Central Vacs Unlimited Inc.

Q: Can A Beam System Be Installed In My Present Home?

Yes! Virtually any home, from new to decades old, can enjoy the cleaning power of a Beam system installed in just a few hours without mess or disturbing walls by one of our professional installers. Your Beam dealer also has an installation video and illustrated instructions if you'd like to install a Beam system yourself.

Q: Can I Use The System To Clean Hardwood, Vinyl or Ceramic Tile Floors?

Yes! Use the bare floor tool or install one of our most popular options: the KickSweep™ automatic dustpan. It's ideal for removing debris from the kitchen, bath or mudroom. Simply sweep trash towards the automatic dustpan, touch the toe switch and use the power of your Beam to instantly remove it. No more dustpans or stooping over to pick up swept debris.

Q: How Do I Maintain A Beam System?

Beam systems are practically maintenance free. No lubrication or cleaning is ever required. Beam's filters have an exclusive self-cleaning design from the makers of GORE-TEX® fabric, which is five times stronger than other leading filtration media. The filter shakes off dirt and protects the motor so a Beam system works like new every time. Because the filter is permanent, there is never a need to replace dirty, messy bags. Just empty the dirt receptacle two to three times per year.

Q: How Does A Beam Central Vacuum System Work?

To create lightweight, powerful cleaning, better air quality and less noise, the Beam power unit is typically located in the basement or garage, and is connected to convenient inlets throughout the home via vacuum tubing. Plug the hose into an inlet and the system is turned on with a switch on the hose handle. Particles are completely removed from living areas and collected in the power unit's dirt receptacle.

Q: How Does A Beam System Improve Indoor Air Quality?

A Beam Central Vacuum System has been clinically proven by the University of California at Davis to reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 61%. A Beam system is more effective at removing dirt and allergens because it has a larger, more powerful motor than uprights – up to five times more powerful. Unlike conventional vacuums that can re-circulate dust, a Beam system removes 100% of contacted dirt, dust mites, pollen, dander and other allergens and carries them from living areas to a canister usually located in the garage – to help improve indoor air quality.

Q: How Many Inlets Are Needed?

Most homes require only three inlets to reach every area with the hose and attachments. Each strategically located inlet lets you vacuum approximately 700-800 square feet. The power unit features an extra built-in inlet for easy cleaning of the area around the power unit.

Q: How Much Does A Beam System Cost?

A Beam system costs much less than you might expect. The average cost for a complete system, installed in new or existing homes, starts at around $1,000. And it can add to your home's resale value. Ask your dealer for a free estimate on installing a Beam system in your home.

Q: Is The Hose Easy To Use?

Beam hoses are extremely lightweight and designed for whole-house cleaning from floor to ceiling. Unlike short, flimsy hoses found on portable vacuums, Beam crushproof hoses are created to withstand everyday kinks and twists.

Q: Is The Suction Power Maintained Throughout The Home?

Yes! A properly installed Beam system offers the same powerful cleaning performance at every inlet whatever the distance from the power unit.

Q: What Cleaning Attachments And Tools Are Available?

Beam offers a full complement of tools and attachments for virtually any cleaning need — from ceiling fan cleaners to handheld power brushes to mini-vac tools for cleaning computer keyboards. There are even pet grooming brushes that attach to your Beam hose. Attachments and accessories are available from your local Beam dealer or from our convenient Beam Online Store.

Q: Where Can I Find My Closest Beam Dealer?

That's easy. Just check our Find a Dealer section on this web site. You'll discover an authorized Beam dealer quickly, easily.

BUILDER FAQ

Q: Does a Beam System Clean Hardwood, Vinyl or Ceramic Tile Floors?

Yes! Use the bare floor tool or install one of our most popular options: the KickSweep™ automatic dustpan. It's ideal for removing debris from the kitchen, bath or mudroom. Simply sweep trash towards the automatic dustpan, touch the toe-switch and use the power of your Beam to instantly remove it. No more dustpans or stooping over to pick up swept debris.

Q: Does A Beam System Increase the Value of a Home?

"A central vacuum system can be a valuable addition to a home. A home equipped with such a feature often is easier to sell than comparable homes without them," adds Walter Molony of the National Association of Realtors.According to the Iowa Real Property Appraisal Manual, published by the state's Department of Revenue to guide appraisers in calculating property value, a home with a central vacuum system is worth $1,100 to $1,300 more than an otherwise identical home. The Internal Revenue Service also includes central vacuum systems among improvements that can be added to the basis value of the home.Scott Wells, executive director of floor care for the Vacuum Dealers Trade Association, VDTA, says that the Iowa manual may represent the low end of the impact of a central vacuum system on home values. Depending upon the age of the system, size of the home and the region where the home is located, a central vacuum may increase the value of a home by as much as two or three times the cost the system.

Q: Explain priming.

Installing a central vacuum system can be done in both new and existing homes, but installation is typically easier in new construction. Priming involves the rough-in of central vacuum system tubing, inlet valves and low-volt wiring in new construction. Many builders like this approach because it gives them the flexibility to complete the system, or allow the homeowner to do so after closing.

Q: How does a central vacuum system fit into a green building program?

The clinically proven allergy relief from use of a central vacuum system has persuaded many of the nation’s leading green building programs to recommend or require the installation of central vacuum systems. Built Green Colorado, EarthCraft House, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes and many other green building programs award certification points to homes where central vacuum systems are installed.

Q: How does a central vacuum system improve indoor air quality?

