Best central vacuum system?

Answer

Everyone has different needs and so there is no best central vacuum system, only what is best for you. There are three basic types of central vacuum systems.

• The first is a true cyclonic system. In a true cyclonic system the motor produces a tornado type circulation within the dirt can. The dirt enters the dirt can and circulates. Because of gravity, all heavy particles fall to the bottom of the dirt can and anything light enough to stay suspended in the air is caught in the air stream and vented outside, much like a clothes dryer vent. True cyclonics never lose power as the can fills with dirt, but they must be vented outside. In a true cyclonic unit the dirt can must be emptied so if the individual responsible for emptying the dirt can has severe asthma or dust allergies, I would not recommend a true cyclonic unit.
  

• The second type of system is a bagged system. In this system the dirt is collected in a paper bag that fills up and is thrown away. The main disadvantage is that the unit can lose power as the bag fills. The advantage is this system does not require outside venting. This is the type of system to buy if the person emptying the dirt has severe asthma or allergies. I would recommend a paper bag unit in which the paper bag is sealed with a single opening rather than a paper bag that is entirely open on the top. The open bags are messy

• The third type of system is an inverted filter system. In this system the dirt collects in a dirt can. There is a weighted fabric filter that hangs down into the dirt can. When the motor turns on the filter is pulled up and when the unit is shut off the weight causes it to fall and shake off some of the dust that has collected. Many manufacturers are using filters made of a new fabric and they are superior to the older inverted filters. The main advantage of this system is that there are no paper bags to buy and it does not require outside venting. Even though manufacturers don't require outside venting, if it is possible, it is always a good idea to prevent your unit from becoming smelly (like the dirt you pick-up). An inverted bag system also has a dirt can that needs to be emptied so this may not be a good choice of the person responsible for emptying the can has severe asthma or dust allergies.
  

• When looking for the best central vacuum system, be sure to consider the motor. Lamb Ametek has been the leader in central vacuum motors for over 40 years. Their 7.2" motor is the premier motor in the industry and many units are double motors, which means they have two of the 7.2" motors. There are some new motors being used, just beware. Some are made in China and some, being touted as German motors, are actually made in eastern European countries. For reliability and longevity stick with a central vacuum that has a Lamb Ametek motor. Lamb has a proven track record.
  

• Finally, look at the manufacturer's specs and compare Air Watts. Air Watts is a combination of inches of water lift and cubic feet per minute air flow. Most web sites offer comparison tools that will allow you to choose the size home you have and recommend specific power units based on the square footage of your home.
  

So now, what is the best central vacuum? When you consider the above information...there are many great brands, equal in almost every way. You may want to consider VacuMaid or Imperium central vacuum systems. They are the only brands that offer all three types of central vacuum systems so you can compare and get the system that is best for you.

First answer by Bill3504. Last edit by Reneehendry. Contributor trust: 7 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 13 [recommend question]