Your central vacuum system is more than just a motor providing superior suction and cleaning, it is an appliance that you should have for many years of trouble free service.

Choosing a system with long motor longevity is key to a trouble free system. But what about maintenance? Like most of us, once installed, the central vacuum is an appliance we forget about. It is usually installed in the garage or basement or in some utility room out of sight out of mind.

The only time you might think of your central vacuum system is when you experience a loss in suction (which if working properly means the dirt canister needs to be emptied or bags replaced). Some systems however require maintenance beyond just the seasonal emptying to keep the system performing at optimal performance.

In our opinion, the best central vacuum systems should be maintenance free and continue to perform for years of uninterrupted service.

For the purpose of this filter comparison, Cana-Vac uses two filtration methods, an optional biodegradable cloth like paper bag which filters out 99.4% of allergens at .3 Micron. This filter is replaced each time the vacuum is emptied so no maintenance is necessary.

In addition to a paper bag option, each Cana-Vac comes standard equipped with two permanent filter choices. For those wanting a bagless option, L and LS Cana-Vac models are equipped with a Maintenance-optional Micro-Tex® filter which filters particles down to .1 micron at 95% efficiency. XLS Cana-Vac models include a high efficiency HEPA membrane filter (.3 Micron at 99.97% efficiency) with a non-stick coating making it completely maintenance-free.

Illustrated left, are microscopic images of two filters. You will notice the filtration in the first picture captures a much finer particle versus the image lower left which is not as efficient. The lower the efficiency, in relation to particle size, tells us what percentage of particles are filtered (i.e. .1 Micron at 95% efficiency means that 95% of particles at a .1 micron size are captured and the remaining 5% pass through the filter and through the motor.

Virtually all central vacuums implement the use of some filtration inside the central vacuum unit which is designed to prevent fine dust from getting inside the motor and reducing its life. The secondary benefit, if the filter is efficient enough to filter out most allergens, allows the optional ventilation of the central vacuum indoors. This is a benefit for installations which are not vented outdoors or if vented into the garage.

Of course the true benefit of any central vacuum is when it is vented outdoors effectively removing 100% of vacuumed allergens and other contaminants out of your home. This is why central vacuums have been clinically proven to reduce allergy symptoms!

Foam Filtration: This is the least desirable, but cheapest option. Typically this type of filter also uses a Cyclonic action to remove most debris from the air stream with the small particles being filtered out by the foam filter.

As the filter loads with dirt, Airflow diminishes and must be removed for washing or replacement.

Semi-Cyclonic (Filter Cyclonic) systems may advertise they are cyclonic but actually implement the use of a foam or cartridge filter (as shown in the picture left). The cyclonic action in this type of unit is designed to separate as much debris from the air stream while the cartridge filter prevents fine particles from entering the motor. In this instance, the increased Airflow performances of a true cyclonic system are negated because a secondary filter is used.

Cyclonic systems with secondary filters still require that the filter be replaced or washed to maintain optimal performance.

Cyclonic: Few manufacturers actually produce true "cyclonic only" systems which should say something about the importance of filtration within a central vacuum system.

True Cyclonic systems do not use filters and rely exclusively on the cyclonic action to separate the dirt. Since they offer the least motor protection, more dirt passes through the motor and must be exhausted outdoors. However, despite not having secondary filtration, doesn't mean that this type of unit does not require any maintenance.

Inside the unit is a protective screen to prevent larger particles not separated by the cyclonic action from entering the motor. Eventually, these carpet fibres, hair or anything not separated by the cyclonic action collects on the screen reducing Airflow (which 100% Airflow performance is the cyclonic claim to fame so this statment is not true).

As it is with the previous filter types, maintenance involves reaching up inside the dirty unit and clean this screen when it becomes clogged.

When the protective screen is clean however, and because there isn't a restrictive filter inside, True cyclonic systems do offer the best Airflow but offer the least amount of protection for the motor. Outdoor venting is a must for these systems.

Bag Filtration: Paper bag technology has come a long way from the bags of years past that were dirty and prone to tear. For the purpose of this summary, we are referring to the new cloth like paper bags which are multi-layer capturing most allergens and pollutants. This means the bag, even when full, remains clean on the outside thus minimizing any contact with the nasty things vacuumed. The other benefit to a bag type system is that you are not faced with exposure to the potentially toxic dust plume as is the case with all other filtration types that dump debris directly into the vacuum dirt canister.

This is the cleanest of all filtration options and when the bag is replaced you are starting with a fresh and new filter. Every Cana-Vac unit comes standard equipped for bag or bagless option depending on your preference.

Maintenance Optional Filtration: Sometimes referred to as "Inverted Bag" or "Self-Cleaning" filtration. This type of filter flexes upward and downward as the central vacuum turns on and off. While we believe the term "self-cleaning" is somewhat misleading, this filter does not actually "clean" itself but unlike other filtration methods, as excess dirt cake collects on the filter surface, the excess is shaken off due to the upward and downward movement of the filter.

Dirt cake on this filter is normal and actually increases filtration efficiency albeit at the expense of some airflow.

Unlike the other types of stationary filtration, excess dirt cake continually falls off this type filter meaning that maintenance is not mandatory, but many do like to perform maintenance when using this bagless option which can be simply performed by wrapping a garbage bag tightly around the unit, reaching up inside and giving the filter a shake.

Generally these filters are permanent and last the life of the system though you should check with the manufacturer's owner's manual to be sure.

This is one of the most commonly used filtration methods.

Maintenance Free Filtration: Like its lesser cousin, the maintenance-optional filter, this filter type is actually maintenance free because it is treated with a non-stick surface. This is the preferred choice for those who want a bagless option.

Cana-Vac uses a high efficiency HEPA membrane filter coated with a non-stick coating that prevents dirt cake from adhering to the filter. Filter is performance rated to effectively capture 99.97% of particles of .3 micron size.

Be aware that the colour of a filter does not indicate what type of filter is being use so ask the sales person or refer to the product brochure for full product details.