Cleaning is a task that takes a lot of time and effort, but if you want to make it simple, then you need to invest in a unique and efficient system, one like a central vacuum system. While you may have heard about the canister vacuum cleaner or handheld vacuum cleaner, but I have brought a completely new kind of vacuum, i.e., Central Vacuum System. This type of vacuum cleaner features ventilation ducts along with a central hub that generates sufficient vacuum power to clean a house. You then just need to connect an attachment to the outlet to get ready for some quick and effortless cleaning. Now, if you want to know as to which are the best central vacuum system consumer reports, then you have to go through the reviews of six products that are mentioned in the section below.
Reviews Of 6 Best Central Vacuum Systems
1. OVO 700ST-35H Central Vacuum System
A well-made vacuum cleaner, OVO 700ST-35H is packed with impressive features such as a two-stage Ametek Lamb motor, which generates 700 airwatts of power and has a 140-inch water-lift capacity, which make it one of the most powerful central vacuum cleaner in the market.
You can easily clean an area as big as 9,000 sq. ft. The company has added ‘Soft-Start Technology’ in this vacuum cleaner, which adds a three-second delay to the unit that prevents the debris from falling out after you turn off the vacuum cleaner.
The unit also features a cyclonic filtration along with 2-step air purification system and filtration bags, which can be easily disposed after use. With this, you can expect the unit to maintain the quality of air while getting highly efficient performance.
The vacuum cleaner also incorporates filtration bags that have three purification layers that vanquish the debris without creating any unnecessary mess. Then, there is an air-containment gasket, which helps the vacuum cleaner to maintain a suction level and eliminate air loss.
When the debris container becomes full, you will see the light glowing on the LED status indicator. With this unit, you will get an installation bracket, noise-canceling inserts and heat protection for easy installation, noiseless operation and prevent motor for overheating respectively.
2. Ultra Clean SC200 Central Vacuum Cleaner
A highly affordable central vacuum cleaner, Ultra Clean SC200 is no short of power, so you can easily get your house cleaned in the shortest amount of time. The unit is rated for 7,500 sq. ft. area, which covers a medium-sized house easily.The vacuum cleaner sports a 13.8-amp, which is not good, but not that bad as well.
The unit has a tangential bypass design despite the fact that it operates on a two-stage system. The less amount of airwatts and CFM takes a toll on the suction power, but then the area it cleans is also less. The company has added a microfiber filter into the unit, which doesn’t need frequent cleaning, thus ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted manner.
3. Allegro MU4500 Champion – Central Vac Motor
Allegro MU4500 is another highly efficient central vac, which sports a tangential bypass design that allows the unit to have a great suction power. The motor features a bypass design, which lets the unit perform exceptionally well in regards to the water lift. The unit that has the power of 600 airwatts is capable of cleaning 6,000 sq. ft.
Despite its mediocre performance, the company has kept the price of the unit quite high, which may surprise some users, but I guess that has something to do with the build quality of the unit. There is a bagless container given in the vacuum cleaner along with an inverted filter, which works great, but then, the microfiber filter, which is given in the unit needs to be cleaned after each use.
4. ProTeam Super QuarterVac Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
ProTeam is here with its high-performance backpack vacuum cleaner, which comes with a capacity of 6 quarts. Moreover, the central vac is capable of cleaning all types of surfaces from hard floor to carpets. This is also the best central vacuum system for pet hair, so in case, you have pets in the house, then this product can be quite useful to you. A HEPA filtration system is also incorporated into the unit, which makes sure of the air quality inside the house.
The filtration system has four stages of filters, which absorb all the dirt and allergens inside and deliver clean air for you to breathe. A good thing about this unit is that its high power operation doesn’t result in the increase in noise level. Weighing just 10 lbs, the product is perfect for those who have multiple rooms to clean. To make cleaning easier, a 50-ft power cord has been provided by the company, which I believe is sufficient for cleaning a big room without plugging the cord into different power outlets
5. Imperium CV300 Central Vacuum Power Unit
Imperium CV300 is a beautifully designed unit, which is quieter than most central vacuum units that I have reviewed. The motor operates quietly, but then, the bag installed on the unit has a filter, which further reduces the noise levels. This feature has both pros and cons because it reduces the sound of the dirt and debris that is absorbed by the container, but then, it deteriorates the condition of the filtration system. As a result, you will have to change the bag more frequently than other models, which could burn the hole in your wallet. The unit is packed with a 15-amp motor, which when combined with 138 CFM and 138-inch water lift generates 740 airwatts of power, which is quite good in my opinion.
6. Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum Power Unit
Prolux CV12000 may not be as powerful as other central vacuum systems, but the product has been one of the most reliable vacs due to a staggering 25-year warranty it comes with. However, that is not the only point the company is banking on, but there are many effective features available on the unit, such as a 3-step filtration system, which is capable of removing dirt, dust, and allergens in the most comprehensive manner.
There is still a lot that can be done in the ‘power section’ because the current power stands at 400 airwatts. The current 12.5 amp motor along with 150 CFM may prove to be insufficient for some cleaning jobs. However, the company claims that the unit is proficient in cleaning 12,000 sq. ft., house.
