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Frequently asked questions
With a central vacuum system, many auxiliary products are available to help you clean your home even more quickly and efficiently.
May I install the Retraflex® system at my place?
The Retraflex® installation can be easily performed, even in an existing home, as long as certain conditions are met.
The main difference with a conventional vacuum system is that the piping system must be long enough to contain the whole hose. It is therefore necessary to add extra PVC pipes to an existing piping network, which is relatively simple, according to our experience, if you can access the ceiling in your basement. If it is completely closed, it is also possible to add an independent Retraflex® system through the attic. Most of the time, the installation is performed during renovations, while some walls or ceilings are open, giving access to the existing piping network. A Cyclo Vac Expert will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best solution. Contact yours now!
Can I trust the reliability of the Retraflex® system?
The Retraflex® hose retracts directly into the piping network with just the suction power of your central vacuum. There is no mecanism that is prone to breakage in the Retraflex® system. In fact, we have had no return at all since 2007. It is still very important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when installing the system for optimal performance.
What is the minimal power that my central vacuum must have for the Retraflex® system to function properly?
In order to determine if your central vacuum is compatible with a Retraflex® system, many factors must be considered, including its power. However, the Airwatts alone cannot answer this question. The technical data that must be considered instead is the suction strength, also known as suction power and water lift (H2O). The reason is simple: what retracts the hose into the piping system is the suction itself. Therefore, it's important to make sure that the suction generated by your central vaccum is powerful enough to retract the hose efficiently. This also depends on the hose itself, the length of the piping system between the Retraflex® inlet and the vacuum, the number of inlets in the whole installation, etc. A Cyclo Vac Expert will be able to assess your specific situation and recommend the best vacuum unit for you. Contact yours now!
Which tools do I need to install my central vacuum system?
The connections to the piping system will require some basic tools: a mitre box and small saw or a pipe cutter. To simplify matters, installation kits, including necessary fittings, pipes, glue, low voltage wiring, and a detailed instructions booklet, are available, as well as a complete installation DVD that can serve as a step-by-step guide.
Do I have to install an exterior exhaust from my central vacuum system?
If your unit has a bypass motor and is installed in a room of less than 8’ x 10’, exterior ventilation will be absolutely necessary. However, it is best, when possible, to install an exterior exhaust for your central vacuum system. This exhaust considerably decreases the central vacuum sound level and allows, if there are any tears or punctures in your bag or filters, to evacuate bacteria and mold outside. It also allows the heat, produced by the power unit’s motor(s), to be redirected outside and not in the room where your central vacuum is.
Back to topWhat do I have to verify before operating my central vacuum cleaner?
Before operating your central vacuum, we recommend you read the whole owner’s manual and proceed with a quick verification of your unit’s installation, as detailed on page 18. For instance, you must verify that your central vacuum is properly connected to the piping system and to a grounded electrical outlet, and that the low voltage wires are connected to the unit. Then, check the bag/filters to be sure they are properly installed and not damaged, and finally, check the rubber seals in each vacuum inlet.
Can I safely vacuum liquids with my Cyclo Vac central vacuum?
No. Your vacuum cleaning system is designed to collect everyday dry matter (dust). It is approved by authorized testing agencies for dry use only. Do not use on wet surfaces. Should you accidentally vacuum liquids, immediately unplug the unit from the electric outlet, then empty and wipe the dust receptacle with a dry cloth. After that, operate the system from the vacuum inlet through which you had previously vacuumed the liquid, in order to eliminate all moisture in the piping system.
Besides liquids, are there some materials that my central cleaning system cannot vacuum?
Yes. We strongly recommend against vacuuming abrasive materials such as cement, plaster and gyproc dust. This fine dust could work its way into the motor, causing considerable damage. Should you do so inadvertently, immediately clean the filters and, as a precautionary measure, contact your authorized service center to determine the extent of the damage to the unit. Remember that in order for your warranty to remain valid, maintenance of the motor and repairs to the unit itself must be carried out by an authorized service center, using original Cyclo Vac or Trovac parts.
What should I do if I notice a decrease of my central vacuum’s suction strength?
There are a few possible causes that could explain a decrease of your vacuum’s suction strength. To find out what to do for each possible cause, please consult the Cyclo Vac owner’s manual, pages 28 and 29. If none of the suggestions restore the suction strength, contact your local authorized service center.
How do I restart my vacuum once the bag has been changed or the filters cleaned?
For the HX, GX and DL series, equipped with the DataSync technology, simply press and hold the reset button for one second. For regular models, the unit should function normally as soon as it is reconnected to the power outlet.
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