motor
life. If the filtration is good enough, then ventilation indoors
is optional. For example, a unit using a HEPA Filter will filter 99.97% of particles at .3 micron out of the airstream, not only providing superior motor protection, but
also allows efficient removal of viruses, bacteria,
allergens and dust so they are not circulated back into your
living environment. And, if exhausted in the garage, you
will not have dust from the central vacuum accumulating on
walls or vehicles.
ONLY cyclonic systems MUST be vented outside the dwelling, not
near a car port or near a window, which may recycle back in
your house. With other, better filtered systems, venting
outside is optional. When venting outside is a MUST and not
optional, this should raise a red flag to any consumer. Buying a
bagless central vacuum is not a good idea.
More
than 60
million Americans suffer from Allergy or Asthma related issues.
Using a dust bag is the most hygienic and scientifically
substantiated method to dispose of household dirt, hair,
sand, dead skin flakes, dust mite feces, pollen, bacteria,
carpet fibers, smells and may more lung damaging particles
such as dander, rotting food particles, pet mildew.
Companies that offer Cyclonic units will themselves tell you
that this type of filtration is NOT good for allergy
suffers, and anyone with allergies or asthma should NOT
empty or dump the canister.
We will be the first to admit that a
bagless central vacuum
system will loose performance as the canister fills up, but
we will also qualify that statement with the fact that all
systems will have a loss or performance over a period of
time. It is our contention that semi-annual replacement of a
paper bag is, by far, more efficient with less hassle than
the maintenance required to prevent loss of performance and
motor replacement costs on cyclonic systems. Cyclonic sounds
great in theory, but very few, about 1% of companies play the
cyclonic filtration card. To us, it's a bunch of smoke and
mirrors.
Hopefully this section will give you a bit more
understanding on how not to be influenced or persuaded by
gimmicky theories and false claims such as Cyclonic action,.
no bags, no filters, never loose suction, etc.
Some examples of manufactures that offer Cyclonic Filtration are Vacuflo®, Vacumaid®, Royal®, Dirt Devil® and Imperium®.*
Tips and
Important Things To Know
Never suck up fireplace ashes,
talcum powder, construction dust, sheet rock dust etc. This
may suffocate the motor causing premature motor burn out or
even worse, overheating which is a fire hazard and not
covered under any manufacturers warranty.
Also, over filling the unit will cause very serious motor
failure or problems. You must empty the canister often, more
than others. You can't let it go further than 3/4 full or
else the dirt will get into the motor causing your motor to
burn out. Before you know it 6 months has gone by and you
find out your motor has seized and failed. This is a
frequent problem, and is NOT covered under warranty. All
this is noted in the small print of all central vacuum
warranties. This is considered abuse and neglect, and
therefore not covered.
prevent
such things as carpet fibers, cloth etc. from getting into
the motor's impeller blades. A buildup of dirt or other
larger, clogging-type material may result in loss of
vacuum". But, wait a minute! Their own sales brochure
claimed "100% efficiency at all times". Both statements
can't be true! Furthermore, the service manual goes on to
say that, "much excessive, loose lint and nap, normal in all
new floor coverings, is removed in these early cleanings,
and some will tend to settle on the screen, allowing a
buildup that will impair the suction power unless removed."
How many home owners bother to clean a filter they can't see
and/or are not told about. Here is a manufacturer admitting
that within the first few usage's, his own product can loose
performance. Some also states in their publications, that
they do have a metal screen but, "the pores of this metal
screen are sufficiently large to insure that no plugging
results from normal use. Therefore, you have constant
airflow and no loss of cleaning ability." This sounds
impressive but their service manual says, "if the screen
becomes clogged with lint and rug fibers, it will decrease
your vacuum power to a point where you are unable to clean
properly due to the decrease in air flow." Again, we have
not only a contradiction in claims, but a manufacturers
admission of poor design.
The truth is virtually all central vacuum manufacturers use
either the German made Domel motor or "Ametek/Lamb".
The big difference
between systems is how the central vacuum
unit itself protects the motor from damaging dust and heat
(The two leading causes for premature
motor failure). Most central vacuum motor
manufacturers state specifically in their warranty
"...typical signs of abuse..."including" ...dirty motors,
failure of which was caused by inadequate filtration... will
not be considered in warranty failures". Therefore, built-in
vacuum manufacturers must adequately protect the fan blades
of the motor from debris.
You might ask, why is a filter necessary for a central
vacuum if the unit is going to be vented outdoors? The
primary function of a central vacuum filter is to protect
the central vacuum motor from fine dust particles not
removed by the cyclonic action inside the vacuum system.
Without a filter, all these finer particles pass through the
motor collecting on the fan blades which causes the motor to
go off balance leading to among other things, bearing
problems inside the motor. This dramatically reduces motor
life. If the filtration is good enough, then ventilation indoors
is optional. For example, a unit using a HEPA Filter will filter 99.97% of particles at .3 micron out of the airstream, not only providing superior motor protection, but
also allows efficient removal of viruses, bacteria,
allergens and dust so they are not circulated back into your
living environment. And, if exhausted in the garage, you
will not have dust from the central vacuum accumulating on
walls or vehicles.
