A central vacuum hose can reduce suction when it has a hole, crack, blockage, or crushed section. Loose connections can also allow air to escape before it reaches the cleaning tool.

Steam cleaners come with different attachments because not every cleaning task requires the same tool. A floor head is designed for larger surfaces, a grout brush helps reach narrow gaps, and a detail nozzle directs steam into tight areas.

A central vacuum system is a built-in, whole-home cleaning system. A powerful motor and debris canister sit in a garage, basement, or utility room and connect through hidden PVC pipes to inlets in your walls. You plug a lightweight hose into any inlet; the system switches on automatically, and dirt travels through the walls to the canister, away from your living space. Most systems last 20 years or more, compared with about 8 years for a typical portable vacuum.

For most Canadian homes, the best central vacuum system is the CanaVac ACAN590A Signature Series ($829.95). It covers up to 5,000 sq ft and includes HEPA filtration that the listing says captures up to 99.97% of dust and allergens. For a tighter budget in a larger home, the CanaVac ACAN70A ($619.95) covers up to 8,000 sq ft. Choose DrainVac for maximum suction, Nilfisk for quiet European engineering, and DuoVac for a compact, low-noise unit.