More Central Vacuum Information

Central Vacuum Hoses

Replacing a central vacuum hose can sometimes be a daunting task.  There IS a standard central vacuum inlet, but there are also some major brands, like Nutone, that manufacture a slightly different inlet.  One solution is to be sure and always purchase genuine replacement hoses manufactured to match your inlet, not your power unit. 

I sure don't want to complicate this, but in addition to the inlet type, if you have an electric powerhead you also need to make sure the other end of the hose matches your powerhead wands. 

At Central Vacuum Stores we sell genuine replacement hoses for all the different brand inlets.  We have also developed a wonderful tutorial/wizard that will walk you through the process and help you identify your inlets and hose end type so you can purchase the correct hose.

Don't forget, you can always call one of our experts at 1-800-221-8227 and let them help you find the correct hose.

Get a head start.  Use the links below to search for hoses that fir MOST central vacuum systems.

Standard

Turbo

Pigtail

Direct Connect

Central Vacuum Carpet Cleaning

We don't have much carpeting in our house, but if I did, I would love it if I could use my central vacuum system to clean my carpet.  Well, the good news is, you can!  We have been selling wet interceptors for central vacuum systems for years.  They are just great for spills and plumbing leaks on all surfaces, but you can also use a wet interceptor with your central vacuum system to clean your carpet. 

Aqua Air has several carpet cleaning kits to choose from.  These kits come with an interceptor and all the accessories you need for extraction style cleaning. 

Aqua Air also manufactures a quality complete central vacuum system designed for wet pickup, and I mean really designed for wet pickup.  Some units say they are wet pickup, but the wet, soggy gunk goes into your central vacuum unit and you have to dump it!  YUCK  The Aqua Air central vacuum is a self flushing system so you never have to empty.  The dirt and debris is flushed out. You can purchase the carpet cleaning accessory kit for the Aqua Air.

Here's what scares me.  I've raised a family (five kids and my baby graduates from college next weekend) so I know kids.  If something gets spilled and you are using a wet interceptor, then there it is and you know you have to empty it,  On the other hand, if you are using a "wet pickup" central vac that you have to dump, I can just see the kids sucking up something they've spilled, and forgetting to empty the central vacuum canister, and before you know it you have maggots in your central vacuum system. DOUBLE YUCK!

So, if you want a less expensive alternative to the Aqua Air central vacuum system, then I would definitely suggest the Aqua Air interceptor which is attached to your existing central vacuum unit.  This way the wet, soggy gunk goes into the interceptor and never reaches your unit.  You still have to empty the canister, but it is a much better alternative than letting that stuff sit in your central vacuum unit. 

The Aqua Air Interceptor and Accessory Kit includes:

Model AA017 Water Interceptor

Model AA371 Residential Wet Cleaning Kit

Got questions?  Call us at 1-800-221-8227 and talk to one of our experts.

 

 

Central Vacuum Commercial Attachments and Accessories

We recently expanded our online offering of commercial central vacuum accessories and attachments.  We have been installing and servicing central vacuum systems, as well as commercial vacuums for decades.  Recently we sold some commercial central vacuum systems to the veterinarian offices at one of the largest zoos in the country. 

Commercial central vacuum attachments, hoses, and accessories are usually slightly larger in diameter than household accessories.

We have a couple of very heavy duty sets from our good friends at Lindsay Manufacturing.  In addition we have added numerous sets from CenTec, a leader in vacuum accessories and attachments.  The tools we are offering are diverse and have different applications. Here's a preview of what you will see on our Commercial Accessories page. Visit the page here

 

Attachment Sets	Hoses	Hose Cuffs	Plastic Tools
Metal Tools	Car Detailing Accessories

Review Central Vacuum Mufflers

Central vacuum systems have come a long way in the past 35 years.  One big change is the power has increased dramatically while sound levels have decreased.  This is particularly good news for homeowners who locate their central vacuum systems near their living space.  In addition to quieter machines, there are also a variety of central vacuum mufflers on the market today, to reduce the sound even more. The muffler is placed in the exhaust line of the central vacuum system. Even if you don't vent your system outside, you can still attach the muffler to the central vacuum exhaust.

