Why

In a world of options, it is hard to choose between the many central vacuum brands available today. A very important difference among brands is filtration method. The major types include Cyclonic and Filter Bag filtration. There are many claims to ultra-efficiency and cleanliness, but be careful not to fall victim to clever marketing methods ranging from “true cyclonic”, “100% efficiency at all times”, “guaranteed never to clog”, and filters with “no resistance to the air”.

Here at MD, we are willing to show you the different types of central vacuum filtration mechanics, and let you choose which is best. We hope to prove that the MD style of filtration works best (Vertical Bag Filtration). The three animations below show the differences between Inverted Bag Filtration, Cyclonic Flow, and Vertical Bag Filtration. Remember that the term “Cyclonic” simply refers to the flow of air within the unit. It does not refer to the efficiency or cleaning power of the unit.

1. Air/debris intake. Central vacuum tubing from the wall inlets terminate at this point.

2. 12-gallon tapered dirt receptacle only needs to be emptied around twice a year.

3. M.D. Manufacturing’s primary filtering consists of a 3-ply HyperFlow disposable bag and then two secondary filters. HyperFlow has over 1500 square inches of surface area for maximum airflow and highly effective.3 micron filtration. The filter bag is supported by a porous heavy-duty cloth secondary filter (blue). Notice the taper of the bags, which allows maximum surface area for maximized airflow.

4. The air in this open area around the bag and near the motors is tremendously cleaner than cyclonic models, thus protecting the fan blades from build up which causes early failure.

5. The last stage of the secondary filtering is made of breathable foam/plastic mesh.

6. High performance motors in motor compartment are kept clean by the filtration system above it.

7. Exhaust. While cyclonic models normally need to be vented outside, this filtration system keeps the exhaust much cleaner without any need for venting outside.

Great Link: http://builtinvacuum.com/education/filtration.html

Central Vacuum Filtration

How to clean Hard Surface floors

Manta Mop, a hard floor vacuum accessories

Vacuums work great on carpet, but they always seem awkward on hard floors like tile, wood, linoleum, and smooth concrete. Even vacuum accessories made for hard floors are missing the pizazz that other tools have for carpet and upholstery.

MantaMop Hard floor Vacuum Accessory Well check out the Manta Mop. It isn’t new and nothing has changed since its invention, but there are vacuum users all over the world who still haven’t been introduced to it. It is a 16″ wide “manta ray” vacuum accessory that gently dusts Manta Tufts and vacuums hard floors at the same time. It is lined with hundreds of soft woven tufts that allow the user to glide over hard floor surfaces and bump up against the edges of walls, table legs, chair legs, and other furniture.

Manta Mop has a swivel neck that lets the user get under and around objects with relative ease. Originally designed for central vacuum systems, Manta Mop has been widely adopted for upright, canister, and portable vacuums as well. Check out Manta Mop. www.MDVacs.com

Are Central Vacuums really a “Go Green” product?

Does Green Exist in a Vacuum?

June 25, 2008  by Grant Olewiler, M.D. Manufacturing, Inc.
Copyright 2008 M.D. Manufacturing Inc.
Not to be reprinted without written permission

How long will consumers accept the barrage of media addressing the Green initiatives?  Will it be a passing marketing fad or is this a sustainable trend that you need to pay attention to?
Most central vacuum retailers recognize the basic green arguments of the trade but can they truly formulate a logical argument as to the true green aspects of a central vacuum?  Hopefully this article will delineate many new aspects not previously considered.

There appear to be three separate thrusts of the “Green” marketing with a considerable amount of overlap between them.  The first aspect would be the actual reduction of energy consumption by using a central vacuum over a conventional portable.  Is less energy expended over time?  Secondly, what are the true health aspects that are increased by cleaning with a central vacuum?  Does this truly add to a healthy home?  And third, do the manufacturers actually produce the products adopting an Environmental Management System (EMS) in their factory and are the dealers continuing this effort?

“A Consumer Electronic Association (CEA) survey of builders conducted in 2007 found more than three-fourths, 76%, of builders offered central vacuum systems to their buyers in 2007. It followed an NAHB (National Assn of Home Builders) study in 2006 that showed central vacuum systems were installed in 30% of new luxury homes and almost one-fifth of  ‘move up’ homes.”¹ Sara Gutterman , CEO of Green Builder Media eNews states that the current economic climate has caused builders to replace the “predictable set of luxury upgrades” with energy saving “healthy materials to enhance indoor environmental quality…”² At the recent National Green Building Conference in New Orleans in May it was presented that the residential green building market would reach $12 to $20 billion this year with 40% of builders thinking that green building helps them market their homes in a down market.³

This issue is not a fad that will soon pass but rather a serious opportunity for central vacuums to finally achieve their deserved position in the modern household.  Even the ASTM International committee on vacuum cleaners is addressing the issue, investigating areas in which energy management standards for vacuums might emerge.⁴ The industry has even gained recognition in the National Green Building Standard awarding 5 LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points toward homes containing a central vacuum system.⁵ (Requires 108 Points to become Platinum Certified.)

So how do central vacuums achieve these energy savings?  Consider the following: The average portable vacuum might operate on 1000 watts of power whereas a central vacuum might use 1500 watts.  Based upon current electrical rates⁶ a portable costs $.15 per hour to operate with central vacuums at $.25 per hour.  But the savings is achieved in two particular manners.
Syndicated columnist James Dulley writes, “the energy-saving advantage of using a central vacuum cleaner is the fact you probably will have to vacuum less often. Since dust and dirt are captured in the central power unit located in a garage, utility room or basement, none blows through the filter and back into the room.”⁷

First, most central vacuums have 2-3 times the cleaning power of portable vacuums.  This deep down cleaning accompanied with the versatility to reach areas more quickly actually reduces operating time to clean the room.  Secondly, the central vacuum evacuates all germ-laden air and dust from the room.  The portable vacuum is forced to redeposit the air back into the same room environment and microscopic particles have passed through the filtration system.  The user sees this in a ray of sunlight or in the accumulated dust that settles on the drapery or furniture.  This requires additional cleaning time and possibly more electrical energy consumption.
Operating a central vacuum on a hot day would also be better on your utility bill than a portable vacuum as the heat-generating motor(s) is located out of the living area thus not requiring your AC unit to work as hard.  Conversely it could be said that a portable vacuum could actually contribute to heating your home in the winter but this factor is quite negligible.

Central Vacuums; Good, Better, Best

Find the right Central Vacuum without all the hype and fluff and false promises.