A central vacuum system is a type of vacuum cleaner appliance that is installed into a building as a semi-permanent fixture. It consists of three main components: a power unit, a series of inlet valves, and a network of tubing that runs through the walls of the building. The power unit is usually located in a remote area, such as a basement or garage, and creates powerful suction using a motor. The inlet valves are installed in the walls of the building and are connected to the tubing network. To use the system, a lightweight hose is plugged into one of the inlet valves, and the suction created by the power unit pulls dirt and debris through the tubing and into the canister.
There are two main types of central vacuum systems: cyclonic and filtered. Cyclonic systems spin air in a canister and exhaust it to the outdoors, while filtered systems use a filter to separate dirt and dust from the incoming airstream. The chief disadvantage of central vacuums is their higher initial cost, which is around $1,000 in the United States on average. However, they offer long-term benefits, including a longer service life and negligible consumables cost if a filterless system is chosen. A central vacuum system is generally considered a permanent fixture of the building where it is installed, similar to plumbing and electrical fixtures.