At Central Vacuum we sell a large variety of central vacuum mufflers.  There are some differences, so you might want to compare. We manufacture our own muffler, the Imperium Industrial Muffler.  Using a decibel meter, we found it to be among the  most effective mufflers for reducing noise.  Even if your central vac is in the garage, you might want to consider a central vacuum muffler.

Muffler $12.00	Sound Off Muffler - 030185 $24.95	Industrial Muffler $34.95	Muffler 2x2 Kit $14.95
Sound Off Muffler 2x2 Kit $34.20	Industrial Muffler 2x2 Kit $34.95	High Frequency Intake Muffler $9.95

Good-bye Hose Magic, Hello Doc IT for Central Vacuum Systems

 
We heard yesterday that the Hoover Hose Magic is going away.  If you've thought of adding this to your central vacuum system, we have good news...Cana-Vac,  a leading central vacuum manufacturer is offering what you might call the 2nd generation of the Hose Magic,  the Doc IT.  Cana-Vac has been working on the design for two years and their engineers have greatly improved the product. 

The Doc IT installs in the wall, and has a motor that releases and retracts your hose automatically.  The Doc It is also the only retractable hose system that allows you to use an electric powerhead without an extension cord. There are three different Doc IT kits, one with a 45' hose and two with a 55' hose.  With these  lengths of hose you can vacuum a house from 2000 to 3000 square feet.  You also have a choice of two different European made powerheads with the 55' kits.

You can't buy the Doc It via our website, you will have to call us at 1-800-221-8227 and talk to one of our Experts.  We do have the product on our website, so you can take a look at how it works.  We have also installed one in our showroom, so we can give you lots of DIY installation assistance.

 

LOOK! 45' Doc IT  Wessel Werk Powerhead

LOOK! 55' Doc IT  Wessel Werk Powerhead

LOOK! 55'  Doc IT Lindhaus Powerhead

Product Review: Vacu-Maid Central Vacuum P-225P

Today I was working on updating some info on the website, and I thought our readers would be interested in reading about the Vacu-Maid P-225P central vacuum system

These units are powerhouses and the features are unlike any other units on the market.  First, they are made right here in the USA by LIndsay Manufacturing in Ponca City, Oklahoma.  Lindsay has been manufacturing central vacuum systems since 1956 and they have become a major player in the central vacuum industry.  This central vac systems is a pure cyclonic which means you never lose power as the dirt canister fills.  Also, the Vacu-Maid P-225P is a split unit, which means the dirt canister and motor pod are two separate items.  This way you can place the dirt canister close by for easy emptying and the motor pod can be farther away to reduce the noise. 

The P-225P is made of galvanealled steel with a special powder coating that resists corrosion for the life of the central vacuum. The motor on the Vacu-Maid P225P is a heavy duty Ametek Lamb motor.  There are really too many feature to mention, so check out all the specs for the Vacu-Maid P-225P on our website or call us at 1-800-221-8227 for more information.  Also, while you are there, be sure to watch the video explaining the sealed motors used in cyclonic central vacuum systems. There is a lot of misinformation about these motors, and Faith, our staff engineer, discusses the tangential by-pass motor these units use.

Central Vacuum Low Voltage Extension Hose

This is a great new product that is going to be a favorite with our customers.  If you have a low voltage hose with an on/off  switch and want to get a little extra length, consider this extension hose.  The great thing about this extension hose is that it allows you to get an extra 12 feet of length and still have the on/off function on your hose handle.  While you are looking at the new hose, take a look at our redesigned product pages.  We've just rolled out this new page, and there are more changes coming.  These pages allow our customers to view multiple images of our products, product videos (if they are available), detailed descriptions, product reviews, related items, manufacturers spec sheets and more.  While you are on the product page you can also email a friend to tell them about the product (thanks to all of you who share our website with your friends), ask us a question about the product, or write a product review. 

Learn more about this hose, see more images, and see our redesigned product page.

Product Review: Electrolux PU3900B Central Vacuum

In the previous post we reviewed the Electrolux PU3650 central vacuum power unit. The PU3900B has most of the same excellent features, with more power. The Electrolux PU3900B has a footprint that is 14" in diameter and 42" high.

This unit is also a twin to it's counterpart in the Beam central vacuum system line-up.  (You can view the Beam central vacuum systems here.)   The PU3900B  is recommended, by Electrolux. for homes up to 12,000 square feet.  Electrolux rates this machine at 137" of water lift, 125 cfm, and 640 cfm.

