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.

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.

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 watts  is the only recognized testing method as set forth by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)* F558-98 Standard  Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners that tests the actual cleaning power of a vacuum.

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.

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