Three criteria determine the right unit for your home: its size, the filtration type, and the hose you'll use every day. Here's how to decide — plus answers to the questions we hear most often.
The 3 criteria
The unit's suction power (measured in air watts) must match your home's square footage and the length of the piping network. An undersized unit loses suction at the outlets farthest from the motor. Our lineup covers everything from condos to large multi-storey homes — the model pages list the recommended coverage for each unit.
Bag units offer the cleanest emptying — you toss the bag without touching dust. Bagless (cyclonic or inverted-filter) units have no recurring bag cost. If someone in the house has allergies, prioritize a unit that vents exhaust air outside the living area.
It's the part you handle every day. A standard 30–35 ft hose is stored on a hanger; a retractable system like the Chameleon stores the hose inside the wall piping itself — you pull out the length you need, then it retracts on its own.
Installation
The ideal scenario: the piping is routed during construction, outlets are placed exactly where you want them, and nothing is visible. Mention it to your contractor early — the rough-in is quick and inexpensive at this stage.
The piping runs through the basement, attic or closets. An experienced installer completes most residential installations in a single day, with minimal openings. Your local dealer assesses the layout and recommends outlet placement.
FAQ
The price depends on the model, your home's size and the number of wall outlets to install. The simplest path: request a free quote — an authorized dealer assesses your home and gives you a clear price, no obligation.
Yes. The piping runs through the basement, attic or closets, without major work. Most installations in an existing home are completed in one day.
A quality central vacuum generally lasts more than 15 years — much longer than a portable vacuum. The steel body of Vacumaid units is warranted for life.
The steel body is warranted for life and internal components are covered by a 10-year residential warranty. Service is provided by the authorized dealer network across Quebec and Ontario.
Very little: empty the canister or replace the bag a few times a year depending on use, and check the filter. Your dealer can also offer periodic maintenance.
A central vacuum offers more suction power, is quieter in living areas since the motor sits in the basement or garage, and vents exhaust air outside the living space — a real advantage for air quality, especially for allergy sufferers.
As a rule of thumb, one wall outlet covers about 600 to 800 sq ft with a standard 30–35 ft hose. An authorized dealer determines the exact number and placement based on your home's layout.