Central vacuum systems continue to be popular amongst homeowners and offer a more convenient and powerful alternative to traditional vacuum cleaners. These traditional cleaners are usually heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver around the house and on stairs. They also require frequent emptying of canisters and cleaning of filters. While they generally get the job done, central vacuuming systems are proven to improve indoor air quality and significantly reduce allergy symptoms.
Central vacuum cleaners require the user to simply attach the hose to an inlet valve fitted into the wall and then turn the system on. The use of a long hose makes it easy to move around the room, and the absence of a bulky unit also makes it easier to clean those hard-to-reach places.
Maintenance of your central vac system usually entails emptying the vacuum canister and changing vacuum filters periodically. While routinely maintaining your system will ensure efficient functioning, occasionally, problems can arise.
1. Loss of Suction
The central vacuum system relies on the powerful suction effect to pick up dust and debris from your floors. We recommend checking a few things if you experience a reduction of suction in the system.
- Is there a clog in the pipe or hose?
- Is the central vacuum canister full of dirt and debris?
- Are the filters dirty?
A canister that is more than three-quarters full can significantly affect the suction. Dirty filters could also be a problem, so check the main and secondary filters for debris accumulation.
If none of these solutions restore full suction to your system, it may be possible that your motor has failed. This is not a common issue with central vacuum motors, but after extended use over decades, the motor, like any mechanical equipment, is subject to wear and tear.
2. Plugs Not Working
If you plug your hose into the inlet valve and it doesn’t work, there could be a number of causes.
- Test your hose in another inlet
- Plug the power brush directly into the valve
- Check the circuit breaker for any tripped circuits
If your hose works in another inlet, the malfunction is probably isolated to that particular inlet valve. If the power brush works when attached directly to the valve, then you likely have a problem with the high-voltage lines in the vacuum hose.
3. Vacuum Hose Does Not Work
Another reason why your vacuum may not work is an issue with the hose itself. Your central vacuum hose is made with a series of both high and low-voltage wires to provide electricity to the power attachments. To find out whether the hose is the issue, you can test the following:
- Check that the hose connection is properly fitted into the inlet valve.
- Examine the contact points for any dirt or debris.
- Test your power vacuum attachments by plugging them directly into the inlet valve.
If your power vacuum attachments work when plugged directly into the inlet valve but not when connected by the hose, you most likely have an issue with your hose. You may need to repair or replace the switch on the hose, or the high-voltage lines in the vacuum may need replacing. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to replace your hose.
How to Clean Out the Central Vacuum System
By following a few simple maintenance procedures, you can increase the life and efficiency of your central vacuum system
- Empty accumulated dirt and debris from the vacuum canister at least 2 to 4 times a year
- Change or clean both primary, and secondary filters 2 to 4 times a year
- Routinely check hoses for clogs
Central vacuum systems are powerful but not invincible. Be careful not to pick up messes that could clog your system. This includes large pieces of debris or liquids. Liquids and soft foods that are sucked up by the vacuum can damage or clog the inlet valve and potentially cause dirt build-up in the entire system. This can result in costly repairs and the need for intensive professional cleaning.
Central Vacuum Duct Cleaning
While following the recommended maintenance procedures will improve the performance of your central vacuum system, regular professional servicing and cleaning of the entire system are also recommended. Call us at Clean Air Solutions Ltd., for your free quote and save money by booking your central vacuum servicing at the same time that you book your furnace and duct cleaning service.
