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Common Central Vacuum Repairs

There are some common central vacuum problems which we see contantly.  One of the most common central vacuum system repair requests is to fix a system with reduced suction.  Most commonly, this is caused by a clog in the hose. Before calling a repair tech about a clog, check the filter bag. Oftentimes, we find the canister is full or incorrectly inserted. After that, check the exhaust vent (if your system has one). Those can also clog, which is a pretty easy fix to do yourself and can save you some money. If neither of these are the problem, and you follow our steps to find a clog and determine that is the issue (or, if you don’t, but can’t figure out the problem), then contact a service company and they can fix the problem pretty quickly.

Another common central vacuum system problem is a leak in the system. The most common solutions involve finding a broken or faulty cover. What this causes is multiple inlets to attempt to work simultaneously, which creates havoc for your system. This also does apply to a toe kick door, so if that is stuck open, it will cause an issue. If the issue is not related to an inlet cover, then it is usually cracked tubing, which is a pretty easy fix for our repair team.

Lastly, we run into issues with systems that either won’t turn on or won’t turn off.  First, check the circuit breaker for a tripped circuit. Next, check the central vacuum system for a reset button. More often than not one of these two problems will fix the issue. If not, there might be an issue with the power supply to the system or the motor.

If you are having problems with reduced suction, clogs, leaks, or systems which won’t turn on or turn off,  the answer is usually pretty simple.  And if you need some help along the way, please contact our service team and we will send someone out to solve the issue.

Central Vacuum System Installation

There is a reason more and more people are installing central vacuum systems.  They offer a cheaper, cleaner alternative to traditional upright vacuum cleaners that can help reduce the effects of asthma and allergies.  And, with modern installation techniques, central vacuum systems can usually be installed in a day.

Whole house central vacuum system installations allow you to place one centralized system in a garage or basement, and a series of inputs around your home which connect to a hose and literally suck the dirt and grime out of your home. Some systems even then exhaust the debris directly out of your home.  The centralized unit in the attic or basement is so positioned so that it will be virtually noiseless inside the home, and will also hold any debris not directly exhausted out of the home outside of your living area.  The inputs are located in key places to allow you to easily clean every surface in your home without having to worry about finding an outlet to plug into, as you do with traditional upright vacuum cleaners.

When properly installed, these systems are generally completed within a day, including placing the central unit, running the tubing and electric wiring, placing the inlets, and installing the exhaust, if your system has one. This one day installation places a system that should last you for the next 30 years, increase the value of your home, and help you to live in a cleaner home!

If you have any questions about central vacuum system installations, please contact us.

Troubleshooting Your Central Vacuum System

If your central vacuum system is acting up, you will either need to fix it or replace it.  Fixing it is obviously the cheaper option, but it can often be intimidating to think about fixing a system when you have no idea what is wrong.  It can be hard to trust a serviceman who tells you a list of things are wrong with your system when you have no way of verifying the actual problems.

The most common problem which we find customers need fixed is a reduction in suction. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, and you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches by first checking a few simple things.  First, check the canister – if it is full, it could be killing your suction power.  If the canister is empty, check the filters. Filters which get too dirty will not allow the vacuum system to suck properly beyond them. If the filters are fine, you might want to check you exhaust. If all else fails, check for a clog.

Another common issue we encounter is that a central vacuum system will not turn on. If you are having this problem, first check if your system has an on off switch. Many systems have a switch, but you might never know as you have never had a need to use it.  If you do not have a switch, check your circuit breaker. Oftentimes, a central vacuum system is on a breaker by itself or with outlets that are not used (due to the location in a basement or garage). If this is not the issue, then it could be an issue with the motor or relay. Based upon your system, there are a number of ways to test this, which can be found in most owners manuals. If it is an issue with the motor or relay, you might be able to buy the part and replace it yourself.

Should you have any other issues, you can always check the “troubleshooting” section of your owner’s manual. Even if you can not fix the problem yourself, having an idea of what is wrong will make you more confident in knowing you are having the problem fixed correctly by a professional with no extra charges.  If you have any questions about troubleshooting your system, or if you have found a problem you would like help in fixing, please contact us.

Central Vacuum Clog Repair Services

One common cause of central vacuum clogs is sucking up wet or damp messes.  The other leading cause of clogs is when long objects get sucked into the vacuum pipes.

