suggestions for an old central vacuum?

[Brian Elfert]

I didn't pay more than $400 or so for my vacuum unit so it wasn't that expensive. (Cost didn't include hose, beater head, and piping.) I had no issues with lack of suction at any outlet.

[Bill Rhodus]

If possible, you should try to inspect the pipes. If an elbow has a hole worn in it the suction will be reduced. I've never seen a properly installed central vac that was not superior to a typical portable vac.

[Steve Peterson]

If possible, you should try to inspect the pipes. If an elbow has a hole worn in it the suction will be reduced. I've never seen a properly installed central vac that was not superior to a typical portable vac.

I agree. I don't have a lot of experience with them, since we only recently acquired a house with one. The motor and filter are significantly larger than anything that you would want to drag around the house. Maybe yours has a loss of suction somewhere. Take the hose off at the vacuum and see if it a lot stronger than the suction inside the house.

Steve

[ken masoumi]

If there's a hole or a crack somewhere,I can't see it,the plumbing looks crude,I have a feeling the owner himself installed this CV ,it definitely does not look like a pro installed it .
I think I'll listen to those of you who suggested I should keep it.if I can't use it for something else like modifying it for a dust collector,I'll leave it alone.
Thank you all for your comments.

[Jessica Pierce-LaRose]

Are there multiple ports? I know someone who had problems, and it turned out the ports weren't sealing well when not in use, affecting the suction, or at least, that's what I was told.

[Lee Schierer]

Steve,Bian,you must have had better central vac then me,the one I have probably has the lowest suction of them all,I cleaned out the filter but didn't do much good,I then found out you can spend a couple of thousands to get a much more powerful/quiet one,but we already bought a canister vacuum .

Check the suction right at the unit. If the suction is noticeably better there then there is a leak or obstruction in the piping. We didn't spend any where near $1,000 an got one that was much quieter than our original Hoover unit and has significantly more suction. Go to Thinkvac.com and check out the suction levels and prices for various models of central systems.

[ken masoumi]

Josh,the ports seal nicely ,I also checked the suction at the unit like Lee suggested but didn't find a significant difference which is why I'll leave it the way it is for now ,unless I find a use for it or donate it or trade for an upgraded version.
BTW,Thank you for your comments.