Disclaimer: The information on this page reflects our opinions based upon our many years of experience in the industry.
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sized Sized Homes
square Square Feet
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- Smaller Homes
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Simply Put...
The Higher The Air-Watts,
The Better The Pickup.
The Higher The Air-Watts,
The Better The Pickup.
| Brand | Model | Suction Power | Air Watts | Warranty | Filtration | Sound | Type | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drainvac | Turbo | 900 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 62 | Bag / Bagless |  |
See Price | |
| Purvac | Great White | 900 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 62 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | Dark Edition | 875 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 60 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | Viper | 860 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 58 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| PurVac | Barracuda | 860 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 58 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | PetVac | 810 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 58 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | DV1R15-FL | 800 | Lifetime* | Pure Air | 70 | Wet/Dry | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | Cobra | 800 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 62 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Drainvac | Summum | 760 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 62 | Bag / Bagless | |
N/A | |
| DuoVac | Star | 756 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 58 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Purvac | Stingray | 727 | Lifetime* | Teflon HEPA | 58 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Easy-Flo | SQ9060 | 700 | N/A | Filter Bag | N/A | Bag |  |
N/A | |
| Duovac | Air 10 | 694 | True Lifetime* | HEPA | 55 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Vaumaid | SR46 | 663 | 10 Years | Cyclonic | 60 | Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Simplicity | SCU-H9 | 655 | N/A | HEPA | N/A | Bag / Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Husky | Flex | 651 | N/A | Permanent | 60 | Bag / Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Nutone | PP6501 | 650 | 10 Years | Sealed HEPA | 65 | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Beam | SC375 | 650 | 10 Years | Self Cleaning | 72 | Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Hayden | Titanium | 650 | N/A | Permanent | N/A | Bag / Bagless | |
See Price | |
| OVO | 630ST-25H | 630 | China | China/N.A | 63 | China? |  |
China Made | |
| Riccar | RCU-H5 | 605 | N/A | HEPA | N/A | Bag / Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Vacuflo | DB7000 | 601 | Lifetime* | Triple Layer | 62 | Bag | |
See Price | |
| Dirt Devil | DB7000 | 601 | N/A | CarbonCapture | 67 | Bag | |
N/A | |
| Powerstar | PS705 | 600 | 5 Year Limited | Self Cleaning | N/A | Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Nutone | PP600 | 600 | 8 Years | HEPA | 68 | Bag | |
See Price | |
| Nadair | 600-AL-32 | 600 | 5 Year | Permanent | 68 | N/A | |
See Price | |
| Honeywell | 4B-H703 | 590 | 5 Year | Self Cleaning | 65 | Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Allegro | MU4500 | 575 | N/A | Self Cleaning | 60 | Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Dirt Devil | CV2600 | 575 | N/A | Cartridge | 62 | Cyclonic | |
N/A | |
| Vacuflo | FC650 | 575 | Lifetime* | Cyclonic | 62.8 | Bagless |  |
See Price | |
| Royal | CS820 | 575 | Lifetime* | Cartridge | 63 | Cyclonic | |
N/A | |
| Canavac | LS-690 | 566 | Limited Life* | HEPA | 73 | Hybrid | |
See Price | |
| Cana-Vac | LS-490 | 566 | Limited Life* | HEPA | 73 | Bagged | |
See Price | |
| Dirt Devil | DB5000 | 560 | N/A | CarbonCapture | 62 | Bag | |
N/A | |
| Ultra Clean | 7500 | 550 | N/A | Permanent | 68 | Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Vacuflo | 566Q | 535 | Lifetime* | Cyclonic | 60.7 | Bagless | |
See Price | |
| Easy Flo | SQ9010 | 533 | N/A | Filter Bag | N/A | Bag | |
N/A | |
| Royal | CS820 | 520 | Limited* | Cyclonic | 62 | Bagless |  |
N/A | |
| Dirt Devil | CV2200 | 520 | N/A | Cyclonic | 64 | Bagless | |
N/A | |
| Vacuflo | FC550 | 520 | Lifetime* | Cyclonic | 64.2 | Bagless | |
See Price |
*Lifetime typically means the whole body of the machine. Manufacturers warranties may differ, check specifications for complete details. * The data represents peak air watts with motor tolerances as set forth by Ametek-Lamb/Domel/Electro Motor. Individual motor performance may vary due to normal manufacturing variations, accepted ranges, voltage, apertures, altitude and installation circumstances.
