Bagged VS. Bagless
There is no definitive answer in every single use case as to which is better bagged or bagless. The short answer is central vacuum systems that use a bag are usually a better choice but let's take a look at why that is and a few reasons you may also be interested in a bagless system.
With central vacuum systems gaining so much ground in the market, it only makes sense that this topic becomes as important a part of the discussion as it is when we talk about uprights and canister vacuums. It seems like more and more people these days are interested in adding a central vacuum system to their existing home or installing one during new construction and renovations.
When people think about a central vacuum system they imagine the convenience it offers not having to see or deal with the actual vacuum each time they use it because it is likely hidden away in your basement or garage. No matter where the unit is and which type of system you purchase it will still need to be emptied and maintained. The air quality in your home may depend on decisions you make about the system now, so it pays to think this one over.
There are three main types of central vacuums available bagged, bagless and hybrid. Hybrid systems have become popular because it offers homeowners the flexibility of choosing whether they want to use a disposable bag or just empty their dirt bucket. If you have a bagged or just bagless unit then obviously you only have the one choice depending on the one you purchased.
Vacuum systems have changed many times over the years with the trends going from bagless to bagged and back again. Many manufacturers have tried getting rid of the bags because customers think it will be easier and cheaper not to have to buy and replace vacuum bags. That can be the case but the bag also offers a lot of benefits that just can't be achieved any other way and with people being more conscientious about their homes air quality and how that impacts their health, the trend has been returning to bags again.
Benefits Of a Bagless System:
1.) No need to buy replacement bags.
2.) Simple to empty.
3.) Maintains peak suction power even when nearly full.
So what is a vacuum bag and why should I use one?
Vacuum bags are an addition layer of self contained filtration made from either paper, cloth or a synthetic material that will trap and store dust and debris until ready to dispose of. Not only is this a cleaner and easier method of disposing of all that nasty stuff you vacuumed up over the recent past, it is also extending the life of the motor and filters on your vacuum. Since the vacuum bag places itself before the HEPA/Exhaust filter on your vacuum, these filters will not need to be maintained or replaced as often as a bagless system. Many people also see the size of the vacuum bags and assume that they will just constantly be changing them because usually they need to changed once two thirds full to maintain proper suction. Keep in mind that on systems not using vacuum bags the dust and debris is fluffed up like going through a clothes dryer but inside a vacuum bag it will be a lot more compact and will fit inside the bag.
Bagged systems or hybrid systems using the bag option are a much better choice for allergy sufferers or people with any type of respiratory illness. The bag captures as much of the debris and particulates it can and keeps them contained inside the vacuum bag until it is time to empty it. Most vacuum systems offer a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filter which helps capture tiny particles, usually as small as .3 microns. These tiny particles would otherwise find their way back into your homes breathing air. While most common in bagless systems, venting the systems exhaust to outside of the home is always the best option because it guarantees 100% of the particles and allergens end up outside.
Benefits Of a Bagged System:
1.) Option to vent to outside.
2.) Filters need less maintenance.
3.) Traps Dust Mites, debris and allergens.
4.) Easy and safe disposal.
5.) Prolongs the life of the motor.
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Please also see our blog post of types of central vacuum filtration for more on this topic.
