Central Vacuum Reduces Allergens
QUESTION: I plan to install a home-size central vacuum cleaner myself. I have allergies, so I need clean, dust-free air. Since these central units are powerful, do they use a lot of electricity and are they efficient?
ANSWER: A central vacuum system does have a larger, more powerful motor than a standard portable vacuum cleaner. It can still be plugged into a standard electric outlet. Considering the length of time that you run a vacuum cleaner each month, the electricity usage difference is not significant.
Central vacuum cleaners are easy to install yourself, even in a two-story home. They offer many advantages over standard portable vacuum cleaners. They are much more powerful for deep cleaning of furniture and carpets. This deep cleaning can extend the life of your carpeting.
Since the central unit is located in a utility room, basement or garage, there is little noise when you are vacuuming. You just hear the sound of the air flowing into the hose and attachment. A telephone ring or a baby crying can easily be heard.
The combination of the deep, thorough cleaning and the fact that the dust and dirt are collected in the central unit should reduce allergens inside your home. The exhaust air is often vented outdoors. Even with the best filter bag, a standard portable vacuum cleaner allows fine dust to pass through the bag and get back into your room.
To install a central vacuum cleaning system, mount the central unit on a wall near a standard electric outlet and plug it in. Run a small plastic pipe from the central unit with branches off to wall outlets. With a lightweight 30-foot hose, you often need only three outlets on each floor.
To get to a second story, you can run the plastic pipe up through a first- floor closet. A low-voltage wire is run along with the pipe. When you flip up the outlet cover and insert the hose, it automatically switches on the central vacuum motor.
There are several types of central vacuum system designs. One type uses a large, disposable filter bag. Since it is big, it generally needs to be replaced only once or twice a year. Another type uses cyclonic action. The incoming dirty air spins around very fast inside the central unit and the dust and dirt drop into a canister. You empty it twice a year.
The cleaning power of central vacuum systems is rated in air power watts. This power rating is based on the amount of suction force and the amount of air flow. A higher air power means more overall cleaning power.
You can write to me at the address below for Utility Bills Update No. 141 listing addresses and telephone numbers of manufacturers of central vacuum systems, model numbers, air power ratings, the type of cleaning system design, and product descriptions. Please include $1.50 and a self-addressed business-size envelope.
Leaking Register May Require Cover Plate
Q: I have a furnace hot air outlet register in my garage. I only open the register the few times that I work in the garage, but it doesn’t seal well when it is closed. How can I block the heated air leaks?
A: Most hot air registers don’t seal well when they are closed. Go to your home center or hardware store and check out some new ones. Hopefully you can find one that seals better than your old one.
In my garage, I made a mini magnetic acrylic interior storm window to cover the register. Put the steel strip on the wall around the register. When you don’t need heat, close the register and stick the mini storm window over it. Some storm window companies will sell you the small amount of materials that you will need.
