Residential Buyers Guide: Introduction

A 'ducted vacuum' is a vacuum system that is installed into a home at a set location, typically the garage. The vacuum provides suction throughout the home via ducting and inlets. The operator just needs to plug a hose into an inlet and the vacuum will automatically turn on and provide suction. Once the operator is finished vacuuming and unplugs the hose, the system turns itself off.

Ducted vacuum systems are also known as ‘central vacuums’ or ‘built-in vacuums’

The operator does not need to pull or carry a heavy vacuum around the home while cleaning, they only need to carry the hose and their chosen head. Because the vacuum system does not need to be transported by the operator, ducted systems can offer larger storage capacities, more powerful motors and therefore superior suction.

Ducted vacuums offer many other advantages compared with portable vacuums including less noise around the operator & better dust removal. We will explore these qualities and many others in the next section.

In 1982 DrainVac pioneered the world’s first Wet & Dry ducted vacuum, providing the extra advantage of being able to vacuum liquids & solids in addition to dust. These unique systems also empty themselves automatically. We will explore Wet & Dry later in this guide

Ducted vacuums can be installed during the construction of a new home or retro-fitted to an existing home.