If you can't find a vacuum brand on this list, chances are it's private-labeled. Why is private-labeling bad? Click here for information.
See what builders and the public are inquiring about the most.
Which one makes the grade... Click Here
Which one makes the grade... Click Here
Find out what central vacuum is best for your home size.
How much strength (power) do you want...Click Here
How much strength (power) do you want...Click Here
Our Top 16 Most Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a pet owner, is there a central vac designed specifically for pet
hair problems?More info...
What is the most environmentally friendly top of the line central vacuum
system?More info...
My family has severe allergies, which vacuum provides me with the best
filtration?More info...
How can I learn the differences between motors?More info...
Bag, bagless or cyclonic? Which is best for me?More info...
Will my old attachments work with any new central vacuum?
More info...
I'm a builder and my client is on a budget; I want the best bang for
my buck! Powerful suction matters. I don't want something that will break down every year.
More info...
Why is it important to buy a quiet central vacuum?
More info...
What is the longest lasting/best warranted central vacuum on the market
today?More info...
If I'm replacing my central vacuum, am I stuck with the same brand? Can
I get one from a different manufacturer?More info...
How do I measure and choose the correct suction power for my home?More info...
Can I trust buying a central vacuum from a private-labeled company?More info...
How do I get service for my vacuum after buying from you?
More info...
What's the difference between ABS and metal central vacuum units? More info...
Should I vent my central vacuum system?More info...
ThinkVacuums.com is one of the Largest Distributors of Central Vacuums in the United States via the Internet
Bagged Style
Clean & Easy
CENTRAL VACUUM - BAG OR BAGLESS ?
It All Depends on Just How Close You Want to Get To Your Dirt..
More Info..
It All Depends on Just How Close You Want to Get To Your Dirt..
More Info..
Bagless Style
Dust Everywhere!
Hepa-Teflon is typically a lifetime filter that doesn't need to be replaced.Teflon is a registered Trademark of E.I. duPont
company.
* Lifetime warranty pertains to canister & casing, motor warranties may vary.
* Lifetime warranties are considered the best in the industry
* Lifetime warranty pertains to canister & casing, motor warranties may vary.
* Lifetime warranties are considered the best in the industry
Consumer Publications
The first consumer publications on central vacuums came out in 2004, which means all machines were tested in 2003. This particular publication was generally not accepted in the central vacuum industry as accurate. There was a very small amount of vacuums tested at this time, therefore limiting the results they could of had. A lot of variables such as filtration type, bag or bagless style, quietness, etc. were left out of the equation. This means any vacuums that were featured in this publication were not compared to all the other central vacuums on the market and can be misleading. This industry changes rapidly with stronger, more quieter vacuum units and with more advanced technology going into central vacuums, consumer report magazines simply can't keep up with the changes. Our staff continuously attends vacuum conventions and seminars to make sure we are aware of all the latest advances in the central vacuum industry. The question is, do you want to make your investment based on something a writer for a magazine wrote or from the advice from a central vacuum expert? With over 30 years of experience, we eat and breath this business.
The first consumer publications on central vacuums came out in 2004, which means all machines were tested in 2003. This particular publication was generally not accepted in the central vacuum industry as accurate. There was a very small amount of vacuums tested at this time, therefore limiting the results they could of had. A lot of variables such as filtration type, bag or bagless style, quietness, etc. were left out of the equation. This means any vacuums that were featured in this publication were not compared to all the other central vacuums on the market and can be misleading. This industry changes rapidly with stronger, more quieter vacuum units and with more advanced technology going into central vacuums, consumer report magazines simply can't keep up with the changes. Our staff continuously attends vacuum conventions and seminars to make sure we are aware of all the latest advances in the central vacuum industry. The question is, do you want to make your investment based on something a writer for a magazine wrote or from the advice from a central vacuum expert? With over 30 years of experience, we eat and breath this business.
Although the different consumer magazines can be a good guide to purchasing a good central vacuum, many individual needs
are not taken into consideration. For example, if you have a child that suffers from asthma you may need a certain filtration.