Like the PU3650 the Electrolux PU3900 is an extremely quiet central vacuum system, and comes with the LCD display screen on the front of the machine.  This is used to alert the home owner of overall system performance and when to empty the dirt canister.

Dirt filtration on the Electrolux PU3900 is identical to the PU3650 in that it has a self-cleaning filter.  The advantage to the self cleaning filter is that you never need to replace filters or buy bags.  The inverted filter hangs down into your dirt canister, and it has a weighted bottom.  When you turn on the unit the suction pulls the weight up while you clean.  When you turn the unit off, the weight in the bottom of the filter falls, releasing any dust that has accumulated on the filter.  The dust and debris collect in the canister and when it is full, you empty it.  The biggest complaint we hear about these filters is that the dirt and dust is never fully released from the material and they become dusty and messy.  I know in recent years they have improved the material used to manufacture inverted central vacuum filters, and the dust just doesn't stick to them, like it used to.

Learn more about the Electrolux PU3900B

Product Review: Electrolux PU3650 Central Vacuum

Electrolux is a name that is known in the vacuum industry, and they manufacture the PU3650 central vacuum power unit.  Electrolux also manufactures Beam central vacuum systems and in reality, the Electrolux and Beam central vacuum systems are almost identical twins.  If noise level is important to you, the PU3650  is an extremely quiet central vacuum system.  Some folks place their central vacs far away from their living space and the noise level is not a big concern, it just depends what you are looking for in a central vac power unit.  The LCD display screen on the front of the machine is used to alert the home owner of overall system performance and when to empty the dirt canister.  The Electrolux QuietClean Model PU3650 has 140" water lift, 125 CFM, and 600 air watts of cleaning power. This unit is rated for up to 8000 square feet.  When planning where to place the PU3650 you will need a space to accommodate a unit 14" in diameter and 42" tall. Dirt filtration on the Electrolux PU3650 is a mixed bag (if you will pardon the pun).  Some people love the inverted self-cleaning filters and some people despise them, so I'll explain how it works and you can decide if this is something you would like.  The advantage to the self cleaning filter is that you never need to replace filters or buy bags.  The inverted filter hangs down into your dirt canister, and it has a weighted bottom.  When you turn on the unit the suction pulls the weight up while you clean.  When you turn the unit off, the weight in the bottom of the filter falls, releasing any dust that has accumulated on the filter.  The dust and debris collect in the canister and when it is full, you empty it.  The biggest complaint we hear about these filters is that the dirt and dust is never fully released from the material and they become dusty and messy.  I know in recent years they have improved the material used to manufacture inverted central vacuum filters, and the dust just doesn't stick to them, like it used to. Learn more about the PU3650

Product Review: Wessel Werk Powerhead

We recently added the Wessel-Werk line of attachments to our product offering at Central Vacuum Stores.  The most prominent advantage of these attachment sets is the Wessel-Werk electric powerhead. The Wessel-Werk WWEBK340HL Universal Powerhead is designed to be used with any standard electric central vacuum hose. It is engineered and made in Germany and includes a headlight.  This powerhead will connect to your existing wands and hose.

There is a general consensus among consumers that German products equate with quality, and the Wessel-Werk attachments definitely reinforce that opinion.

Check out some of the features or learn more about this powerhead  on our website. Look here to learn more.

• ABS plastic hood and base is sturdy and lightweight the perfect marriage for easy cleaning
• Double swivel neck increases maneuverability to get around the tightest spots
• Fiber reinforced geared belt for long life
• LED operational indicating safety control lamp turns red to let you know the powerhead is not operating properly and green when it is operating properly.
• Belt is located on the opposite side of the dirt path to protect it from objects that might damage the belt
• Parking feature means the powerhead turns off when the wands are in the upright position and restart when the handle is released into the normal cleaning position.
• Non-Marring bumper keeps walls and furniture scuff free
• Four soft wheels add to the maneuverability and protect bare floors
• Chevron design bristles helps guide debris toward vacuum and provides constant and even brush contact to the floor which prolongs the life of the belt, bearing and motor Energy Efficient Fluorescent headlight
• 13.5” Cleaning Path