BUILDERS FAQS
FAQS
Can a central vacuum be installed in my present home?
Yes! Virtually any home, from new to old can be retrofitted for a central vacuum.
How do you install a central vacuum in an existing home?
We utilize any area we can. For example, a crawl space, unfinished basements, attics, closets, etc. The experts at Plugged In are very careful to examine where they will be going before making any cuts and holes in your walls.
Can I use a central vacuum on hardwood, vinyl, and or tile floors?
Yes! A central vacuum on hard surfaces does a phenomenal job. When using a broom or a swiffer you are re-circulating the dust. Also, you know what happens to dust bunnies and dog hair when trying to use a broom...you just stir it up into the air. With a central vacuum you are sucking up the dirt, dust bunnies and dog hair making your floors and your air cleaner.
What is the upkeep of a central vacuum?
A central vacuum is practically maintenance free. If you are taking good care of your equipment and not sucking up things that you shouldn't, your system will last years and years without any maintenance.
How does a central vacuum work?
The power unit is located in the garage or basement and is connected (with central vacuum PVC piping) to strategically placed outlets in the home. You simply plug the hose into an outlet and the system is turned on with a switch on the hose handle. Dirt and dust are completely removed from the living areas and collected in the power unit's dirt receptacle.
How does a central vacuum improve air quality?
All vacuums must circulate air. This is why when you turn on an upright vacuum you sometimes will see a puff of dust. A conventional vacuum can recirculate dust back into the living area, where a central vacuum removes 100% of dirt, dust mites, pollen, dander and other allergens and carries them from the living area to the power unit receptacle. With a central vacuum the power unit is circulating the air though many filters. A central vacuum is more effective at removing dirt and allergens from the air because it has a larger, more powerful motor than an upright.
Will this add value to my home?
Not only will it add value to your home but it will be valuable to your health. Investing in any permanent appliance for your home should help increase the value when you decide to sell.
How many outlets are needed for my home?
Each home varies. With traditional outlets, when strategically placed, you can reach between 700-800 sq feet. Then you also can add an outlet in the garage to clean out cars or an automatic dust pan in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, or areas where there are hard surface coverings.
Is the suction power maintained throughout the home?
Yes! When your system is properly installed you will have equal suction at every outlet no matter the distance from the outlet back to the power unit.
If you have an existing system and there is minimal suction, there are many variables to consider. You could have a pipe that has come loose, a clog in the system, or you could have a system that was not properly installed. That's why it's a must to use the pros at Plugged In for all your service and installation needs.
Will a central vacuum work on pet hair?
Absolutely!!! A central vacuum works up to 5 times better at sucking up pet hair and dander versus a conventional vacuum.
How much will a system cost me?
A central vacuum should be viewed more as an appliance for your home. This is something that you're not replacing every year. Much like if you make a good investment in a refrigerator, water heater, furnace...they last a long time. A refrigerator might cost a couple $1000 dollars and it insures a couple $100 dollars worth of food at a time. However, a central vacuum could possibly cost less than a couple $1000 and insures well over $1000s of dollars worth of carpet, tile, hardwoods, furniture, etc! When cleaning with a central vacuum, it will prolong the life of your carpet, drapes and furniture through deeper cleaning, therefore saving you money in replacement cost of carpet, drapes and furniture.