Exhaust Venting Nightmares

As we've seen this past Winter season; it's been a snowy one (so we've heard...Florida has been quite nice!). Recently we have been getting calls and questions about proper and safe venting outside from people up north. They've read through the central vacuum exhaust article on our website and had additional questions and concerns on solutions.

Here's a perfect situation: A customer calls us up this morning, who is a teacher and since because of the weather has been snowed in, so there's no school. She has noticed that her central vacuum system has been running hotter and louder than normal recently. With a quick inspection of the exhaust vent, she noticed that the vent had been completely covered over with ice from the previous snow storm. The exhaust louvers can't break through the ice to open and remove all the hot exhaust air coming out from the motor, that air gets trapped in the line and creates back pressure that, in return, will shorten the overall life of the central vacuum system.

We made a valid point on how it wouldn't be the best idea to take the outside option in regards to venting. We told her truthfully that there is no way the plastic louvers on the exhaust vent are going to function properly with the side of the house snowed over. She also made a point in saying that, all the heat that is generated inside the house would escape out through the vent to the the outside, resulting in an increase in utilities used to heat the home and that means more money to spend on heating bills. We advised her to purchase the ActiVacII exhaust filter as it will be the most logical and helpful solution to her needs.

Motor Size Isn't Everything

The most important component in any central vacuum system is the motor. There are four major suppliers to the central vacuum industry, Ametek Lamb Electric, the European made Domel, GS Motors and most recently the China made motor. These companies make several different motors which a central vacuum manufacturer can utilize. Some of these motors differ dramatically in cost, performance and reliability. When comparison shopping also look at the motor warranty. Simply put the longer the warranty the more confident the manufacture is in their product.

Some suppliers will say that the size of the motor is everything when it comes to suction power. Though in the past that may have been true, the European motor manufacturer Domel has been supplying high-efficiency 2300W 5.7" diameter motors that are even more powerful than the general 7.2" diameters, they are also much quieter and even more reliable. It has easily become Europe's best 5.7" diameter motor with a life-span of 18-30 years. And there have been some instances where they would last beyond 40 years, with of course proper maintance to the system.

When talking about Airflow, it's not the true measure of suction, it is simply the measure of the "volume" of air the motor is capable of moving and works in tandem with "Suction". Performance measurements are taken from the motor and do not factor any resistance found in a typical central vacuum system, such as, pipes, elbows, and inlets, this where the unreliability of the measure comes in place, when looking for true "suction" measurements. There is an equation that calculates roughly the true measure of suction, or Airwatts is it the combination of Airflow and Waterlift divided by 8.5 and there you have your Airwatts. Waterlift measures the suction strength of a central vacuum motor. Essentially, it tells how much "pull" or "lift" power the motor has. This measurement does not take into account piping, hoses or accessories etc., thus giving a false measurement of power.

So when looking for a new central vacuum makes sure that you're getting the right one for you and your home. Don't get conned into an inferior system. Remember Airwatts is the way to go.

Central Vacuum Motors
"How do I Measure Suction Power?"

New Year, New People

Sorry, its been sometime since our last Blog. Lots of things have happened over the New Year, we proud to introduce a couple new members to our staff. We have also have had a nice increase in business, so we've been occupied with giving our customers the best service and technical support we can provide.

First, we would like to introduce, Brian, he has been brought in to assist our ever growing presence on the web. His knowledge of Web analysis, and Marketing as proven to be a great resource for us. Returning with us is, Carol, she has been a vital member of our team for sometime now, and with her recent return, our numbers have never looked so good. She has done some remarkable work with our current position on the web and we are looking forward to more great work from these people. And now last, but not certainly least is our new Blogmaster/SEO specialist, Pete, he came strongly recommended from our current Webmaster. With these new additions to the staff, we expect to grow even more this year, than last year.

With all this "Green" initiative going around. We have taken this initiative and have applied to our store front. Using new CFL (compact-fluorescent lights) in our showroom and repair shop has begun to have an effect on our energy consumption. We have also begun to use recycled boxes and paper to print our orders and reports on. Recently, we have begun supplying our customers with the Living Green option for living. Providing an alternative solution to our current energy demands/problems

Also, with the sudden increase in business, it has been sometime since we've last updated our testimonial page. We have 40+ testimonials to add to the site, and more are coming in. We here at ThinkVacuums, we appreciate any comments about our service.