While central vacuum systems remain one of the most profitable smart home subsystems an integrator can install, the category of equipment is offered by just 15 percent of CE pros, according to the 2017 CE Pro Readership Study revealed in the 2017 CE Pro State of the Industry Report.
For years integrators have primarily touted the indoor air quality benefits of central vac, noting that traditional vacuum cleaners are often recirculating dust, allergens and chemicals throughout the home.
By comparison, a more powerful central vacuum system removes 100 percent of the contacted dust, mites, dander, pollen and other allergens and carries them away from the living environment to a canister located in the garage or basement.
Dealers also consistently mention the convenience of having a central vac system. Of course, the benefit for custom integrators to sell and install this lucrative category is the highly profitable 50-points-plus margins associated with the product.
9 Non-Traditional Uses for Central Vacuum
So, what else can they do to get strong “suction” for their central vacuum sales? Here are 9 creative, non-traditional uses for a central vacuum system to inform your clients, courtesy of Beam Central Vacuum.
1. Clean the Drapes, Upholstery
Besides cleaning the carpet and floors in a home, central vacuum systems are ideal for removing dust from draperies, blinds and upholstery. Allergens on these off-the-floor locations in the home can exacerbate the symptoms for asthma sufferers.
2. Vacuum the Furnace Vent
This should be done once a month to remove dust and dirt build-up and improve efficiency.
3. Remove Crumbs Nestled between Appliances
Using a crevice tool that comes with a central vacuum system, homeowners can make sure pesky bread crumbs and other “leftovers” are not attracting mice or other critters to the kitchen.
4. Unsoil Couch Cushions
Use vacuum attachments to collect the dust, dirt and debris that fell through the cracks between the couch cushions.
5. Dust Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures
At least once a month, homeowners are advised to use an extendable duster or use a central vacuum’s wand and dusting brush attachment to look up and rid the ceiling fan and light fixtures of dust.
6. Dust Books
Books that sit on the bookshelf collect dust. Once a month, homeowners should use the vacuum brush attachment to tidy up their tomes.
7. Vacuum Smoke Detectors
Using the vacuum brush attachment, smoke detectors need to be cleaned twice a year, ideally at the same time the batteries are changed.
8. Tidy Up Pet Areas
Using a Pet Power Paw vacuum tool, homeowners can grab pet hair from upholstery, curtains and shades without harming delicate surfaces.
9. Remove Red Wine, Coffee, Tea, Wax, Chewing Gum in Carpet
No, a homeowner can’t just using a central vac system to get a red wine stain or glob of chewing gum out of a carpet, but there are tricks homeowners can do before they use the CVAC.
Dab an ice cube on chewing gum to remove it from the carpet and let it sit for about one minute. The gum will become hard and stiff, enabling a homeowner to pull it off easily, then vacuum. Likewise, for a red wine, tea or coffee spill on the carpet, use salt on the stain to soak up the stain and keep it from setting.
The excess salt can easily be vacuumed or wiped up. Lastly, solve the crisis of a wax-stained carpet by scraping off cooled wax with a dull knife, then placing a couple of paper towels on the remaining wax and running a warm iron over the area.
Then break out the central vacuum.
