Increased suction power — Because the vacuum cleaner motor and dirt collection system need not be portable, the weight and size of the unit are not as severely constrained as in a portable system. In addition, bagless, filterless systems avoid the inevitable loss of suction in filtered systems caused by collected dust clogging the filters.

Convenient cleaning — Setup, use, and storage of a vacuum hose and cleaning tool can be quick and efficient. Cleaning stairways is much easier without having to balance a heavy, hot appliance on each step, and coping with both an electrical cord and a vacuum hose.

Ability to handle “difficult” debris — Central vacuums, especially filterless models, can efficiently remove difficult dry substances, such as plaster dust, spilled flour, laser printer toner, metal knockout slugs and wire clippings from electrical work, or even small pieces and slivers of broken glass. This ability may depend on the ability of the filter bag to resist clogging or breakage; filterless models are capable of removing the widest range of materials. “Wet vacuum” accessories are available for some systems; these operate by separating liquids from the dirty airstream prior to passage into the in-wall tubing or central unit.

Infrequent emptying — Central vacuums typically can accumulate up to 10 pounds (22 kg) or more of dirt and dust before requiring disposal. This is an unavoidable messy task that must be performed for any vacuum cleaner, but can be done much less frequently, perhaps once or twice per year. Filterless vacuum systems are usually the easiest to empty, since careful refitting of a replacement bag is never needed.

Complete removal of allergens and noxious odors — Central vacuums generally do not re-circulate exhaust air back into the space being cleaned. This contrasts with the well-known acrid “vacuum smell” of fine dust and hot air exhausted from a portable vacuum. Instead, central vacuums exhaust spent air into a utility space or directly outdoors. An external exhaust outlet can be easily concealed under a porch or behind shrubbery, but in any case is less obtrusive than a standard clothes dryer appliance vent.

Compatible with standard tools and accessories — Most central vacuum hoses are compatible with a wide range of industry standard brushes and tools used with ordinary portable vacuum cleaners. In the US, the de facto standard size is 1-1/4 inch (3.175 cm) inside diameter for tools. For some accessories, it may actually be necessary to “bleed off” excessive suction, usually by partially opening a small bleed port on the side of the vacuum hose handle provided for that purpose.

Low acoustic noise — Well-designed central vacuums are very quiet at the point of use, since the powerful motor is located remotely in a utility space. This is a benefit to the person vacuuming, as well as anybody else occupying the space being cleaned who otherwise might have been woken up or driven out by the loud whine of portable machines.

Reduced damage and wear to furniture and walls — There is no heavy or awkward canister or other motorized unit to carry from room to room when vacuuming. Only a lightweight vacuum hose and the cleaning tool being used needs to be carried. To further reduce wear to furniture feet and projecting baseboard corners, a soft woven “hose sock” can be installed over the corrugated vacuum hose.

Low consumables cost — For filterless systems, there are no ongoing costs, other than occasionally replacing a worn-out brush or vacuum hose.

Durable equipment — Good quality central vacuum systems can last indefinitely, perhaps requiring replacement of the motor brushes once per decade of use. Besides using heavy-duty components, central vacuums avoid the damage caused by accidental dropping or collisions of portable equipment with fixed objects.

Effortless storage — While central vacuum systems are already more convenient than standard vacuum cleaners, using it can be even simpler and faster with the Hide A Hose™ system. This system features a retractable hose that stores itself in a SmartTube™ unit hidden behind the wall. Each wall connection can store up to 50 feet of hose and cover up to 2,300 square feet of vacuuming space.