Central Vacuuming

Image courtesy of thecentralvacuum.com

A central vacuum system is essentially a vacuum cleaner that’s semi-permanently installed into a building and connected to other rooms via ducts and tubes. Central vacuum systems are often compared to central air conditioning systems for the sake of analogy, their setup and utilization are very similar.

The main power unit of the appliance is typically installed in an out-of-the-way location like a garage, basement, or utility room. The system provides suction via tubes that connect to inlet valves installed in walls throughout the home. Tubing can run through the basement, attic, or cold air returns.  When it’s time to vacuum, you simply attach a portable vacuum hose to one of these inlets. Debris collects in a container typically located near the main unit. Power control is typically located on the handle of the power hose, so control is right there at the fingertips.

The concept was first introduced in the late 19th century as a bellows chamber most commonly installed in the basement and connected throughout the building via ductwork. These first systems were rare due to cost and were not very efficient.

It wasn’t until the early 1960s with the invention of PVC vacuum tubing that central vacuum systems became affordable in American homes. These systems achieved peak popularity in the 1990s for those with allergy concerns and also for adding value to a home on resale. Many of these systems release their exhaust completely outside the home, meaning dust and allergens cannot be re-circulated throughout the home as can happen with traditional vacuum cleaners, providing a very attractive prospect for those with allergy concerns.