How To Choose The Best Central Vacuum
To choose a good central vacuum, you need to take into account the power of the vacuum cleaner, the filtration system (with or without filter), noise, type of installation, accessories, etc.
Power Of The Central Vacuum
Most central vacuums have an engine with 500 to 700 airwatts. This measurement, taken at the output of the engine, takes into account the suction and airflow of the device. The larger your home, the more powerful the vacuum cleaner should be. Opt for a device with a power of about:
- 500 airwatts, if you live in a small house or condo.
- 600 airwatts, if your home is of average size, between 1600 sq. ft., (150 sq. m) and 3,000 sq. ft., (280 sq. m).
- 640 to 700 airwatts, if the area of your home exceeds 3,000 sq. ft. Or, if you have laid out a lot of carpet on the floor.
Filtration system
There are four filtration systems that exist on the market are equivalent. Here is what sets them apart.
- Filter (Bagless): Dust builds up in a tank that needs to be emptied about once a season. Therefore, you are in direct contact with the dust, which is not the case with models with a bag. When emptying the tank, be sure to clean the filter. Because, if the particles of fine dust accumulate there, they could foul the motor of the vacuum cleaner and affect the power. A filter lasts about a year, depending on the frequency of use of the device.
- Disposable Bag Filter: If you are allergic to dust, you will prefer a vacuum cleaner with a bag that traps the residue. Opt for a device that uses cloth bags because they hold dust better than paper ones. You will pay about $ 20 for three bags. Each will last between two and five months, depending on how often you vacuum, and the area you have to clean.
- Hybrid: "Hybrid" vacuum cleaners also have a filter, but you can use them with or without a bag. You only need to install one - usually fabric - if you do not want to be in contact with the dust. And if you do not have any in reserve, you can let the dust fall directly into the tank.
- Without Filter And Without Bag: Do not want to clean a filter? Vacuum cleaners called "cyclonic" use a centrifugal force to extract the dust from the air and expel it outside the house. If you choose this type of device, add $100 to $200 to the cost of your purchase, as you will need to install a vent. And, do not think that the chore of cleaning will disappear completely: the vacuum cleaner includes a small grid which must be dusted once or twice a year. The biggest disadvantage of this type of system is that the exhaust duct makes noise and the dust is thrown out, which your neighbors might not appreciate.
Noise From The Vacuum Cleaner
In a small house or condo, you cannot hide the vacuum in the basement or garage. Noise becomes an important purchase criterion. Look for a model that emits around 50 dBA (audible decibels), the equivalent of normal ambient noise in a house during the day. To check this, you will have to try the vacuum cleaner at the store. Not all businesses allow it; you will be more likely to be able to do this in specialty stores than in supermarkets.
Lifetime And Warranty
A typical manufacturer's warranty covers the vacuum cleaner housing, motor and electrical components from 5 to 10 years and accessories from 1 to 3 years. If you notice over the years that your vacuum makes an unusual noise or sucks less well, it may need a tune-up. You can contact a specialized retailer, who will send you a technician at home. This will check and clean your device. The cost of a focus? About $120. If your vacuum cleaner motor lets go after the warranty ends, it could cost you $175 to $250 to replace it.
Installation
Whether your home is under construction or already built, you can equip it with a central vacuum. You must provide one outlet per floor, at a cost of $75 (house under construction) to $125 (existing house). The installation includes the installation of the socket and the PVC pipes, which connect it to the vacuum cleaner, as well as the connection of the appliance. If you are a DIY person, you may be tempted to undertake the installation yourself. However, this is not advisable, according to the specialists we consulted, because many problems and device breakage can result from a bad installation.
Accessories
Several accessories are available to adapt your central vacuum to your needs. Here are the suggested options. In the big-box stores we visited, the vacuum cleaners came with a set of accessories. It was impossible to buy them separately.
However, some specialized retailers allow you to choose between different sets, even select “à la carte” tools, or brush types that suit you. The base assembly typically includes a 30’ (9m) hose, a handle (telescopic or not), a combined floor and carpet brush, a dusting brush and a corner tool. This set, which costs between $100 and $150, is appropriate if your house only has hard surface floors (wood, ceramic, etc.) and small carpets, entrance for example.
For $150 to $300, you can choose a basic set that also includes a rotating brush called "turbo brush". This tool is ideal if you have a short pile carpet to clean.
Finally, if several rooms in your home have long-pile carpets, use an accessory set that includes an electric carpet brush. Such a set is worth between $250 and $600.
Concluding Remarks
A central vacuum cleaner system is an advanced cleaning unit, which works slightly different from the usual vacuums people use in their day-to-day lives. I have reviewed six best central vacuum system consumer reports, with each possessing different set of features to ensure fast and efficient cleaning. Also, I have explained as to what things you need to keep in mind when selecting the right central vacuum system. So, go through the information and shortlist a product. If you have already selected a product that you want to buy, then what are you waiting for? Buy the central vacuum system now at the best price.