FAQs

A central vacuum is a series of pipe that run through the walls, ceiling or floor with wall inlets located at convenient places for you. The hose is plugged into the wall inlet which will activate the power unit and you can start vacuuming. 100% of the dust and dirt that is vacuumed up and taken away from the living area to the power until that is usually located in the garage or basement. The dust and dirt is collected in the dust bag or compartment of the power unit and is easily and cleanly emptied 2 or 3 times a year.

Improves your family’s health – All the allergy and asthma causing dust, dirt and allergens that are vacuumed up are removed away from the living areas to the large dust capacity power unit, usually located in the garage or basement, leaving the air quality within your living area cleaner and healthier to live in and breathe.

Extends the Life of your floor coverings and furnishings – Your carpets, floor coverings and furnishings will last longer with a deeper cleaner clean by the more powerful central vacuum.

Saves Time – Less time is spent vacuuming because the suction is up to five times greater than a portable vacuum cleaner. And with a central vacuum you only need to empty it or change the bag a couple of times a year.

Cleanest Emptying Systems – Minimal contact with the vacuumed dust and debris when emptying your Kiwivac AVT system, with our unique slide plate emptying system and the closed double lined filter bags.

A Quieter Vacuum – With the power unit located away from the living area there is no annoying noise where you are vacuuming, like you get with a portable vacuum cleaner.

Less damage to your walls and furnishing – With a portable vacuum being pulled around behind you, they tend to have a mind of their own and can head off in any direction denting and banging into you walls or furnishings.

A selection of power units to suit – Whether you like bagged or bag-less systems we can provide you with one that suits your needs.

Ergonomic– no more back strain, with a telescopic wand you can adjust the wand to the correct height for whoever is doing the vacuuming, and shortening it up for vacuuming the stairs. Or if you prefer you can have standard wands and plastic wands to suit your needs.

Ease of use – makes vacuuming stairs a breeze, no portable vacuum to lug up the stairs.

The unique tumbling motion of the dust and dirt in our bags means there is minimal suction loss until the bag is completely full.

Kiwivac AVT has the large range of tools and accessories available in New Zealand to help you take care of your floor coverings and furnishings.

The only meaningful measurement of the Central Vacuum system is the power produced at the floor tool, this is a combination of suction and airflow (clean-ability rating), expressed as air watts.

Comparing motor performance figures (e.g. horse power, Amps, RPM or watts) is meaningless, as this is a rating of power input not output. Likewise vacuum (water lift) or air flow alone proves nothing. A Central Vacuum Cleaning system needs a specific combination of both factors to do the job effectively.

Vacuum is greatest in a closed pipe, while air flow is greatest in an open pipe. Professional selection for the right combination of your requirements leads to optimum performance.

A properly designed system will be a good investment and free of hassles. Remember you are buying convenience. We recommend consulting your Kiwivac agent for an appraisal to suit your individual needs.

No, Kiwivac Systems don’t need regular servicing to keep the 5 Year Warranty valid, saving you money over the long term. Other brands require regular servicing to keep the warranty valid and can be required every year or 2 years.

We suggest if you are looking at buying a Central Vac you ask if there are any ongoing servicing required to keep the warranty valid.

A Kiwivac system uses disposable closed bag, it is necessary to use the Official Kiwivac Blue Bag as these bags provide the best filtration. Generally a bag will last between 4 – 15 months. We find on average people use 2 bags a year . At around $9.00 per bag this will save you several hundreds of dollars over the period of the warranty.

We are finding that newly carpeted or re-carpeted homes with Solution Dyed Nylon Carpets like Triexta and SmartStrand and carpets such as Rhino and Silk are having problems with their central vacs not being able to move the floor tool over the new carpet. With this new type of carpet the conventional floor tools tend to stick to the carpet making it very hard to move across the carpet and vacuum. Give us a call for a choice of floor tools that will work on your new carpet. Phone 0800 354 948

No, not unless you find that it has lost some suction or something on it isn’t quite working like it used to or is broken. Every time you change the bag you are changing the primary filter, or if you have a slide plate system, the filter is designed to self clean and once again doesn’t require regular servicing.This is where our systems are unique from all other systems, other systems need or suggest regular servicing. If you would like it serviced to make sure everything is working to its best, we will service it for you, but it isn’t necessary and will tell you this.

We have people ring up with Kiwivac systems over 10 years old and ask if it needs servicing as they have never had it serviced. We ask if they have a problem or feel it has lost suction or isn’t working as well as it should do and if their answer is no, our reply is it doesn’t need servicing unless you have a problem. We are honest and want to save our customers unnecessary expense.

