Central Vacuum Cleaner Systems Key Terms

Clean up with your knowledge of central vacuum cleaner systems

By Thomas Langford

Before you begin working with central vacuum cleaner systems, you should suck up some knowledge about a few of the key terms in the industry. Phrases such as suction and bag unit are important to understand if you are installing a central vac. The definition of terms such as attachment kits and hoses is important to know if you are purchasing central vacuum cleaner equipment. Here are the basics tyou need to know in order to really clean up.

Suction

A central vacuum's suction describes how much pull or lift the motor has. It is also referred to as "vacuum" or "waterlift." Since suction is what actually pulls the debris through the central vacuum system, it is the most important performance rating to consider when you are purchasing a new system.
Try: For more help understanding suction, check out Air King America.

Bag unit

With a bag-unit central vacuum cleaner system, the debris is collected in a disposable bag made of either paper or cloth. Units without bags dump particles directly into a canister that must be emptied. A central vacuum cleaner with a bag is generally considered the cleanest type of central vac, since the particles and allergens are trapped in the bag.
Try: Compare the differences between bag units and bagless units at Thinkvacuums.com. The website does a good job explaining the pros and cons of each.

Cyclonic-action vacuum

A cyclonic-action vacuum works by creating a downward, cone-shaped swirl of air inside the central vacuum canister, similar to a tornado. The heavier debris is separated out and deposited at the bottom. The lighter debris remains in the air, where it is filtered out or exhausted to the exterior of the building.
Try: H-P Products provides expanded information about cyclonic-action central vacuum cleaners. The company even has a diagram of a cyclonic vacuum on its website.

Hose

The hose is the part of the central vacuum cleaner that the homeowner or business employee plugs into the wall and uses to suck up the dirt. Hoses are often 20 or 30 feet long, and are made to be flexible and durable. Hoses come with dozens of types of handles with different angles, grips and optional features.
Try: Central Vacuum Stores defines dozens of types of hoses. You can also click a link to view an example of each hose.

Attachment kits

Attachment kits contain all the pieces you need to make your central vacuum cleaning system easier and more convenient to use. Kits typically include attachments that are specially made to clean rugs and hardwood floors, tools to clean crevices and dusting brushes for delicate vacuuming jobs such as drapes, pictures and lamps. The tools and brushes are simply attached to the cleaning end of the hose.
Try: Central Vacuum Factory displays several types of attachment kits on its website and explains what is in each of them, and how each attachment device is used.

Industrial-strength central vacuums

Industrial-strength central vacuums are designed for heavy-duty use in commercial and industrial settings. They come with piping systems that are specially designed not to plug up, more horsepower and heavy-duty filters.
Try: Great examples of industrial-strength central vacuums are available on the website for Processing Equipment.