The Ultimate Guide to Central Vacuum Systems

A Central Vacuum System, also referred to as a built-in vacuum, is a ducted whole house vacuum system built into the walls of your home during construction. It consists of:

• Vacuum power unit typically located in the utility room, garage or basement.
• Concealed 50m ducting network installed throughout the property within the walls/floors, connecting a series of centrally placed vacuum inlets.
• Lightweight and crushproof vacuum cleaning hose, with a set of cleaning tools & accessories for carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.

Central vacuums are a modern, efficient and healthy way to vacuum. From powerful suction to cleaner air, here's what makes them stand out:

• Provides measurable relief for asthma & allergy sufferers as all dust, mites, pollen and other allergens are removed out of the living areas, leaving the air you breathe free from harmful irritants.
• No loss of power or re-charging is needed. Simply start the system by the control switch on the hose handle.
• Industrial strength suction - up to 50% more powerful than a portable vacuum.
• As the power unit is typically located in the utility or garage area, there's no noisy vacuum motor to pull around at the point cleaning.
• Just sweep the debris to the kitchen VacPan, activate with your toe, and the dirt is whisked away - perfect for daily use. Comes as standard with all Beam Central Vacuum Systems.

There are two different options when it comes to a Beam Central Vacuum System - a retractable hose system or a conventional hose system. 

Retractable Hose Central Vacuum

The retractable hose system is an alternative hose storage solution that adds an extra layer of convenience. Each vacuum inlet conceals a 12 metre hose that pulls out when you need it and automatically retracts back into the wall when you're finished. You only need to pull out as much hose as required and a built-in locking mechanism holds it in place while you clean. This makes it perfect for quick clean-ups, busy family homes, or anyone who prefers a clutter-free setup with no hose storage required.

Conventional Hose Central Vacuum

A conventional central vacuum comes with a 9 metre, lightweight, crushproof hose. Simply plug the hose into one of the vacuum inlets located throughout your home and start cleaning. When you’re done, the hose can be stored neatly in a cupboard on the hose hanger.

With so many vacuum system options available today, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here's a quick overview of the most common types:

1. Robot vacuum
   
2. Cordless vacuum (also known as a handheld or stick vacuum)
3. Cylinder vacuum (also known as a canister vacuum)
4. Central Vacuum (also known as a built-in vacuum)

Each vacuum cleaning system has its pros and cons, so it's helpful to consider these key factors when making your decision:

• Ease of Use – Is the system user-friendly? Can you clean efficiently without too much effort?
• Home Size – Does the vacuum have the capacity to clean your entire home in a single session?
• Home Layout – For multi-level homes, is the vacuum easy to carry or adaptable for stairs?
• Versatility - Can the system effectively vacuum furniture, fixtures, upholstery and hard to reach areas?
• Cost vs. Lifespan – Does the investment make sense long-term? Consider durability and ongoing maintenance when evaluating value.

Portable Vacuum vs Central Vacuum Performance

Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuum cleaners are great for vacuuming flat, open floor surfaces. But while they might keep the middle of your floor tidy, the rest of your home could be left behind...

Would a robot vacuum be able to clean the stairs? 

How will rooms corners be vacuumed? 

What about upholstery and fabrics? 

While robot vacuums are a handy option for light, everyday cleaning, their limited suction, small dustbin and lack of flexibility mean they’re not ideal for deep or whole-home cleaning.

Cordless Vacuums

Cordless vacuums are very convenient, but they can often fall short in efficiency. Batteries need frequent recharging with some models offering a runtime as low as 9 minutes when used on high power. In the lifespan of a cordless vacuum, the battery may also need to be replaced leading to extra costs.

Suction power also tends to be limited, meaning more time spent cleaning. Plus, the smaller dustbins may need to be emptied after every use to maintain suction performance.

Cylinder Vacuums

Cylinder vacuums tend to offer better suction and longer runtime than cordless or robot models. 

However, they're not always user-friendly as they can be awkward to handle. Lugging a heavy unit from room to room, especially around tight corners or up stairs, can be a hassle and sometimes even risks damaging furniture. They can also be noisy in comparison to other vacuums with a larger motor at the point of cleaning. 

On the plus side, the bigger dustbin means you’ll only need to empty it every 1–3 months. But because the dust and dirt is stored in the unit itself, particles are recirculated back into the air during use. 

Central Vacuums

A central vacuum system delivers powerful, reliable, convenient vacuuming with none of the usual compromises. 

There's no heavy machine to lug around, no batteries to recharge, no noisy motor next to you while you clean, and you can easily reach all areas with ease.

In fact, a built-in vacuum is the only system that removes 100% of dust, dirt, and allergens from your living spaces! Unlike portable vacuums that recirculate dusty air back into the room, a central vacuum system removes everything to the unit (usually located in a garage or utility room), leaving your indoor air cleaner and healthier. It’s also clinically proven to provide real relief for asthma and allergy sufferers. 

And with the large waste bin, there's minimal maintenance required as you only need to empty it 2-3 times a year, without worrying about loss of suction!

While the upfront cost of a central vacuum system may be higher, its durability, low maintenance, and long-term performance make it a smart, cost-effective investment.

Comparison Table

^{*on average
**Figures taken from comparisons of various vacuums by Which?, The Independent and Good Housekeeping}

BEAM Vacuum & Ventilation are the leading suppliers of central vacuum systems in the UK and Ireland, with over 48 years experience delivering cleaner, healthier homes. 

Whether you're building new or renovating, BEAM makes it easy to upgrade your cleaning routine. With a nationwide network of Distributor Partners and supply only options available, homeowners can choose the solution that works best for their needs. 

BEAM provide everything from expert advice and professional installation, to reliable aftercare and support. 

Although a Central Vacuum System has a higher cost initially, it's easy to see that overtime it provides great value for money. With at least double the lifespan of any of the portable vacuum systems, no recharging and less maintenance required, the savings all add up!

The high suction power, low noise and convenience also make the built-in vacuum an attractive option when compared to its portable counterparts. 

It’s no surprise more and more UK & Irish self-builders are making the switch to a Beam Central Vacuum System!