Hoover Central Vacuum: A Complete Guide

Hoover Central Vacuum: A Complete Guide

What is a Central Vacuum System?

A central vacuum, sometimes called a built-in vacuum, is a whole-house vacuum system that’s installed inside your walls. The system consists of vacuum pipes that run through your walls, connecting to vacuum inlets around your home. The inlets allow you to access the system quickly to vacuum, rather than having to drag a canister vacuum from room to room. The central unit, which contains the motor and bag, is installed in a garage, basement or closet.

Benefits of a Hoover Central Vacuum

There are many benefits to having a Hoover central vacuum system installed in your home:

  • Powerful suction – Hoover central vacuums offer very powerful suction, often around 500 air watts. This allows the system to pick up dirt, dust and debris much more effectively than a canister or upright vacuum.
  • Whole-home cleaning – With inlets placed around your home, you can easily access the central vacuum to clean every room or level.
  • Advanced filtration – Hoover central vacuums use multi-level filtration systems to trap dust, allergens and other particles. This helps improve indoor air quality.
  • Easy maintenance – With a central vacuum, all the dirt collects in one central canister, making it very simple to maintain the system.
  • Longer vacuum cleaner life – With no motor in the vacuum hose, your vacuum will last much longer without declining suction or performance.
  • Quieter operation – Since the motor is installed centrally in the home, the vacuum produces less noise in the room you’re cleaning.
  • Health benefits – Hoover central vacuums can help reduce dust and allergens, which is beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.

How Do Hoover Central Vacuums Work?

Hoover central vacuum systems work through a network of in-wall pipes that connect to the central unit. Here are the basic components and how they operate:

  • Vacuum unit – The main canister installed centrally in the home contains a powerful vacuum motor and bag to collect debris.
  • Piping – Smooth in-wall pipes run from the vacuum unit to inlets around the house. The pipes are usually PVC or metal.
  • Inlets – Inlets placed strategically around the house allow you to access the piping system and vacuum using a hose.
  • Hose – Lightweight vacuuming hoses connect to the inlets. They have a handle to grip and a suction nozzle on the end.
  • Controls – Wiring connects the inlets to control switches that activate the central vacuum unit when you’re vacuuming.

When you insert the hose into an inlet and turn on the system, suction is created by the central vacuum unit. This pulls dirt through the pipes and into the central bag or canister for easy disposal.

Hoover Central Vacuum Models

Hoover offers several excellent central vacuum models to choose from. Here are some of their top options:

  • Hoover Hushtone – Features a quiet motor and advanced noise-reduction for a peaceful vacuum. Has HEPA filtration.
  • Hoover WindTunnel – The patented WindTunnel technology creates channels of suction for pulling in debris. Includes a HEPA filter bag.
  • Hoover Executive – A lightweight but powerful model good for large homes. Has a tangle-free hose and advanced filtration.
  • Hoover Legacy – Provides extreme water lift and suction for deep cleaning carpets. Includes a HEPA media bag.
  • Hoover Pro Plus – Commercial-grade model with a stainless steel canister and 3-stage filtration system to trap allergens.

When selecting your Hoover central vacuum, consider factors like power, noise level, filtration systems and any special features that suit your cleaning needs.

Cost to Install a Hoover Central Vacuum

For the unit itself, Hoover central vacuums range from 0 – 00 depending on the model and features. But the total installed cost is higher, due to the labor for installation. On average, expect to pay:

  • $800 – $1200 for a starter kit with the central unit and basic components.
  • $2000 – $3500+ for a professionally installed system in an average size home.

Homes over 5000 sq ft may cost $4500 – $6000+ for installation. Costs vary based on the size of your home, additional accessories or advanced features, and local labor rates.

How to Choose a Hoover Central Vacuum

Here are some tips for selecting the right Hoover central vacuum system for your home:

  • Consider your home size and layout to determine the piping and outlets needed.
  • Choose a model with sufficient suction power and water lift for your floors.
  • Assess noise level ratings if you need a quieter motor.
  • Decide if you need HEPA filtration or advanced allergen removal for health reasons.
  • Factor in any special features like longer hoses, retractable cords, or accessories.
  • Choose a canister size that matches the capacity you’ll need.
  • Have a professional assess your home to recommend the right system size.

Taking the time to evaluate Hoover models and installation factors will help ensure you get an efficient, long-lasting central vacuum customized to your home.

Pros & Cons of Hoover Central Vacuums

Here’s a quick look at the main advantages and potential drawbacks of installing a Hoover central vacuum:

Pros:

  • Powerful whole-home cleaning
  • Advanced filtration improves air quality
  • Easy to use inlets located throughout home
  • Long-lasting performance and suction
  • Quieter operation than portable vacuums

Potential Cons:

  • High upfront installation cost
  • May require remodeling for installing pipes
  • Limited selection of models compared to portable vacuums
  • Not ideal for multi-story homes without proper piping

Overall, the pros often outweigh the cons for most homeowners. But be sure to consider the costs, home layout and convenience factors before installing your Hoover system.

Maintaining Your Hoover Central Vacuum

Maintaining a Hoover central vacuum system involves a few simple periodic tasks:

  • Empty canister – Empty the dirt canister when full to maintain suction.
  • Check filters – Clean or replace the filters as needed per manufacturer instructions.
  • Clear obstructions – Run clearing tools through pipes to remove potential clogs or obstructions.
  • Inspect system – Have a technician inspect the motor, conduits and system integrity periodically.
  • Replace bags</