The very first thing we do is determine whether you really have a clog or some other issue. We will run a quick series of tests to determine exactly what the problem is for certain. It could be an overly full collection bin, a plugged filter or some other problem.

Clogs will happen with a central vacuum, just like they do with any other vacuuming system. Avoidance is the goal, but when clogs happen we can get things back to proper working order very quickly. The first thing is to determine where the clog is located in the system.

Once the clog is located there are a few steps that will be taken to clear the clog.  A separate high-powered portable vacuum will be used to try and dislodge the clog from above the central vacuum unit.  If the clog can not be removed by this method, other tactics will be tested.

By having your central vacuum system professionally inspected and cleared of clogs you will have the peace of mind knowing that it is now functioning properly.  If you have purchased any type of service plan, you should check to see if clogs are covered under that plan.

Central Vacuum Installation For Existing Homes

Many times a central vacuum unit can be installed in a matter of hours. Installation is professional and causes very little disturbance to your walls. There is no mess left for the home owner to clean up, everything is as it was before installing your new central vac.

Existing homes will call for a little planning to route the pipes and avoid unnecessary bends and elbows. The majority of homes, regardless of when they were built are relatively easy to retrofit with a central vacuum.

Central vacuum installation does not require any outside venting, so there is no cutting through your exterior walls. The only holes needed are for the vacuum ports in the interior walls. A small amount of wiring will need to be done to connect the central vacuum to your house’s electrical panel. In most areas, this wiring does not require an outside electrician.

The installation of a central vacuum in an existing home is a very straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of a few hours.  Not only will a central vacuum save you time and money, it will increase the value of your home should you ever choose to sell it.

Central Vacuum Installation – Why You Need it!

There are a lot of people today who are frustrated with traditional vacuums. Either they are too bulky to tote around the home or they seem to break down all of the time and have to be repaired or need to be replaced completely. The great thing about making the decision to have central vacuum installation is that you will never have to end up hauling a heavy unit all over the house with you in order to clean. Instead, all you have to do is bring along a power brush and a light weight hose from inlet to inlet

A great aspect of a central vacuum installation decision, is that it can actually lead to a healthier lifestyle. When you use a central vacuum, you are going to see that your air is much cleaner and dust free when you vacuum. Not only can you get rid of dirt and dust but you will also see that if you have pets then it can be much easier to pick up hair as well as dander.

Everyone who ends up using a central vacuum system at their home will say that they are impressed overall with the incredible cleaning ability. You have the versatility of being able to easily move from room to room without having to strain your back to carry or pull around a traditional vacuum. You can even have a dustpan receptacle installed in a few different rooms within your home so that you can quickly get rid of debris that needs to be picked up.

In the end, you are going to find that central vacuum can be a great investment for your home.  After installation, you are going to see that this is a great choice that not only makes your life easier but also a whole lot healthier.

Clean Up Your Life With a Central Vacuum Specialist

Almost all homes will have a vacuum cleaner of some sort, but is that enough?  A vacuum cleaner can pick up dirt, but it can’t remove allergens or noxious odors.  Central vacuums certainly have their benefits, one of them being increased suction power.

We have found that portability is a great thing, but when you take away that element, you have the ability to deploy a much more powerful vacuum cleaner. A central vacuum specialist will install the device in your basement, garage, or other room, and the bagless, filterless system will prevent the loss of suction that is normally present in filtered systems.

The central vacuum is actually a unit installed in your home or office, and a series of tubes will be run through the walls, ensuring that you can connect a vacuum at certain points. This saves you the trouble of storing a vacuum, and lugging it around. Another advantage is the ability to handle difficult debris. Filterless vacuums will be able to remove substances that a normal vacuum, or even a shop vac would have no chance with. Some of these include plaster dust, flour, wire clippings, broken glass, or even laser printer toner. In addition to that, there are some models that can serve as wet vacs and separate liquids from the debris.

Our central vacuum specialists will be able to place your vacuum in a good location, and ensure that the vacuum itself is well designed. That being the case, you can expect very little acoustic noise throughout your home during the operation of the vacuum. This is highly beneficial as you will be able to vacuum without disturbing the other occupants of your household.

While you might have to empty your vacuum bag frequently, this bagless system can hold up to 22 pounds of dirt and dust. Keep in mind that if you are utilizing a cyclonic vacuum, you should empty it outdoors to save yourself some trouble.