Another example would be the sound level of a central vacuum. You may need to install the unit in a interior closet,
requiring a quiet unit. They also do not talk about the units track record of service or repairs. These are just some
examples of individual needs that make a in depth comparison chart a better guide when purchasing a central vacuum. We
were approached in the fall of 2009 by two popular and leading consumer magazines because of our unbiased, comprehensive
and truthful knowledge of the central vacuum industry. They wanted the most of complete overview of the central vacuum
industry so they could form their own opinion based on thousands of hours of research. They actually purchased the majority
of the vacuums they tested. Seven of the 13 units that were purchased from us were to be tested for future publications.
They choose our site to buy that day, and when we got that phone call we felt like we were on cloud 9
Central Vacuum Ratings
There are 10 universal factors that go into these ratings. These factors are power, warranty, quietness, convenience, longevity, durability, maintenance, state-of-the-art materials, number of service calls and best dollar value. Here at ThinkVacuums, with over 50 years experience joining forces with practically every manufacturer, supplier, engineer, installer, blueprint specialist, and service people, we have come up with this website to help you as the consumer make the best choice in choosing the right central vacuum for your needs. We do not private label our own central vacuum like some others do on the internet as we believe that's s very shady way of doing business and trying to convce you to buy a brand no one has ever heard of, yes because it's their own! Buyer Beware: Click Here For More information..., Click Here At ThinkVacuums, we are Real People, located right here in the United States and you will be talking to people that live, breath, and sleep Vacuums. We are the real deal!
There are 10 universal factors that go into these ratings. These factors are power, warranty, quietness, convenience, longevity, durability, maintenance, state-of-the-art materials, number of service calls and best dollar value. Here at ThinkVacuums, with over 50 years experience joining forces with practically every manufacturer, supplier, engineer, installer, blueprint specialist, and service people, we have come up with this website to help you as the consumer make the best choice in choosing the right central vacuum for your needs. We do not private label our own central vacuum like some others do on the internet as we believe that's s very shady way of doing business and trying to convce you to buy a brand no one has ever heard of, yes because it's their own! Buyer Beware: Click Here For More information..., Click Here At ThinkVacuums, we are Real People, located right here in the United States and you will be talking to people that live, breath, and sleep Vacuums. We are the real deal!
True Cyclonic Central Vacuums
You will hear sales people make many claims such as 100% Efficiency
At All Times, No Loss of Power, NoFilters To Clean,
Always Constant, No Bags To Buy,Always Cleaning With Full Power, etc.
Want The Truth? Here's The Dirt They Don't Want You To Know.
Selecting The Right Central Vacuum System
When choosing a built-in central vacuum system, the process begins with the power unit. Power units vary in size, motors, separation techniques and filtration methods. All these elements directly affect the overall performance and cleaning power of any central vacuum system.
In order to evaluate and compare the different manufactured power units in the marketplace, it is important to know and understand the industry's standards by which they are measured and assessed.
AMPS
Amps represent the amount of electrical current consumed by the motor during use. This implies that the more electricity the motor uses, the more powerful it is. However, this is not necessarily true. A motor that uses more electrical current does not always mean the current is being used more efficiently. Amps has nothing to do with the power of a central vacuum. Period.
Horsepower
Horsepower measures the power of a motor. (Central vacuums are not rated in horsepower).Horsepower can vary according to voltages, motor loads and temperature variances, and is not an accurate measure of how well a vacuum system will pick up dirt.
Airwatts is a combination of water lift (suction) and CFM (airflow). This is the truest measure of cleaning power. 97% of all central vacuum manufactures measure the power of their units by Airwatts. Maximum Airwatts is recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) as the best way to measure the actual cleaning power of a central vacuum system. Other misleading terms such as Airflow, CFM's and Waterlift are not a true measurement of power, but rather part of an equation that equals Airwatts.
Airwatts is the only recognized testing method as set forth by the American Society of Testing and Materials. F558-98 Standard Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners that tests the actual (suction) cleaning power of a central vacuum.
