Frequently Asked Questions

Planning is key.  Decide early in the build and incorporate it into and alongside the plumbing and heating design.  

The hose management system is usually suitable only for new builds, however it may be possible to retrofit in a single storey house following a site survey.  

Unfortunately it is not possible to upgrade existing BEAM systems to use a retractable hose as a different ducting layout is required to store the hose in the wall.  

The central vacuum power unit is located in the garage or utility room. A 50mm vacuum duct runs from the power unit to strategically located automatic vacuum inlets throughout the house. Simply insert the 9m lightweight hose into a strategically located inlet and the power unit can be started with the switch on the handle of the vacuum hose.  

Yes - a central vacuum system is especially suitable for wooden floors because of the need to vacuum these rather than brushing which raises dust onto fabrics, furniture etc. A special hard floor brush is supplied with all our systems for this purpose. You’ll also not be dragging around a portable vacuum cleaner, which can scratch wooden floors.

Clinical research has proven a Beam Central Vacuum System provides measurable relief for asthma and allergy sufferers as unlike portable vacuums, a Beam Vacuum System does not exhaust dirty, allergen-laden air back into the living areas.  With up to 5 times more suction power, the vacuum system removes far more dust, debris and allergy-causing particles.  

Yes. A properly installed system offers the same powerful cleaning performance at every inlet whatever the distance from the power unit. The suction remains the same at the furthest away inlet because of the high performance industrial strength motor providing the vacuum. Immediately the motor starts, the air is drawn from the ducting, causing continuous suction while the motor runs. 

There is very little maintenance with a BEAM system, just regularly empty the dirt bin typically 2-3 times per year.  We also recommend the filter on the vacuum unit is replaced every 5 years to ensure your system works efficiently.  You can do this easily yourself, or a service call can be arranged.  

Obstructions rarely occur because the cleaning wands are 28mm diameter and the ducting which runs to the power unit is 50mm diameter. The system is also designed to prevent any large items entering the ductwork. However, if an obstruction does occur it can be easily cleared - our customer service team can talk this over the phone with you.  

Yes. Our systems are sold for DIY installation or on a completely installed basis by our team of experienced engineers. A detailed installation manual comes complete with every system; a commissioning service can also be provided for DIY installations if required.  

Yes, in most cases.  Our built-in vacuum systems can be installed in most homes in less than a day, depending on the size and style of house.  Our systems are sold for DIY installation or on a completely installed basis by your authorised dealer. A detailed installation manual and a step-by-step DVD comes complete with every system. Our built-in vacuum systems can be installed in most homes in less than a day, depending on the size and style of house. A survey will determine how the system could be installed. To arrange this, click here.

All Beam Central Vacuum Systems carry a three year product warranty.

Surprisingly, a Beam Central Vacuum System often costs less than many portable vacuum cleaners.  Our systems cost from £850.00, however the cost depends on various factors including the number of inlets required and power unit location.  For a free no obligation survey and quote, contact us.  

A Beam Heat Recovery Ventilation System is designed to recover up to 95% of the heat normally lost through open windows, trickle vents and other break-out points i.e extractor fans in a building structure. The air being extracted transfers its latent heat via a heat exchanger to the fresh air coming in. The heat recovered can off-set the heating costs and will reduce energy bills.

Studies show there is a direct connection between the quality of air (caused by poor ventilation) and our ability to concentrate and perform productively, as well as the effect poor indoor air quality has on asthma or allergy sufferers. The ventilation unit filters the incoming air to remove pollutants and insects and the constant supply of clean, fresh, warm filtered air reduces symptoms for asthma and allergy sufferers. 

Yes, this is possible (subject to a survey of the property). For a free home survey, email info@beamcentralsystems.com or call us on +44 (0)28 7963 2424. 

Depending on your house location, the filters usually need to be changed every year. The control / display provided with your Axco MVHR system will alert you when this needs to be done.

BEAM MVHR systems carry a three year product warranty.

With the newest generation EC low energy fans fitted, running costs are very low (approximately the equivalent of a light bulb to run.

On consecutive hot summer days, today's airtight, highly insulated homes (some facing south) with additional glazing to aid winter heating can have issues with summer internal uncontrolled heat gains and retention. To help reduce this, it’s recommended to use external or internal shading on the windows. Cooling is controlled by opening windows, (especially at night when it is cooler outside) to create cross ventilation. The Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery System can be increased to summer boost which will increase the fresh air supply and extraction rates and help create a noticeable benefit. 

A Beam Heat Recovery Ventilation System is individually designed for each house. The cost depends on the size of house, the number of extraction and distribution points required, and the air volume rate required for the house, which determines the size of unit. An MVHR system enhances heat distribution whilst contributing to the energy efficiency of the home. The systems will, through time, off-set the heating costs and reduce energy bills, making it a worthwhile investment. For a free no obligation survey and quote, contact us.

Yes. Our systems are sold for DIY installation or on a completely installed basis by your authorised dealer. A detailed installation manual and a step-by-step DVD comes complete with every system. 

Beam Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems have been independently tested at the Building Research Establishment (BRE). The Axco ventilation power units are SAP Appendix Q listed and comply with all building regulations and help improve SAP / BER ratings. it is required by Building Control to have the ventilation system commissioned, a service provided as standard for all installations by Beam Vacuum & Ventilation.

Planning is key. A ventilation strategy plays a critical part in building today's modern home.   

In most cases no, although it is best to get confirmation from your local BEAM supplier to ensure building regulation are met.  

Yes, MEV is recognised in the building regulations as one of the main ventilation strategies for new homes in the UK and ROI.  

Existing homes would require a site survey to check if suitable.  

Planning is key. A ventilation strategy plays a critical part in building today's modern home.   

A PIV system promotes free air circulation and eliminates or reduces surface condensation, which causes mould growth.  However, you may need to take other steps to help reduce condensation – check out our top tips for reducing condensation in your home. 

Yes, the system is easily installed and can be supplied on a DIY basis. A 13amp power socket is required near the unit location. 

There are no service requirements for a PIV system, although we recommend changing the filter every 5 years.  

Because of the low energy fan inside, a PIV unit is inexpensive to run (approximately the equivalent of a 60w lightbulb).   

A Wall Mounted PIV is suitable for apartments/flats which do not have a loft space.   

Planning is key. A ventilation strategy plays a critical part in building today's modern home.   

If you are unhappy with your online purchase we will refund a product that is returned to us within 14 days of receipt, providing it is in a re-saleable condition. If we find the product has not been returned to us in a fully re-saleable condition, including any packaging, we reserve the right to refuse a refund for the product. 

We will only refund a delivery charge for the sending of the product to you if the product is damaged, faulty or does not match your order.  In the case of unwanted goods being refunded, we will not refund any duties or taxes that were imposed when delivered to the recipient. Products should be returned in their original packaging, if provided. 

A method of return should be used that is secure and can be tracked. The products you are returning will be at your risk from the time of despatch until they are proven to have been received by Beam Vacuum & Ventilation. 
Once the order has been returned, it will be processed and checked by the online administrator and the refund can be completed. 

When the refund has been completed you will receive an email to confirm the goods have been returned and the value of the refund. This email will be sent to the email address provided at the time of the original order. 
If you paid by credit/debit card please be aware that it can take 7 working days for the funds to show as a credit in your account.

You are entitled, under the Distance Selling regulations, to cancel your order within 7 working days beginning on the day after you received the products ordered. In this case you will receive a refund of the product purchase price only. 

If you wish to exercise your right to cancel after the products you ordered have been despatched, please follow the procedure set out in the return process.