A central vacuum system can provide decades of cleaning power, as long as it’s used and maintained properly.

So whether you already have one installed in your home or are still deciding on buying one or not, it’s important to know how to operate a central vacuum system correctly.

Below are instructions on how to use a central vacuum system.

I. On The Power Unit

II. Turning Off The Power Unit

III. Cleaning The Filter

IV. Emptying The Dirt Receptacle

V. Changing The Collection Bag

VI. Turning Finding Electrical Faults

VII. Hose Storage & Maintenance

VIII. Tips For Maintaining A Central Vacuum System

Turning On The Power Unit

If you have a Standard Air Kit, plug the hose into one of the wall inlet valves. The metal ring on the hose’s cutoff will complete a low-voltage electrical circuit, which will then turn on a switch and the power unit of the system. It’s important to precisely align the hose with the wall inlet to avoid damaging the unit.

If you have a Deluxe Air Kit or a Deluxe Electric Kit, plug in the hose into one of the wall inlet valves and use the on/off button on the power unit to start the system.

Turning Off The Power Unit

To turn off the power unit if you have a Standard Ait Kit, unplug the hose from the inlet. This will stop the suction of air and turn off the unit. 

To turn off the power unit if you have a Deluxe Ait Kit or Deluxe Electric Kit, you can also use the on/off button on the power unit to stop the system.

Cleaning The Filter

If your vacuum cleaner includes a filter, you should clean it frequently to ensure that it collects more dirt and enhances the quality of the air.

Depending on how frequently you use your vacuum, vacuum filters should be cleaned every three months and replaced every six months. There are also some filters that don’t need to be replaced.

For cleaning a paper or cloth filter: 

1. Remove the collection pail and the vacuum bag from the power unit.
2. Cover the lower part of the power unit with a large plastic garbage bag. Hold it firmly in place.
3. Grab the sewn-in weight at the bottom that’s inside the bag. Shake the bag vigorously, and the dirt will fall inside.
4. Slowly remove the plastic bag from the power unit.
5. Reattach the collection container on the power unit. 

Emptying The Dirt Receptacle

If you’re using a bagless central vacuum, it is highly recommended that you empty and rinse the dirt receptacle after every use. This stops dust and debris from building up inside the device, which could cause the motor to deteriorate or break.

Here are some easy steps to emptying and cleaning the collection container:

1. Make sure that the power unit is switched off before removing the collection container.
2. Simply twist the container off to remove it from the power unit.
3. Throw away the dirt in the container.
4. Rinse the container and wipe it. Let it completely dry before reattaching it to the power unit.
5. Re-attach the container to the power unit.

Changing The Collection Bag

If you’re using a bagged central vacuum, here are some easy steps to changing the collection bag:

1. Make sure that the power unit is switched off before changing the collection bag.
2. Take off the power unit’s top cover plate. 
3. Slide the bag carefully away from the pipe.
4. Throw away the used bag.
5. Slide the new collection bag over the pipe until the pipe is fully covered. 
6. Return the top cover plate. 

It is highly recommended to change collection bags before they reach 75% of their capacity. Filling up an entire bag reduces the suction of the central vacuum. The central vac’s performance and suction will decrease if the bag is left to fill up over the recommended limit.

Finding Electrical Faults

Below are possible electrical problems that can happen with a central vacuum system:

• The power unit won’t work if the voltage is either below or over the standard operating voltage, there is a large current drain, or the rotor is locked. If this happens, the LED next to the on/off switch will blink until the issue is resolved.

• The power unit will not function and the LED will be off if the circuit board gets too hot.

If any of these issues arise, press the on/off button, disconnect the hose, or wait for the temperature to drop. Contact the nearby authorized service center if issues persist.

Hose Storage & Maintenance

• Keep the hose out of direct sunlight when storing. It should be used and kept at temperatures higher than 40 °F (5 °C).

• Use the provided hose hanger to always hang the hose up when it’s not in use. 

• If the hose becomes clogged, follow these instructions:

1. 1. Insert the wand end into the power unit’s utility inlet. 
   2. Hold the hose firmly in place to cover excess air-spaces and turn on the power unit with the manual switch. The blockage should then be quickly vacuumed out. 

• If the hose is still clogged, you can pass a garden hose or an electrician’s fish tape (wire) through it to clear the obstruction. Just be careful not to pierce the hose.

• Detach the wands from the hose handle before storing them. 

Tips For Maintaining A Central Vacuum System

• Use a clean and soft cloth to dust off the power unit. DO NOT use water or liquid cleaners because they could result in an electrical shock. 

• Do not place anything on top of the power unit as this could prevent cooling air from reaching the motor and cause the motor to overheat.

• Never try to pick up anything that will not fit through the hose end or cleaning tool. The system must not be used to pick up construction debris.

• Use just one inlet to guarantee proper cleaning every time.

• Hold the inlet door open after removing the hose from the inlet for a few seconds to help clear debris from the vacuum tube and ensure that the power unit has been switched off.

• Keep the inlet door open for a few seconds after unplugging the hose from the inlet. This helps in removing dirt from the vacuum tubing.

• Never connect anything else to the system’s power supply. Ensure that the circuit used to power the system completely meets all of the unit’s electrical needs.