Understanding Central Vacuum Cleaners

A central vacuum cleaner also is known as ducted or a built-in is a type of vacuum cleaner appliance, put into a building as a semi-permanent structure. Central vacuum systems are made to remove debris and dirt from buildings and homes, moving dirt particles through tubing put inside the walls to a collection bin in different utility space. The power unit is a fixed fixture, usually installed in a garage, storage room, or basement, along with the collection container. In-lets are installed in walls throughout the whole building that attaches to power hoses and other central vacuum accessories to remove dust, particles, and small debris from interior rooms. Most powered hoses usually consist of a power switch located right on the handle.

History

19th century

The first time there was a system similar to a central vacuum cleaner was in the end of the 19th century. A ducted machine that had copper tubes attached with a bellows chamber, typically put in the basement, and expanded to several locations throughout a building, was used in some chosen few homes at the time. Because of the machine’s total cost and weak dust-removal functionalities, only a few of these models were ever sold in the United States.

20th century

In the early 1930s, the development of powerful and small electric motors enhanced the popularity and availability of the moveable vacuum cleaner and further diverted consumers from buying central cleaners.

By the early 1960s, the invention of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thin-wall vacuum tubing enhanced the central vacuum system to be more affordable in the United States. Previously, more-expensive metal tubing was being used exclusively, and it may still be used for section or all of installation if required by building fire code regulations.

In the 1990s, central vacuum systems got popularity among real estate agents and home remodelers for the value they added to homes at the resale price. Allergists also played an important role in the growing popularity of central vacuum systems in the 1990s.

With central vacuum systems that exhaust completely out of the home, no dust or allergens can be recirculated through the interior air, as is the case with a traditional vacuum.[2]

Health

In the year 2001, a study was conducted by the University of California at Davis showed improvements in various aspects of health in 25 individuals with a known history of type I hypersensitivity to tolerate dust. Each one of these individuals was using either a Beam Central Vacuum System or their own vacuum systems for a period of three months. At the end of this period, the individual moved over to the opposite limb of the study for 3 other additional months. Strangely, in all 7 domains of the evaluation, including sleep, activity, non-nasal symptoms, practical problems, nasal symptoms, eye symptoms, and emotions, the use of the central vacuum proved to be superior.