Central Vacuum Frequently Ask Questions

Make sure the power unit is unplugged before servicing. The only regular maintenance your system will ned is for the collection canister to be emptied occasionally. This will depend upon the usage. Your unit is equipped with a self cleaning filter and is should NOT be removed. If excess debris has built up you can simple shake this off. We suggest placing a large plastic bag under the unit when doing this to catch any falling debris. If you find it necessary to clean the power unit, use a damp towel with a mild non-abrasive detergent. DO NOT allow water to enter into the motor chamber. Completely dry the unit before reconnecting to the power source.

How do I get a copy of the instruction sheets?

Instruction sheets can be downloaded from this web site. Please go to the "Products" section and navigate to your particular model number.

What tool kit is best for me?

1.	Homes with some to mostly wall-to-wall carpet: Your home is best suited for you to choose a tool kit with an electrified powerbrush.
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2.	Homes with a mix of some carpet and mostly hardwood or tile floors: Your home is best suited for you to choose a tool kit with a turbine floor brush.
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3.	Homes with almost all hardwood or tile: Your home is best suited for you to choose a tool kit that includes a rug/floor brush or just a floor brush.

Can I use regular plumbing pvc pipe and fittings to install my system?

NO. Central vacuum systems utilize a special thin walled pvc pipe. Regular plumbing pvc is not compatible with the fittings and inlets.

What are air watts?

An air watt is the mathematical measurement of the relationship between both inches of water lift and CFM in a vacuum unit. Air watts are the true cleaning performance value of a vacuum because it is the relationship of pulling power and sweeping power.

What type of power requirements does the power unit have?

Your unit has a power cord equipped with a three-prong grounded plug that must be inserted into a matching receptacle that is on at minimum a dedicated 15 amp circuit Under no circumstances must the grounding prong be cut off the plug. Where a two-prong wall receptacle is encountered, it must be replaced with a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. If the line is not a dedicated line, a new line will need to be run. In either situation, installation must be done in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all applicable local codes and ordinances. This work must be done only by a qualified electrician, using copper wire only.

WARNING: USE OF A THREE-PRONG TO TWO-PRONG ADAPTER IS NOT RECOMMENDED. IMPROPER CONNECTION MAY CREATE THE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION. USE OF SUCH ADAPTERS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CANADA.

I have lost suction in the unit, what is causing this?

The loss of suction is probably attributed to one of the following:

1.	The collection canister/bag is full and needs to be emptied.
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2.	The collection canister is not seated properly on the unit's rubber gasket causing air to leak in.
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3.	Check for a blockage in the hose. If there is one use a long blunt object to clear.
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4.	There is a clog in the piping. Click here for instructions.

How do I determine how many inlets I will need?

The number of inlet valves will be determined by the layout of your home. The hose must be able to reach every corner of the home including inside closets and around furniture. Inlets should be placed in central locations and avoid placing behind furniture or doors. Using a 30 foot piece of string or the hose itself, have one person hold one end to the planned inlet location and have the second person walk around the room(s) to determine if more inlets are needed. Continue this exercise until you can reach every area of the home. If the installation is for new constructions and you are working with 1/4" scale blueprints, use a seven inch string to represent the hose.

Is there a maximum number of inlets I can install?

While there is not really a maximum number of inlets that can be installed, to maintain the best performance of your system, keep the number of inlets to a minimum. By increasing the number of inlet, you may need to increase the size of the power unit.

How are the electric powerbrush, the turbine floor brush and the rug/floor tool different?

The tools differ in how they obtain their cleaning power. An electric powerbrush as it's name would suggest is powered by electricity coming directly into the powerbrush, through a current carrying hose. The electricity powers the spinning brushes (also referred to as the beater bar) and the light if one is present. This system is generally regard as the best for cleaning carpets, because the brushes have their own power source.

The turbine floor brush differs from the powerbrush in that it does not have is own power source. A turbine floor brush is powered by the air flow coming into the power head, which spins the brushes. While not as effective for cleaning large areas of carpet like the electric powerbrush, turbine floor brushes are a more economical alternative for smaller areas of carpet.

The rug/floor tool is different from the electric powerbrush and the turbine floor brush, in that it does not have spinning brushes (beater bar). The rug/floor tool uses suction to vacuum. The rug/floor tool is a very economical choice and is generally used in homes with little to no carpet.

What is the difference between an electrified inlet and a standard inlet?

The basic difference is as the names would suggest, one has electrical current and the other does not. Both inlets have low voltage wires that operate the power unit. The electrified inlet also has standard 120 volt power that carries electricity to a electric powerbrush through the hose. When an Air King Direct Connect Hose is used, the power comes into the hose directly from the inlet and no other power source is needed.

Are tools and accessories interchangeable with other brands?

Generally central vacuum tools, fittings, and power units have industry standard sizes and are interchangeable. With the large number of different brands in the market and depending on how old your system is, Air King can not guarantee that all items will be interchangeable. Always consult your dealer before purchasing.

Do I have to exhaust the power unit to the outdoors?

One of the benefits of a central vacuum system is it positive effect to indoor air quality. To maximize the full potential of your system it is highly recommended that the air be exhausted to the outdoors.

NOTE: Some Power Unit models are designed to only vent to the indoors. Check to see with your specific model.

Can I install a system into an existing home?

YES. While installation into an existing home will present it's own set of challenges, it can be accomplished. Knowing the layout of your home and planning the installation completely before starting will help ease the process. Also look for alternative ways for running the systems piping, such as through closest or other hidden chambers.

How do I clear a clog in the piping?

First check at the inlet. The first bend at the inlet is typically the smallest diameter of the system and is generally where a clog will occur. If the clog is not at the inlet, you can try carefully using a plumber's snake or a small diameter hose to try and jog the clog free.

My central vacuum will not operate?

This is probably attributed to one of the following:

1.	The power unit is not plugged in.
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2.	The circuit breaker is off or there is a blown fuse that needs to be replaced.
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3.	Loose connection in the wiring - unplug power unit and check wiring to inlets and the connection at the power unit.

The power unit turns on but there is no power to the electric powerbrush?

The power unit turns on but there is no power to the electric powerbrush?

1.	If your current carrying hose has a selection control on the handle, make sure the correct setting is chosen. Some hoses allow you to choose if you want the entire system off, just the power unit to run, or for the power unit and the powerbrush to run.
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2.	Check to make sure the hose is connected to the wand and any plug that might be present.
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3.	Check that there is power to the inlet or if you are using a cord connected hose, that there is power to the outlet being used.

How do I order replacement parts?

Replacement parts can be ordered from the parts department by calling 1-800-465-7300 Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST.

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	WHY an Air King Central Vacuum System?
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	HEALTH
	With an Air King Central Vacuum System, all of the particles vacuumed up are expelled out of the room and trapped by the filter or exhausted out the home.
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	POWER
	An Air King Central Vacuum is up to 5 times more powerful than conventional uprights or canister vacuums.
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	VALUE
	An Air King Central Vacuum System will increase the value and salability of your home. Dollar for Dollar it is the best choice.
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	QUIET
	It only makes sense. The Power Unit is located away from the living area in the garage or basement, NOT in the room you are vacuuming.