The Best Central Vacuum in 2023
The Best Central Vacuum System in 2023 is hands down the Canadian-Made Orbit AU400. For those in the market, here is a full overview of the best central vacuum on the market in 2023.
What Makes the Orbit AU400 The Best?
The Orbit AU400 is a Canadian made central vacuum, designed with the best traditional mechanical components proven to last 15-20+ years. The Orbit AU400 can vacuum homes up to 10,000 square feet with ease. While being an authority in our industry for more than 35 years, we have seen central vacuum systems last for decades. How did they last so long? Their long life is directly a result of their quality components. A central vacuum should be simple, that is to say, it should not have any unnecessary led screens or electronics to complicate faults in the system.
Unboxing the Orbit AU400
In the box are the user manual instructions and warranty registration slip
Physical Overview
Here we have a manual power switch installed on the power unit. Additionally, we have a low voltage wiring terminal to the circuit board which allows you to hook up the central vacuum wiring in your home to the vacuum (so the outlets turn on and off from the hose and/or hose switch). Above the low voltage terminal is a reset button. If the central vacuum ever overheats or shuts off, you will want to tap the white reset button. The sticker to the left is the product information, specifications and serial number.
Right Top Side View
At the very top of the right side of the vacuum is the motor exhaust pipe. This exhaust is the air created from the motor. Additionally, the box includes a "silencer" which goes onto this exhaust pipe making the sound 60% quieter. This is an extremely well designed vacuum and it is not too noisy and should not bother you if your vacuum in installed in the garage or basement.
Below, is one of two vacuum intakes. This is where the pipe into your home connects and vacuum suction travels to into your home's wall valves, through to the end of the hose. This vacuum is equipped with two intakes making installation easy as you can run the pipe to the closest and easiest side. Make note that you must cap off the side you are not using with the cap that is included on the right side of the vacuum.
Rear View
Right Side Vacuum Intake
Left Side Vacuum Intake
Components of The Best Central Vacuum
To the right is the central vacuum motor and to the left he circuit board
In terms of what makes the best central vacuum, two of the most important factors are the motor and circuit board. The motor Orbit used in this central vacuum is a Lamb 122233-00. This motor is a 2-stage bypass motor with two 6.6" diameter fans (This is what ultimately creates the massive vacuum pressure).
Bypass motors cost more money and are not sold in power units at the big box stores. Do not be fooled into thinking a complete central vacuum package for $599 is the best central vacuum. Here is a side by side photo of the difference between a high end central vacuum cleaner motor and a vacuum system at the big box stores. More on the motor and electrical specs below.
Filtration
The Orbit AU400 comes with bags and a permanent filter. The permanent 14" hanging filter is made with polyester material with 99.98% Filtration Efficiency.
Being in the industry, many people always ask what is better: bag or bag-less. The short answer is: use a bag. First of- when you use a bag, the permanent filter stays clean. Secondly, your motor is never breathing in any dust from a dirty hanging filter and performance never decreases. Thirdly, no dust escapes the motor and goes into your air. Finally, maintenance is super clean meaning no dust clouds when emptying the bucket! To read the full blog on why using bags is best click HERE
Metal snap off clips for you to open the bucket.
Inside the bucket is a 90 degree elbow to install your bags, vacuum bags and a silencer.
14" Diameter Permanent Filter.
Permanent Filter made with 99.98% Filtration Efficiency.
The bag always gets installed on the side where you install the pipe coming from your home.
How long does a vacuum bag last? The time it takes to fill up a bag varies on many factors such as type of flooring, pets and how many people are in a home. Generally, a bag lasts the average household 6 months to 1 year.
Orbit AU 400 Specifications
| Model: | Orbit AU400 Guardian |
| Vacuums up to: | 10,000 sqft homes |
| Size: | 40" tall x 14" wide Weight: 34lbs |
| Motor: | 2 Stage Bypass-Motor with Cooling System & Double Ball Bearings |
| Water Lift: | 131" H2O |
| Air Flow: | 138 Cubic Foot per Minute |
| Air Watts: | 660 to 700 |
| Capacity: | 16 Litre/4 US Gallons |
| Filter: | Bagged and/or Bagless |
| Warranty: | 10 YEAR WARRANTY |
Installation
The AU400 comes with a steel mounting bracket that is to be drilled into a stud, plywood or concrete wall. For example, once the plate is drilled into the wall the power unit will easily slide into the mounting bracket as shown in the photos below.
Mounting Bracket that is to be drilled into the wall
The Orbit Central Vacuum will slide right into the mounting bracket
When installing a central vacuum, you will want to give it a minimum of 12" of clearance from the ceiling and the ground. Additionally, you will want to glue the vacuum pipes everywhere BUT NOT into the actual central vacuum power unit. This is because should you need tor remove the central vacuum from the wall the pipe will not come out.
Better than the Big Box Stores?
Absolutely. Chances are if you are in the market for a central vacuum system you probably already have stumbled across vacuums from the big block stores and seen some relatively good buys at $549-$599. The fact is that these vacuums are OK and good buys for those on a budget. However, such vacuums are not to be considered as the best central vacuum systems on the market. Below is a photo of the difference in motors from a premium central vacuum system and a typical central vacuum system from a big box store. Ultimately, you get what you pay for and if you are looking for premium, top of the line and peace of mind, then the Orbit AU400 is definitely the best central vacuum on the market.
To the left is a Premium Lamb-Ametek Central Vacuum Motor found in a Premium System. To the right are typical motors found in central vacuums sold at the Big Box Stores.
The Orbit AU400 in Action (VIDEO)
Buy the Orbit AU400