What is a Powerhead?

A central vacuum comprises a containment/motor unit that's positioned in a basement, garage, or crawlspace that runs behind the walls and a powerhead/hose that you plug into the dedicated outlet installed in every room once you're ready to clean.

The hose and powerhead are the only parts you'll need to pull around and store. Choosing the appropriate central vacuum powerhead might appear like a daunting task.

However, if you recognize what you require and pay attention to what's offered, then you won't have a difficult time choosing from our wide selection. Although the incorporation of powerheads typically occurs in attachment sets, you can purchase them separately. Here's what you should know about a powerhead.

Once you've installed your central vacuum or purchase a home with one, you might want to buy a new powerhead. Most come with integrated accessories and hose though you can purchase them separately. Before buying, it's important you consider these features:

A central vacuum system's airflow powers air turbine powerheads, enabling the head to turn constantly whenever the system is on. However, they lack a separate motor, making them very quiet to operate. On the other hand, electric powerheads have a separate motor that allows you to switch off the rotating brush for tile or hardwood surfaces.

 

They are somewhat noisier compared to air turbine powerheads but attain a deeper clean. Moreover, you can turn them off when the major unit is operating. For hard floors and thick pile carpeting, an electric powerhead is probably the better option.

An air turbine powerhead can handle low-pile carpeting but not an ultra soft carpet. In fact, it might damage the carpet or the internal components. Make sure you select an electric powerhead for ultra soft or deep pile carpeting.

Your powerhead's capacity to adjust its height is an excellent feature that makes it easy to shift from carpets with different thickness to hard floors. Some units feature a floating head that can adjust automatically to the height of various floors while others require manual setting.

Either way, if your home has numerous types of flooring throughout, the capacity to adjust the powerhead's height can come in handy. Keep in mind that if you own high-pile carpeting and the powerhead lacks the appropriate height adjustments, you might find it extremely difficult to push.

Recognizing the powerhead is sufficient for your kind of carpeting and that it will operate effectively while allowing you to push it easily is important.

You must seek high-quality materials when selecting the construction of central vacuum powerheads. This way, you'll obtain the best longevity. You'll find that some roller brushes comprise sealed ball bearings and strong steel while others are wood or aluminum-made.

A handy feature is a replaceable brush strip, which can extend your powerhead's life farther because you only need to replace that part if it wears out rather than the entire powerhead.

The appropriate powerhead's width has a lot to do with the amount of space you have. A narrower 10-inch model enables vacuuming between couches and beside beds. Conversely, if you have considerable open space, a broader 14-inch enables you to clean in less time.

One of the benefits of a central vacuum system is that you don't need to pull an upright vacuum or canister all over the place. However, you must move the powerhead around, so consider its weight before choosing. Numerous lightweight models do an excellent cleaning job but ensure there's solid construction.

Initially, one kind of vacuum belt (flat) existed for all models. Nowadays, three options exist: flat, Cogged (Geared), and Poly-V. The newer belts typically last longer than flat but all can accomplish the task. Belts are replaceable as well.