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During building of our house 8 years ago, I did all the pipes and wires for the central vac system for the first floor and second floor. We recently partially finished our basement so I tied them all together and added more outlets down there. I'm finally ready to buy the vac itself. I see a lot of debate on whether or not they are worth it, but not much discussion on what brands I should be looking at and considerations for making sure I get a good system and accessories/attachments.
Suggestions on brands? Must have accessories? Things to stay away from? Any other tips or tricks for someone about to go shopping for hardware?
During building of our house 8 years ago, I did all the pipes and wires for the central vac system for the first floor and second floor.
If this was done prior to drywall sanding you may want to clean these pipes, it gets everywhere and beyond (including motors, and it can be abrasive). I've have it destroy a wheeled shop vac before. Unless the pipes were sealed shut during this phase. Also I would check out the central filtration system as far as easy of use, etc. And the portablility of the hose that will be carried from place to place.
If this was done prior to drywall sanding you may want to clean these pipes, it gets everywhere and beyond (including motors, and it can be abrasive). I've have it destroy a wheeled shop vac before. Unless the pipes were sealed shut during this phase. Also I would check out the central filtration system as far as easy of use, etc. And the portablility of the hose that will be carried from place to place.
How do you suggest cleaning them out? The pipes were not sealed.
Quick, easy, somewhat messy way to clean them out is with an air compressor. Open the main port, and blow air through one inlet port at a time. The other ports have to be sealed off for this to work. Also, you need a compressor that has some good pressure. Have someone on the main port side with a shop vac to catch all the dust. That person may want to wear clothes that they don't care about getting dirty.
Quick, easy, somewhat messy way to clean them out is with an air compressor. Open the main port, and blow air through one inlet port at a time. The other ports have to be sealed off for this to work. Also, you need a compressor that has some good pressure. Have someone on the main port side with a shop vac to catch all the dust. That person may want to wear clothes that they don't care about getting dirty.
Good suggestion, I will see about doing that soon. Now I just need to figure out what vac and accessories to purchase for best results and best value.
You should research Lindsey Manufacturing in northern Oklahoma. They are big in the central vac business. Not sure about products and accessories, but I know they sell central vac systems.
I would suggest Vacu Flo brand as the best unit to buy for your central vac system. I've used two other brands and neither even came close. Vacu Flo has more suction and uses an air powered head for carpets that works better than most units powered by electricity. The internal design of the Vacu Flo is what makes a difference, they are vented to the outside and do not use a bag you have to change. The dirt, dust and pet hair drops into a plastic bucket attached to the bottom of the power unit, not having a bag to interfer with the movement of air through the fan makes the system have greater suction than other brands. Accessories and parts are readily available.
We have a nutone system. You can google reviews on the different ones, etc. I got the type that has both the 110 volt poer for the powerhead and the low voltage wiring for turning on the main unit in the outlet, so you do not need to plug in the unit to two outlets......
With a little work you can still install the undercabinet dustpan thing.....it is great.
I used to tease my dog a bit by turning it on and throwing popcorn on the floor.....it would suck it up before the dog could get it. It was funny......and no, I'm NOT a bad, mean guy.
I bought the extra workshop hose for it.....it's great. 50' long, great for basement or garage. Put an outlet in the garage also.
The big decision to make is do you put the main unit in the basement or garage? I put it in the basement.
Frank
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