A Beam Central Vacuum System improves indoor air quality in two important ways. First, it provides up to five times more cleaning power than a conventional vacuum, so it captures more dust and allergens and completely removes 100 percent of captured dust and allergens from the living area. Second, a Beam Central Vacuum System doesn’t exhaust air into the living area, so it doesn’t stir up dust from furniture, window coverings or surfaces in the home. In fact, use of a Beam Central Vacuum System was proven in a clinical study of allergy patients to reduce their symptoms by as much as 61 percent.

Q: How does adding a central vacuum system improve the builder’s bottom line?

A Beam Central Vacuum System makes the home more appealing and more valuable to buyers. In fact, a survey of property tax assessors found that installing central vacuum system increases the value of a home by at least as much as the cost of the system. Plus, it is one of the most affordable upgrades you can provide. A complete system, including installation, starts at around $1,000 – a cost that is easy to roll into the purchase price of the home, even with the builder’s customary markup.

Q: How many inlets are needed?

Q: What can Beam provide to help builders sell central vacuum systems in their homes?

Beam Dealers have a number of promotional tools to help builders sell central vacuum systems to new home buyers. For starters, Beam has a nationwide network of Contractor Dealers who maintain upscale Beam Experience Centers that offer builders a place to learn and try out a system. We also offer a model home program that can provide systems to builders at no cost. Beam dealers also offer customized product literature that builders can provide to new home buyers that explain the features and benefits of the system. Plus we also offer training and support for builder sales and design center staff.

Q: When is the best time to install a Beam System in new home construction?

Installation of a Beam system is done in two steps. Central vacuum tubing, inlet valves and low-volt wiring are roughed in after plumbing and electrical work is completed and before drywall or other interior wall surface is installed. The power unit installation and final installation of inlet valve covers occurs during the final stage of construction. A Beam dealer is an experienced sub-contractor available to complete the installation and follow-up sales, warranty and service.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Q: Can a broken valve door be replaced?

A broken utility on a power unit can be replaced by an authorized Beam dealer.
A broken door on a wall valve means the entire face plate of the wall valve needs to be replaced. A standard type face place (low volt only) can be changed by a homeowner. A direct connect face plate (120V) should be replaced by an authorized Beam dealer or an electrician.

Q: Can a damaged hose be repaired?

If a hose has a bad switch or a damaged handle, an authorized Beam dealer can usually repair the hose, (if replacement parts are still available for the said model.) However, a hose with a broken wire or a hose that is torn cannot be repaired to its optimum performance and it is best to replace the hose.

Q: How and when to change a belt / When to change a brushroll?

The brushroll should be replaced when the powerhead ceases to pick up small debris from the carpet i.e. loose thread or small pieces of paper. The belt should be replaced when the operator can feel that there is no forward pull left when the powerhead is on the carpet or operator can feel the brushroll stalls. It is best to have your authorized Beam dealer replace the brushroll or the belt.

Q: I notice an odor in my central vacuum pipes. What causes this and what can I do about it?

There are times when your central vacuum systems pipes may seem to emit an odor. This can happen due to slight moisture in your pipe, pet hair, etc.There is a product you can purchase to freshen your pipes called TORNADO wipes. These pre-moistened / scented towelettes can be sucked through your pipes from each inlet in your home and also through your automatic dustpans. The TORNADO wipes will remove minor clogs and odors.TORNADO wipes can be found on the Beam Online Store or from your local authorized Beam dealer.

Q: My power unit won't start?

You can follow these steps if you have problems starting your unit.

Using the switch on the side of the unit turn the switch to the manual position, the unit should come on immediately. If the unit comes on, proceed to step 2. If the unit does not come on, call your local authorized Beam dealer.
Unhook the low volt wires at your vacuum cleaner.
Make sure the switch on the side of the unit is on Auto and the unit’s powercord is plugged into an electrical outlet. You may want to check to make sure the breaker or fuse to the electrical outlet is not tripped.
Take a pair of needle nose pliers and insert them into the unit where you unplugged the low volt wires and squeeze lightly. If the unit comes on you can plug the low volt wires back in and proceed to step 5. If the unit does not come on when the low volt terminals are crossed, contact your local authorized Beam dealer.
Inside each wall valve (the large hole where the hose is plugged into) are two contact pins. These pins touch the metal ring on the end of the hose when it is inserted into the wall valve. Starting at the wall valve closest to the unit, the operator can lift the door open on a wall valve and take a spoon or a quarter and touch these two contact pins simultaneously. If the unit comes on, close the valve and proceed to the next closest wall valve. If all wall valves check out to be working properly, proceed to procedure 6. At any time if the unit will not start when touching the contact pins, the homeowner can contact an authorized Beam dealer or the installer.
Insert your hose into a wall valve, if you have followed the previous steps and the hose fails to turn on the unit or powerhead, you need to contact your local authorized Beam dealer for service.

Note: Always start at your vacuum and trouble shoot back to the hose. Failure at any point directs you to where the problem most likely can be found.

Q: My unit won't shut off?

Make sure the unit is in the Auto mode and that there is not a hose plugged into a wall valve.
Unplug the low volt wire at the side of the unit, if the unit continues to run, the relay in the pc board is faulty and the entire pc board needs to be replaced. If the unit shuts off when the low volt wire is removed from the unit, there is a shorted or pinched low volt wire in the owners system and their Beam dealer or installer will need to track this.

Q: What if I have a clogged system?

Empty the dirt receptacle.
Use manual switch on the side of your unit to start the unit.
Start at the closest wall valve to the unit and open the door to the wall valve and let a tissue be sucked from your hand. If the tissue makes it back to the dirt receptacle proceed to the next wall valve. If at any valve the tissue fails to go through to the dirt receptacle, there might be a blockage of some degree. At this point you can use another vacuum at this wall valve and try to use back suction to unclog the blockage or contact a Beam dealer to snake the pipe.