This measures the suction strength of a central vacuum motor. Essentially, it tells how much "pull" or "lift" power the motor has. This measurement is always taken at its maximum value, the 0" inch orifice (sealed vacuum) where suction is at it's greatest. Since this measurement is taken from the 0" orifice, it is very misleading. This measurement does not take into account piping, hoses or accessories etc., thus giving a false measurement of power. Often referred to as Inches or Waterlift or Vacuum, Suction is vital to overall system performance since it is the "pull power" that maintains Airflow though the complex network of vacuum pipe, hose and accessories. While Airflow is necessary for a vacuum cleaner to work, suction creates the lift and velocity of air which sweeps dirt away.Waterlift is NOT a true measure of suction, however it is a form of measurement and part of the equation when measuring Air Watts. This is the most misleading measurement of suction power. Please note certain companies will inflate this number to influence a consumer by making the suction power appear stronger - Wrong!
This measures the maximum volume of air the motor is capable of moving and works in tandem with "Suction". Maximum CFM ratings occur when the vacuum system if operating without restrictions to airflow. In normal vacuuming conditions, hoses, cleaning attachments, bags, filters and accumulated dust create restrictions to airflow, reducing the CFM. Airflow can be a bit confusing however, since performance measurements are taken from the motor and do not factor any resistance found in a typical central vacuum system. Filtration, piping, hoses and accessories all restrict and reduce the amount of actual Airflow a system has. While Airflow is important to system performance, Suction or the "pulling of air" maintains the Airflow velocity necessary to sweep dirt and debris away at the hose end where vacuuming takes place.CFM alone is NOT a good indicator of vacuum cleaning performance, or a true measure of suction, however it is a form of measurement and part of the equation when measuring Air Watts. This is a misleading measurement of suction power. Please note certain companies will lower this number in order to inflate the waterlift. This is done to influence a consumer by making the suction power appear stronger - Wrong!
What is an airwatt anyway? This is the truest measurement of suction power.
An "airwatt" is derived by mathematically combining two crucial performance measures for any vacuum. These are "Waterlift", which measures the power of a vacuum, and "CFM" - Cubic Feet of Air Moved per Minute. Both measures are important to the performance of your vacuum. In order to get a full picture when comparing two vacuum units, it is always advisable to compare all three parameters.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Airwatt is the only recognized testing method as set forth by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)* F558-98 Standard Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners that tests the actual cleaning power of a vacuum.
HEPA FILTRATION
HEPA rated media helps remove microscopically small dirt particles, much more so than conventional filter materials. The very best filtration in the central vacuum industry. Ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers, a must-have for every central vacuum.
Installing the right power unit in your home is critical to the overall performance of a central vacuum system, and insures you the customer having total satisfaction.
POWER UNIT SELECTION
We recommend the power unit based on the size of a home, the longest run of tubing and the number of inlet valves. These figures are estimates, and need to be used in conjunction with the actual tube layout and valve placement.
RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF INLET VALVES
When determining the number of inlet valves it is important to provide maximum coverage with a minimum number of inlet valves. However, there is not a maximum number of valves per unit. As a general rule of thumb, the approximate number of inlet valves needed for a home can be calculated by dividing the total square footage by 600 (if a 30-foot hose is being used).
THE LONGEST RUN OF TUBING
Excessively long tube runs can affect performance. Therefore, the length of tubing running from the exhaust location to the furthest inlet valve from the power unit should be no longer than the recommended amount.
False
Built-in systems are hard to install.
True
Built-in systems can be installed during construction of a new home or can easily be retrofitted in existing homes! It's extremely easy to install. Any central vacuum unit may be installed virtually anywhere in your home: a basement, garage (preferable), closet pantry, or a crawl space. Most companies prefer using a bagged system versus bagless for more hygienic reasons.
False
Installation can't be completed in one day.
True
Installation of the thin wall PVC piping and the PVC fittings, installing the wall inlet valves, running the low voltage wire to the valves and mounting the power unit can be accomplished in most homes in less than one day!
False
Built-in central vacuum cleaning systems are a rich person's indulgence.
True
Innovation in designing and function continues to bring greater convenience and superior cleaning results for considerably less money than might be expected, in many cases for less than the cost of portables.
*none of the manufacturers listed on this page are sponsoring, or affiliated with Think Vacuums or Thinkvacuums.com
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