Central vacuums are becoming more and more popular, and it’s easy to see why! Unlike a traditional vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to carry them from room to room or up and down stairs. So they’re more convenient and also save you time. They’re quieter than traditional vacuum cleaners as well. And they provide you with a better, more powerful overall clean. Central vacuums are especially helpful for your family’s health since it removes more airborne pollutants and allergens.
But once you decide to have a central vacuum, you have to be sure to keep up maintenance. Thankfully, central vacuums are fairly low maintenance overall. But a little goes a long way, and the following central vacuum maintenance tips will make sure yours keeps working as effectively as possible to keep your whole house clean.
These tips will also help you avoid expensive repairs and help your system to last longer. And, don’t worry, you can even do some of them yourself! Read on to see the central vacuum maintenance tips we recommend.
Install Correctly
First and foremost, be sure that your central vacuum is installed correctly. It’s usually recommended to have a professional technician install the vacuum system. But if you really want to you do it on your own, you can purchase do-it-yourself kits.
However, you should keep in mind that this installation requires a lot of skill and technique. Especially if you’re having one installed in a pre-existing home, as they are typically easier to install in newly built homes. Professional technicians, on the other hand, bring years of knowledge and experience. Having a professional installation, when you know it’s done correctly, will help you to avoid problems down the line.
Check the Motor
Check that your central vacuum’s motor is working properly. While the motor shouldn’t require too much maintenance, it may occasionally need oiling or lubrication. Also, check the motor brushes periodically. If the brushes are too worn down, they may need to be replaced. And if for whatever reason it turns out you need to replace the motor itself, it is usually recommended to have a professional do so.
Change or Clean the Filters
Make sure to either change or clean out the filter in your central vacuum. Different systems have different types of filters. But no matter which yours has, this is one of the simplest and most important central vacuum maintenance steps you can take. Maintaining the filter will help the vacuum stay as efficient as possible. Empty the canister, or if your system has filter bags, you’ll need to remember to replace them.
Filter bags usually need to be replaced about two to four times a year, but that depends on some additional factors, such as how often you use the central vacuum system. But if you find you do have to replace the bags very often, that might be the sign of a larger issue.
Clean reusable filters with soap and water, and then allow the filters to dry before putting them back in the vacuum.
Remove Clogs and Dirt
Learn how to remove dirt or clogs from the hose. Clogs can be caused by sticky or moist substances, or by any debris that is too large. You can use central vacuum maintenance cloths for cleaning these clogs, which can be found at central vacuum dealers or hardware stores. Just feed a cloth into the hose while the central vacuum is running, and then let the cloth come out the other end. You can also attach the hose in the reverse direction to clear out clogs. Or try running a plumber’s snake through it. Finally, if you’re really having trouble, you can contact a professional to remove clogs as well.
Also, make sure to store the hose and the other attachments in the best way possible. The hose can experience the most wear and tear, since it’s used the most, and proper storage will help it last longer. Store the hose on a hose hanger that is mounted to the wall. Or you can use the Hide-A-Hose system, which conveniently stores your hose inside your walls. And don’t leave any other attachments on the hose but detach and put them away separately.
The hose isn’t the only attachment you should complete maintenance for. Also, take care of the carpet brush attachments. Inspect them to make sure there’s nothing stuck or tangled in the bristles, like hair or dust. You can also trim the brush’s long fibers. And inspect the cords to check that they are not frayed or damaged.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Keep up regular inspections by professional technicians. These system inspections should usually be done about once every few years. This is an incredibly essential step for making sure your central vacuum continues to function properly. Experts will always know exactly what your central vacuum needs.
In some cases, they might be able to detect an issue and take care of it before it becomes a major problem. And, in general, there are some maintenance tasks that only professionals can do. At Gary’s Vacuflo, we have a 20-point system checkup that we recommend every 2 or 3 years. This inspection covers the power unit, tubing, and accessories.
Finally, try not to overuse your central vacuum system. Overusing can lead to excessive debris, which causes clogs and could also cause issues that end up requiring repairs. Make sure to carefully read your owner’s manual on how to use the vacuum properly.
At Gary’s Vacuflo, we also sell a number of cleaning and maintenance products for your central vacuum system. This includes replacement bags and filters, cleaning kits, and Tornado central vacuum maintenance cloths, one of the top brands. You can see these products and more, as well as find out more information about our central vacuums, on the Gary’s Vacuflo website. Also, remember you can always contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
