8 Tips for Maintaining Your Central Vacuum System
March 31, 2015A central vacuum system is an amazing way to get your house clean; it is fast, it is efficient, and it is powerful! That explains why they’re being used more and more across. Understanding how to care for your own central vacuum system is key to ensuring your system works at peak efficiency – not to mention avoiding costly repair charges should you fail to care for your system appropriately. Fortunately, it isn’t too difficult to keep an eye on your central vacuum system; here are just a few useful tips for maintaining your central vacuum system:
1. Make Sure it is Installed Correctly
If you are interested in a central vacuum system for your custom home, make sure your custom home builder is aware. A central vac system is useful for the interior of your home, but it is also becoming one of the garage must-haves as well. Although there are central vac systems for DIY installation, it’s better to have it done by technicians.
Not only does this give you peace of mind that it’s done right, but it also reduces potential problems down the line. Additionally, working with your custom home builder ensures everything still looks the way you want it to and works the way you need. Custom appliances, like a central vac system and more, are just one of the benefits of using a custom home builder.
2. Empty the Accumulated Dirt Regularly
Although central vacuum systems do not require a lot of maintenance, you still have to do some every now and then to keep your system running at peak efficiency. Like other vacuums, the dirt sucked up has to accumulate somewhere.
Just as you would have to empty any other vacuum, you also need to empty the dirt canister in your central vacuum system regularly. The good news is that, generally speaking, you should only have to do this 2 to 4 times a year depending on your system and how much help your home needs to stay clean.
If you are cleaning out the system less than this, it’s possible the central vacuum system is not picking up everything it should. If you are cleaning far more than this, then it may be a sign that your filter needs to be changed more frequently or the dirt canister needs to be replaced. The manufacturer should have some guidelines for the optimal conditions for maintaining these elements of your central vacuum system.
3. Regularly Clean or Change the Filters
Some central vacuum systems have filters instead of dirt canisters or in addition to them, and they need to be cleaned or changed regularly. Different systems will have different filters, so the process and location may vary.
However, cleaning out and replacing filters as needed is one of the most important tips for maintaining your central vacuum system. Usually, these filters need to be replaced 2 to 4 times each year. If you have reusable central vac filters that you are cleaning, you should be switching out and cleaning them on a similar schedule.
4. Check Over the Motor
Your central vacuum system’s motor doesn’t need much maintenance, but you should still be checking over it periodically to make sure it continues to work properly. Look over the motor itself and the motor brushes.
On occasion, your central vac motor may need some lubrication or oiling. If the motor brushes are too worn down, you may need to replace them. If it ever turns out that your motor needs to be replaced entirely, make sure you have a certified professional help you.
5. Avoid Using it on Messes That Could Clog it
A central vacuum system is convenient and efficient, but you do need to be careful about using it for every mess. Excessive debris, large debris, sticky liquids, other liquids, etc. can damage or clog the outlets or even clog the entire system.
It may vary from system to system, but in general, it’s best to avoid using a central vac to clean up liquid messes or large pieces of debris. These types of messes could clog the system and force you to pay for costly and time-consuming professional cleaning and repairs that could have been avoided.
6. Remove Clogs and Debris
Over time, and especially with heavy use, there may be debris or clogs that build up in your central vac system or occasionally block a hose. As part of your regular maintenance, you want to check over the hoses and make sure they are not blocked.
If there are clogs, then you can use central vacuum maintenance cloths or sometimes a plumber’s snake to clear them. If you are having trouble clearing a clog, it’s usually best to contact a professional technician to help clear the hose.
7. Store and Maintain Attachments Properly
When not in use, it’s important to store the hose, carpet attachments, and other attachments properly to reduce wear and tear. You also want to take care of the carpet brush attachments and clean them as needed. Make sure there is no hair, dust, etc. stuck in the brush or tangling the bristles. Also, look over the cords to make sure none are damaged or frayed.
8. Schedule Regular Inspections
Chimney cleaning & inspection is necessary if your custom home will have a fireplace and it’s necessary for other systems in your home too, including your central vacuum system. Although you should have chimneys inspected every year, you only need a central vacuum system inspection once every few years.
Regular inspections every couple of years by professional technicians will ensure your central vac system has what it needs and continues to perform optimally when you need it. Plus, if there is an issue, you can usually catch it early and fix it before it becomes a major issue.
There are many benefits of central vacuum systems. If you decide to include one in your custom home design, these are just a few tips for maintaining your central vacuum system. Knowing what it takes to properly care for a system like this can also help you evaluate the pros and cons of it to determine if it’s a good fit for your custom home.
If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We can help bring your dream home to life!