PB: What do you and Gary's VacuFlo consider as most important for our readers to hear about?
Gary: Well, it starts with the fact that all of today's homes are built more air tight today than they have ever been. The building codes are requiring newer and more energy efficient construction methods. We provide the benefit to have dust, dirt, pet dander and allergens exhausted and/or vented away from the living area. This compares favorably over the use of outdated regular portable vacuums that exhaust right back into the living area. The use of central vacuum systems provides the ability to have dramatically improved indoor air quality for the homeowners. All Earth Advantage and other green certification programs like Built Green, in the state of Washington, NAHB green programs and others provide extra certification qualification points when builders make this a part of their build out.
PB: How does the system work?
Gary: Our VacuFlo systems pull dirt and pollutants from your home environment into a series of pvc piping in the walls, crawl spaces and attics to the power unit usually installed in the garage for easier dumping and use for cleaning the cars and workshop areas, and vents to the outside via an exhaust flapper similar to a dryer vent, but smaller. A lightweight hose can then be attached to a number of strategically placed inlet valves located throughout the home for convenient, superior cleaning every time. The powerful cleaning performance of the true cyclonic models will not decrease like portable vacuums as the dirt accumulates.
PB: Can a VacuFlo system be installed in a pre-existing home being remodeled?
Gary: Yes, this is the second-best time to do an install. The very best timing is when the home is being built. The pricing is least expensive when the home is under new construction and a little more expensive when it is a remodel and most expensive if the home is existing with no tubing in the walls. Normally there is no damage to any existing structure. We even do installations in commercial locations like hair salons, veterinary clinics, hotels, restaurants, detail shops, etc. We pride ourselves on how quickly we can get the jobs estimated and installed correctly.
PB: I understand that this type of vacuum is more powerful than a regular portable vacuum. How can this be true since the air has to be sucked such a long distance through the piping and the long hose?
Gary: Yes, it is and at least 2 to 3 times more powerful. the motors are much larger than portable vac's and the hoses are designed to be lightweight and extra smooth on the inside. You have to see the suction gage, or use it, where the ultimate proof is. That is why we give our customers a 1 year complete satisfaction guarantee. The factory lifetime limited warranty is unbeatable in the industry.
PB: Where does the hose go when not in use?
Gary: We have a large variety of hose management solutions for our clients to choose from. These range from a transportable hose from a hose hanger in a closet or utility room that plugs into the inlet valve in the wall locations. We also have under cabinet options for quick cleanups and the disappearing hose system where the hose sucks back into the container or wall that are getting extremely popular. The automatic dustpan that has been available for nearly 30 years is also a popular item to add.
PB: How does one know how large a system to choose?
Gary: Generally, the square footage of the home is the best determinant. The number of floors/levels of your home and the type of hose management system you select are also determining factors. We are experts and will recommend a unit and layout that will work to your complete satisfaction. We have power units that work in 200 square foot ADU's, tiny homes and mobile homes up to ones that will work in a 23,000 square foot mansion. Oh, did you know that the Pittock Mansion, built in 1917, actually had a custom made central vacuum installed when it was built? Sorry to say that I didn't do the install!! Maybe a good thing though! (:
PB: How much do they cost?
Gary: From as little as $950 to $4,500 for average type and sized homes for full system installs and for $25,000 or more for the largest home that we have done located in Oregon City that was 33,000 sf. We also provide a less expensive "pre-piping only program" (similar to air conditioning line set installs) for speculation builders if they desire to have this option for budgeting purposes. This will at least allow the occupants to have an equipment completion performed at their own pace later.
PB: Anything we might be missing here?
Gary: Well, yes. The oldest manufacturer of VacuFlo products started mass producing them in 1955 and is located in Ohio, so most of the manufactured parts and the assembly is in the USA. Gary's VacuFlo has been in business for over 36 years and our vision is to "delightfully exceed expectations at all times".
Free estimates.
Web site is www.garysvacuflo.com
Portland office (503) 775-2042.
We service the greater Portland/Vancouver metro areas, east to the Dalles, north/central coast of Oregon, south to Corvallis, Bend, Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle areas.