There are so many Ducted Vacuum Systems on the market today that you don't know where to start and what to look for. Everyone says theirs is the best and that's fine; its good to see that they believe in their product.

I am an independent business owner, not affiliated to any particular brand, who was looking for a Ducted Vacuum System to recommend and feel confident that it will do the job.

This is what I looked for when researching for a Ducted Vacuum System, I hope this helps you as it did for me.  (Just remember you have to compare Apples with Apples to be fair on price comparison)

Air watts indicates general cleaning performance of the unit. You need to get the right amound of Air watts, not too high and definitely not too low. (See example provided)

These next two items will determine which Model to choose.

Service Distance - gives you the maximum length of ducted pipe that the unit can handle.

Maximum Inlets - gives you the maximum inlets that the ducted vacuum system can handle including Vacpans or Vacusweeps.

Sound Level. Nobody wants to disturb the neighbours. A good range for sound level is between 58Db – 65Db. If going below this range just be careful that the unit doesn't have too much sound proofing around the motor. This may not allow enough airflow around the motor, which can cause problems (over heating).

Some units come with a sound hood, reducing the motor noise. Make sure that the unit comes with a muffler to reduce the air exhaust noise. (Some charge extra for the muffler)

Filtration- Some Cyclonic Systems - (no bags) come with a self clean non stick Gore-Tex hepa standard filter material which sheds the dirt and dust allowing the system to operate at its maximum efficiency. Other styles of filtration - sponge, cloth or cartridge filter (these filters need to be cleaned regularly allowing the system to operate a its maximum efficiency).

Sound Hood Muffler  

Bag Style Ducted Vacuum Systems - The bag in itself is a filter catching the dust & dirt. Some provide extra filtration either above or under the bag depends on the setup. What to look out for on these systems is the quality of the filter. Is it coarse; a piece of open mesh or a fine filter? On any ducted vacuum system, whether cyclonic or bag, the type of filter provided determines how much dust flows through the motor. The bag system does have an ongoing cost; replacing bags (depending on usage) could be 2 to 3 times per year. The cost per bag could vary from $6-$10. Make sure you have spare bags in the cupboard if going with the bag ducted system. Some companies provide a mail-out service for bags (extra cost for postage may be charged)

Garage Point - If the machine is placed in the garage this allows you to clean the car from the machine. Some garage points are either on the machine or attached to the pipe work prior to the machine (some companies charge extra for the garage point that is attached to the pipe work).

Hose Kits - There are a number of different hoses to choose from and quality, they will be listed as follows;

Standard Host Kit - How does it work? When you plug the hose into the inlet it starts the system up straight away. Accessories include a telescopic rod, carpet head, crevice & upholstery tool, dusting brush, hose hanger & tool caddy. There are a variety of colors, beige, black & silver, hose quality is relativelythe same. (Be careful not to get the very hard hose it is cheap quality & hard to handle)

Hose lengths come in 9m, 10m, 11m, 12m.

Note: A hose sock is usually recommended for this hose to protect the corners of your wall. The sock goes over the hose to take away the ribbing.

Switched Hose Unit - How does it work? When you plug

the hose into the inlet you have control as to when to start & stop the system from the handle (no going back to the wall to pull out the hose to turn of the system to answer the door or phone just switch it of at the Handle it is more convenient..

There are two types of quality in the switched hose range; standard & deluxe.

The standard switched hose has larger rounded ribbing & slightly heavier

(which you may not even notice). Quality is good & usually cheaper than the deluxe.

The deluxe hose is softer & the ribbing on the hose is not as harsh.

(you may not need a hose sock, try the hose first before you spend the money)

Quality is great & easy to handle.

Accessories include a telescopic rod, carpet head, crevice & upholstery tool, dusting brush, hose hanger, tool caddy & hard floor brush (not all suppliers give a hard floor brush).

Hose lengths come in 9m, 10m, 12m.

NOTE: All of these hoses are ok to use, it comes down to choice, desire & cost. You can always get something different latter.

Ducted Vacuum Points - How do I now how many points I need?

The supplier of the Ducted Vacuum System should be able to measure up either from on site or from a supplied plan of your home indicating how many points you require.

Vacusweep or Vacpan - Automatic dustpan can be installed to the kicker of your kitchen, laundry or en suite cupboards.

The vacsweep or vacpan is great for sweeping up crumbs, hair or any light rubbish just flick the leaver to activate the system and sweep up to your vacusweep or vacpan for a quick cleanup.

Warranty - Different companies provide different types of warranty & you have to choose what type of warranty you want. Warranties can range from 1 to 7.5 years, always ask the question, what does it cover?

Some companies provide a warranty like 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 which means you have to take the machine in for a service at the end of the initial 2 or 3 years to gain the extra 2 or 3 years of the warranty. If you can’t take it in they are happy to come to your home but you may be charged for this.

Price - High price doesn’t mean you are buying the best quality, but low price may mean poor quality.

At the end of the day you need to work out how much you want to spend and buy the best machine for that Amount.

Now that you have all this information you will be able to research the right Ducted Vacuum System for you.

• If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call Marton on 03  5625 5065 or 0400 492 487