If you would like to be able to vacuum your house quickly and quietly, without dragging around a vacuum cleaner, consider installing a built-in central vacuum system. With a central vacuum system, all you have to carry is a lightweight hose and a wand with a cleaning head.

The 30-foot-long hose allows you to vacuum two or three rooms from a single inlet. Three or four inlets are usually sufficient for a 3,000-square-foot house.

Because the vacuum motor is located outside the living area, you can vacuum quietly without disturbing TV viewing or phone conversations.

Another important factor, especially for people sensitive to airborne dust, is that particles are carried out and trapped in the collection bin. Most portable vacuum cleaners cannot trap fine dust particles and, instead, blow them back into the air.

Why we like it: • Complete system • Powerful • Large canister

Sizing a central vacuum
Though most central vacuums have twice the power of portable vacuum cleaners, it is important to match the power unit to the size of the house. When deciding on a unit, take into consideration the square footage of the house and the length of pipe required to service the system.

Most manufacturers offer several models that range in size, power, and price to accommodate various sizes of houses. Though vacuums tend to be rated by air power, air flow, and horse power, these measurements are not good indicators of effective suction. The most reliable measure is “waterlift,” which is established by a factory test of a sealed vacuum system’s sucking power.

Smaller systems have a waterlift rating of from 105 to 120 inches. As a rule of thumb, these will handle a 2,500-square-foot house. To choose the right size model for your home, check the manufacturer’s literature.

The power unit
A vacuum system’s main component is the power unit. Power units of equal strength do not vary much; in fact, many of the motors are made by the same manufacturer. When it comes to selecting a brand, pay particular attention to price, service, and warranty.

Central vacuum accessories
A variety of optional accessories like the ones used on standard vacuums are available: flooring, dusting, and upholstery brushes; crevice tools; and two types of power beater-bar carpet brushes—electric and turbo-powered. Electric heads are the strongest but require installation of an electrical receptacle near each vacuum receptacle so you can plug in a power cord. Turbo heads utilize the air rushing through the head to spin the beater bar.

Central vacuums cost from $600 to $1,500, depending on the power unit and the amount of pipe and fittings. Dealers often quote a price based on both installation and materials, but if you plan on installing the system yourself you can request a price for materials only.