Because there is no heavy cannister to carry around, you do not run the risk of damaging your walls or your furniture.  If you are still concerned, you can be provided with a ‘hose sock’ to prevent damage to your baseboards. This is a great investment all around whether you are running a business or simply trying to make your home more efficient!

Central Vacuum Installation For Small Spaces

When it comes to keeping your house clean, it is imperative that you have a great system in place.  Taking the initiative to have central vacuum installation services come to your home to put in a new system might just be the best possible choice that a homeowner can make. Even if the household is a much smaller space than most, there is still the possibility of having a quality central vacuum system installed to take care of dirt, dust and grime removal.

As a homeowner researches options in central vacuum systems, it is important to look into all of the models that are available. When talking to a professional central vacuum installation company, it is possible to find out everything that there is to know about the way that a central vacuum works, how much it will cost to run it and even the type of maintenance schedule may be necessary to keep it up and running.

With a built in central vacuum, the homeowner is able to fit a powerful cleaning method into any size space.  With healthier air and complete versatility, picking up dirt and even getting rid of dust that is hiding around your home has never been easier.

How to use a Central Vacuum System

Instead of carrying a portable vacuum cleaner around with you, you only carry a hose around with you from room to room, and with certain central vacuum systems you do not even need to do that.  And instead of plugging into a wall outlet, you plug into a central vacuum inlet, it’s that easy!

To plug into your inlet is actually a lot like plugging into a power outlet.  You open the cover to the inlet, plug the hose into the hole, ensure it is properly locked in, then flip the power switch to begin using the central vacuum system. Once you are plugged in, you can begin to clean your home. Now remember, central vacuum systems are much quieter than traditional upright systems, so just because you can’t hear it doesn’t mean it isn’t working. If you’re concerned you don’t have power, run it over some dirt to make sure it picks it up.

As you are vacuuming, remember to make use of all of your attachment for the various surfaces. For instance, use the upholstery attachment for upholstery; the carpet attachment won’t be nearly as effective.  Similarly, use a brush when cleaning grates or tough surfaces, and the floor brush on hard wood or tile. You have the flexibility of the hose attachments of a traditional upright vacuum for all the cleaning you do in your home, and on a much larger scale.

Lastly, don’t forget to check your central canister every so often to ensure it is not overloaded. And as you can see, it is quite simple.

Investing in a Central Vacuum

With the economy in the state that it is today, more and more people are looking for a safe and smart way to invest their money. Most of you already know that the safest place you can put your hard earned cash these days, is into your home or your own business. Many people don’t own their own business and it is a tough time to start one. That leaves you with your home as the best possible investment. Well what does this have to do with central vacuums? How is that an investment, you might ask. Well, installing a central vac in a new or existing home has been proven to add thousands of dollars to it’s value. Like some people you might be thinking it’s going to cost you more than the value it adds. That is simply not true.

When people think of central vac systems they sometimes conjure up the idea that these types of things are only for the wealthy. Years ago that was true, but not today. You will be surprised at how affordable it really is to add a system to your home. Even your existing home. Granted, it is an easier install in a new construction home, and will cost you a little less. If you are building, now is the time to choose which brand of central vacuum is right for you. If you aren’t building a new home, like most of us, it is still a great investment, and it is not as expensive or complicated as you might think.

One common question I get is “won’t we have to tear the house apart to get all the tubing into the walls?”.  You do not have to undergo the inconvenience and expense involved in most renovation/ home upgrades.  It can actually be really easy and quick to get a central vac installed. If your house has central air for example, the same paths can be used for your central vacuum tubing. The inlets can easily be cut into just about any place you like, with no big cleanup involved. So now I bet your wondering how much it’s going to cost you.

It won’t cost as much as you think. Some systems can be installed for as little as a couple thousand dollars. You could pay that much for a high end standalone vacuum. Even for a cheap standard vac you are going to pay several hundred dollars and it probably won’t last you more than a few years.  With proper care and maintenance of your central vacuum it will last you as long as you own your home.  Add to that the fact that it will make your life better by adding convenience to your regular housework while at the same time making the air in your home better to breath. It’s not a tough choice. You can have a healthier, cleaner home and be making a smart investment at the same time.