Q: My family suffers from allergies. How can we improve the indoor environment we live in?

A: One of the side effects of our efforts to conserve energy has been a deterioration of the air quality inside our homes. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates indoor air pollution levels may be five times greater than outdoor levels. Approximately 50 million people, one of every six Americans, suffer from allergies and as many as 26 million Americans suffer from asthma. Most allergy victims are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet dander.

Building a new home or renovating your kitchen or bathroom is the perfect time to improve the indoor air quality of the entire home by installing a central vacuum system. The deep cleaning capability of a central vacuum system captures more dust, dirt and allergens and completely removes them from the living area, creating a healthier home.

A recent clinical study by the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of California, found that use of a Central Vacuum System improved allergy symptoms by 46 percent to 61 percent. The study results have convinced organizations such as the American Lung Association to require central vacuum systems in healthy home.

Central vacuums systems are built-in vacuums that link a hose and electric power brush to a central power unit with a collection canister. Special pipe is installed through interior walls, crawl spaces, attics or basements to connect the power unit. The power unit that includes the system motor and collection receptacle is usually in a basement or utility room. The motor provides up to five times the cleaning power of a conventional vacuum. Because the power unit is vented outside the living area, it does not exhaust inside the house to stir up more dust, dirt and allergens.

Though 70% of central vacuum systems are purchased for new homes, installation is easy during a renovation project such as a kitchen or bathroom makeover. Complete system installation by an authorized dealer like Fry Tech Solutions starts at around $1,500. Like many kitchen and bath upgrades, installation of a central vacuum system also increases the value of the home. Approximately 10% of new homes built in the U.S. in 2003 were equipped with central vacuum systems. Industry experts say 50% or more of new homes could have complete systems or be pre-plumbed for systems by 2010.

Installed in the toe kick of cabinetry or at the base of a wall, an optional automatic dustpan operates with a simple toe-touch switch that turns on the central vacuum power unit and opens the vent. The dirt is whisked away with no bending and no dirty dustpan. This is a great solution for hard-surface floors usually found in kitchens, mudrooms and bathrooms.

Central Vacuums are a great way to improve your home's air quality by increasing your cleaning power and removing all captured dust, dirt and allergens completely out of the living area. You'll dust less, vacuum less and breathe easier!