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Avoid using filter bags in central vacuum
QUESTION: We are all rough-ed in for a central vacuum and it has come down to choosing
which vaccuum to purchase. We had a Sears cyclonic one in our old home and
it worked great. No paper filter to tear or break, either. Now I don't
see that many cyclonic models available. It is my understanding that the
only way to avoid using filter bags is to go cyclonic but since there
doesn't seem to be many suppliers, I'm wondering if there is something
inherently wrong with them. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
ANSWER: I am still shopping for one, so I dont have that experience yet. However,
this is what I have noticed:
- Paper bag : seems clean, unless the bag breaks when you unload it. I had
a cheap shop vac a few years ago, and the bag usually torn apart when I
wanted to change it. I have no idea if it is a problem with central
vacuums, but if it is, the cleanliness they bost would not be so true.
One inherent advantage is that air is clean and can stay inside the house
(not that good for allergies, but clean otherwise). Their drawback is
limited usable capacity as you may loose some 25 - 40 % efficiency when
the bag is full. Besides, bags seems to be expensive.
- Inverted cloth "bag" : it is actually a cloth curtain installed between
the lower and upper parts of the vacuum. This is the principle used by
industrial dust removers -- sometimes after low-velocity cyclones that get
rid of larger dust elements. With two or three layers plus a paper or mesh
filter, it should do a decent job. One advantage of this system is that
capacity remains fairly constant (about 10 % loss) throughout the filling
cycle. However, I think it works better with frequent on-off cycles (the
bag is shaken more often) than if you vacuum the whole house in a stretch.
- Cyclone : the best idea, as it never looses efficiency. The main problem
is that air leaving the cyclone is still dirty and therefore dirt will
stick on the fan blades (and may impede on lifespan). It means you need
outdoor evacuation.
In some systems, a foam or paper filter is used to eliminate particles. To
be efficient, the foam needs to be dense and thick.
The last two systems seem more interesting to me.
A few other concepts I like are:
- an electric hose with contacts for both carpet cleaner and vacuum switch;
- a handle that swivels all around the hose, so I avoid bends and swirls;
- valves with built-in electrical contacts for the carpet cleaner accessory
(also called supervalves).
So far, I have been able to find the last two items only on the Electrolux
and on the Hayden. However, I have not seen any Hayden dealer in Montral
(Qubec). I find, however that my choice is good, but a bit thin...
By the way, the Electrolux central vacuum uses the cyclonic system and has
a thick and dense foam filter which is easy to remove and reinstall. I have
not tried to wash it yet (but I will do this before buying). One trick I
did was to try it (and a few others) to vacuum the dirty store carpet, and
I put a deep blue piece of cloth near the exhaust to see if it is decently
clean.
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