Top 16 Best Central Vacuums Of 2024
Brandon Forder Apr 25, 2024 9:06 PM
Many people forget how much more of a nuisance it may be to not only carry one around (upstairs or downstairs), but also to find an available electrical outlet that will offer enough range to thoroughly clean the area, when they move into an apartment from a house.
When you install a central vacuum system (central vac), you won't have to worry about carrying a hefty vacuum around or tripping over power cords. Tubes are installed all over the house and connected to a central canister-like collection unit and motor for a central vacuum system. One or more inlets are installed on each floor of the house to provide power and suction for the central vacuum system.
Read on for advice on how to choose the most effective central vacuum for your home's cleaning needs.
Compare Products
- SCORE9.8
- BrandArtist Unknown
- Prime
- SCORE9.4
- BrandPokin
- Prime
- SCORE9.2
- BrandNutone
- Prime
- SCORE9.2
- BrandCentec Systems
- Prime
- SCORE9.0
- BrandHP
- Prime
- SCORE8.8
- BrandCen-Tec Systems
- Prime
- SCORE8.4
- BrandCen-Tec Systems
- Prime
- SCORE8.0
- BrandGV
- Prime
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cleaning Power
Many indicators are used to evaluate the performance of central vacuums. One factor is the motor's output in terms of both voltage and current. Next, we have cubic feet per minute (CFM), which indicates the maximum volume of air that can be removed from a given area in a given time period using the vacuum. The power of a vacuum's motor to generate suction can also be measured in air watts.
Size
For the most efficient cleaning of vast, often industrial, areas, it is important to select a central vacuum with a sizable canister—preferably five gallons or more. If it's any smaller than that, you'll have to empty it after every usage.
Wall Mounts
Most central vacuums, though not all, feature robust mounting brackets that allow for convenient wall installation. As these cleaners tend to be bulky, this can assist keep them out of the way while they are not in use. Nearly all central vacuums are stable enough to stand on their own, so you don't even need a mount.
Noise
A lack of noise is a major selling point for central vacuum systems. The reason for this is that the motor and the collection tank are usually situated in a quieter area, such as a basement, garage, or even a closet. However, the continuous hum of the engine may become annoying if the vacuum is being used and someone in the house is located near the central collection tank.
If the planned position of the collecting tank is near a home office or a basement bedroom, you may want to consider a central vacuum system with noise-blocking filters and thick collection tanks to assist dampen and reduce the amount of sound produced by the vacuum.
Installation
Most individuals find that the process of having a central vacuum system installed is one of the biggest challenges associated with having one. Since the central vacuum hose must be routed through the walls of the house from the motor and storage tank to each floor, a professional central vacuum installer may be required for the job.
Central vac tubing is not the same as a drainpipe, despite their superficial similarities, so keep that in mind if you plan on doing the installation yourself. In addition to having at least one valve intake per floor, the system should have one inlet for every 750 square feet of floor space. A low-voltage coupler is built into these inlets, which activates the motor's on/off switch.
Is It a Trusted Product?
If you get a budget standard vacuum cleaner and it breaks down quickly, it's not the end of the world. You can try before you buy, there are thousands of models to select from, and they're cheap to replace if they break.
However, this is not how central vacuums function. They're installed in your home, so problems with their quality or functionality could result in costly repairs. The money you spend will be wasted.
You shouldn't cheap out on quality like this. When possible, it's preferable to spend extra on a well-known brand name rather than skimp and get something of worse quality.
Do the Specs Match Your Home?
It gets a little trickier since now you have to work it out on your own. The central vacuum system you choose needs to be compatible with your home's layout. What this means is that the suction it provides is precisely proportional to this.
The primary consideration is whether or not the stated square footage is adequate to cover your home's actual space. Manufacturers of central vacuum systems frequently include a maximum square footage for the system in their product descriptions. A home that is outside of this range will not benefit from the system.
How Much Electricity Will It Consume?
It's wonderful that central vacuum systems can generate such strong suction, but this comes at the expense of increased energy consumption. Make sure you have allowed for the additional expense in your budget.
There are central vacuums available that use plugs that aren't necessarily US-standard. You can still use them, but adapters will be required.
Find out if your vacuum system requires constant power or if you can schedule its usage. Making sure one doesn't run forever is probably not frequent, but you should do it anyhow.
What brand of central vacuum is best?
To help you choose the best central vacuum for your needs, it is important to compare models without focusing on the manufacturer. Look for vacuums manufactured from hardened steel and equipped with powerful motors capable of cleaning areas up to 12,000 square feet in size. You should also look for a vacuum that is simple to place on the wall, as they are becoming increasingly common.
Is a central vacuum system worth it?
Central vacuum systems, in our opinion, provide sufficient suction force to make cleaning a breeze, whether you're in a home, business, or factory. However, a regular stick or push vacuum configuration may be more practical if your home is on the smaller side. A central vacuum system is suggested for homes above 1,200 square feet in size.
How do I clean my central vacuum cleaner?
Simply put, a central vacuum system consists of a single storage and filter tank connected to a network of pipes strategically placed around your home. A central vacuum cleaning cloth, which is a purpose-built product, can be used to clean the tubes, but it must first be sucked into the suction hose and tubing before being collected at the central canister. It's necessary to carry out this procedure at each and every socket used for intake.
The vacuum filter and central canister should be emptied and cleaned or replaced as needed. Some filters can be reused after being washed in a pail of soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and allowed to dry before being reinstalled in the vacuum.
How long will my central vacuum cleaner last?
The average lifespan of a central vacuum is around 20 years, although the lifespan of the hose and any other accessories will vary depending on the product and how often they are used.
Central vacuum systems should be considered, although they do require some planning. Getting one requires some extra preparation to guarantee it will fit in your house.
Once you get beyond the initial learning curve, central vacuums are the easiest and most effective models to use.
We think you'll agree that the price is justified in this case. Here are five of our top picks; maybe one of them will meet your needs.