Sorry we don’t have an eCommerce option on our website. Read below for our reasons why.

It may be inserted in the inlet valve incorrectly.

The correct way to insert your switch hose

The two metal bands need to make contact with the inlet contact points at approximately 12 o’clock, one on each side of the plastic on your switch hose.
To ensure that your switch hose works properly please make sure you insert the end into the wall inlet as far as it will go. With the gap in the metal band vertical as in picture 2.
The newer Kiwivac inlets have two little lugs located at the hinge end of the inlet, when you open the flap, ensure the switch hose tab is between these and it will work properly and won’t move around in the inlet.

The wrong way to insert your switch hose as showed in pictures 3 and 4.

The switch on the switch hose will not turn the switch hose on or off, and the power unit will either not start or will run continuously. If this happens recheck the wall insert end of the hose to see if the gap is in the right place between the contact points in the inlet, or turn the hose cuff until the tab is at 12 o’clock as shown it picture number 2 ensuring the hose is pushed right into the inlet.
If the hose is inserted correctly as in picture 2 make sure the hose cuff is pushed in as far as it will go, right into the inlet so the metal band makes contact with the contact points inside the inlet.
If you have Compac Square inlets – There are two little lugs located at the hinge end of the inlet, when you open the flap, ensure the switch hose tab is between these and it will work properly and won’t move around in the inlet.

A switch hose works by turning the little black switch on and off at your hand piece. This allows you to turn off your system without having to go back to the wall to unplug it. To achieve this 24 Volt wires run, within the moulding of the hose, from the wall cuff to the hand piece.

Your hose may not be in the wall inlet properly. See below for help with getting it in the wall inlet correctly.
Or your inlet maybe worn and the hose has become loose in the wall inlet valve. If this is the case the inlet may need replacing.

A standard hose starts up your vacuum system as soon as the hose is plugged into the wall inlet valve, whereas a switch hose is controlled by the switch on the hand piece. You can turn it on and off at the handle while it is still plugged into the wall.

So long as your wall inlets have two metal terminals inside them a switch hose will work with your system. Contact your local dealer for more details on 0800 354 948.

Reverse the hose into the inlet valve and make contact with the contact points to make the vacuum system start up; this should suck back the blockage. If you have a utility inlet on your machine you can do this at this inlet to prevent the possibility of blocking your pipe work. If it does not clear the blockage call your local dealer on 0800 354 948 for further help.

Your vacuum hose should be long enough to reach everywhere in your home when you move the hose to each of the wall inlet valves installed in the walls or floor.

A VacPan is usually located under a set of drawers, in the toe kick in the kitchen area, or any other hard flooring area that is away from water that requires sweeping up of small messes without having to get out you vacuum hose. You just sweep the crumbs up to the VacPan, flick the lever on and once the mess is gone turn the lever off again.

Check that the lever is turned off fully, if the motor is running and it is still leaking air and you think it is right off, get down and have a look to make sure nothing is stuck in it that is preventing it from completely shutting off. If there is something there that is stopping it from shutting off, flick the lever so it is completely open, remove the obstruction and close it off again. This should solve your problem, if not contact your local dealer. Call 0800 354 948.

Ring your local dealer on 0800354948. You may be able pick them up from them or for your convenience have them couriered to your door.

The average size home and family would need a new bag 2 – 3 times a year. We have heard from people whose bag lasts them up to 18 months! It does vary depending on your floor coverings, how big your home is, how many people live in your home and if you have long haired pets etc. You will notice lose of suction when the bag needs replacing and the hardest part of changing the bag is getting the full bag out.

No, you will void the warranty, as only Kiwivac bags have the double micro-filter liner that protects the motor against damage for dust and dirt. If you use any other bag you will void your warranty. 99% of Kiwivac Central Vacuum power units take Part # A60, it is only extra wide bodies that take the bigger bag Part # A64.

No, you need to put in a new bag whenever you empty your system, as the Kiwivac Bags are made with a micro filter material in them, which is one of the filters within your system. Every time you change the bag you are changing the filter and therefore protecting your power unit from damage caused from dust and dirt getting into the motor. Would you put new oil in your car and reuse the old filters, it’s the same thing. If you reuse a bag it may cause damage to the motor.

We sell bags for all other brands, contact your nearest dealer, phone 0800 354 948.

These can be emptied very easily and cleanly. Firstly ensure that the machine is not running. Remove the black rubber ‘O’ ring from the base of the power unit. Place a household plastic rubbish bag around the base of the machine. From the bottom slide the ‘O’ ring back over the rubbish bag. Fold approximately 10cm of bag back over itself to ensure that it is held firm.

Yes you can replace any existing central vacuum power unit with a Kiwivac Bagged or Bag-less model. Generally they will fit onto your existing pipework, very occasionally we need to alter the pipework to get your new Kiwivac power unit to fit.

Whether you have a Kiwivac, or another brand, we have an extensive range of accessories and tools that will fit most systems. See our Accessories and Spare Parts section.

We have chosen not to have an online purchasing option as we prefer to talk to our customers and make sure they are getting exactly what they need or want to replace.
For example

If your wand has a large black plastic ring around it you will find it is a telescopic wand. If you hold on to this while pulling/pushing the other end of the wand away from you it will extend. Your particular wand may have a small button that you need to push before the wand will extend.

Yes, we have a large selection of colours available, contact your local dealer on 0800 354 948 for more information and to see our colour range.

Yes, we have a large range of inlets (also known as face plates or outlet valves) to replace those broken and discoloured inlets, including Kiwivac, Cen-vac, Compact, Vaculine, Plastiflex, Vacuvalve and Deco. We also have some metal inlets. Contact your local dealer on 0800 354 948.

The short answer is No.
An ‘Air Driven’ Turbo vacuum head will work on either a standard hose or switch hose (one that has an on/off button) on the handle.
They are ideal for picking up animal hair and on hard to vacuum carpets.
Check out our Air Driven Turbo heads under ‘Accessories’ or give us a call.

Yes, we can install a Kiwivac AVT System into 99% of existing homes. So long as you have a crawl space in your ceiling or under your home we can generally put a system in for you. It can be piped and installed usually in one day, with very little mess or disruption to you. Call your local dealer for more information or a no obligation free quote on 0800 354 948.

This is done around the time the electrician and plumber are doing their work. After the roof has gone on and before the wall linings are put on. In some cases it is necessary to put the pipes under the concrete floor, if this is the case you need to contact your local dealer earlier.

You need to decide before or at the time of piping out your home. As we have our unique Kiwivac inlets and other compact inlets that have different size face plates. As a gib guard is put on at the time of the pipe out and the gib board is cut around the guard, therefore determining which type of inlet can be fitted when you finish off your system.

No, generally an inlet covers an area of about 80 Square metres. The average home needs between 3 and 5 inlets depending on the design constraints of your home.

Yes, a Kiwivac AVT power unit will fit on all pipe work. We will need to come and have a look to see which power unit will best suit your needs and what you would like with your system. Give us a call on 0800 354 948 to find out more.

Our systems have the cleanest emptying systems available, ensuring you have minimal contact with the dust and debris that you have vacuumed up. Kiwivac systems are designed and built here in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions. We consult with you on the best design, hose length and tools for your needs and our systems are designed to perform at their best at all times.
We pride ourselves on having great back up service.

Your system is finished off with the power unit, and inlets put on the walls, when you are about to move in. Once the carpet is down, all the painting is finished and the kitchen units are installed.

Check to see if the bag is full, if it is you need to change it.

Do you have a VacPan in your home that you sweep the dust and dirt up to? If you do check that the lever is fully closed and that there are no sticks or anything that could be stopping it from completely shutting off. Open the VacPan and try clearing it with your finger to see there is nothing keeping it open. Turn the lever to the off position, hopefully this has solved your problem.

Yes we service and sell spare parts for almost every brand of Central Vacuum including 5 Star, Astrovac, Auskay, Beam, BVS, Canavac, Centralvac, Compact2, Cyclovac, Drainvac, DVS, EasyVac, Elantra, Electron, Eurovac, EVS, Excel, Hayden, Hayden Supervac, Hills, Hoover, InterVac, Laservac, MaxVac, Mistral, Modern Day, Monarch, Ovis, Premier, Premier Clean, Pullman, Smart, Smartvac, Silent Master, Tellus, Tornado, Ultra Clean, UltraClean, UltraVac, Valdeig, Vacumaid, Wadvark, WardVak, and Zanussi.

Although your system has been designed for maximum performance and service life, there are some guidelines you can follow to help prolong its serviceability and life.

Drimaster prevents many of the problems associated with condensation in your home, such as mould growth on walls, ceilings, furniture, clothes and curtains.

Drimaster offers all the same benefits as other positive pressure home ventilation systems in the New Zealand market. However, the difference is the much more affordable price and cheaper on-going running costs.

Drimaster is made in England by Nuaire, the UK market leader in energy-efficient ventilation solutions for both the residential and commercial sectors. Nuaire have been designing and manufacturing ventilation systems since 1963 and are an innovative and world-class company with their products now available in over 40 countries worldwide.