» What is the cost of the VacnSeal?
» What comes with the VacnSeal?
» What type of bags are best and why?
» How long does the seal on a zip locking bag last?
» How much longer does food stay preserved?
» Is there installation support?
» Does the Vacnseal work with any central vacuum?
» What are the basics of the installation?
» Can I install in myself?
» What if I don’t have a central vacuum?
» Is the device strong and sturdy?
» Are replacement parts available?
» What if I suction up liquid or food?
» Is the amount of airflow through the VacnSeal too restrictive?
» My new VacnSeal seems to have no suction - why?
Part numbers and Cost:
- VacnSeal Retrofit Kit for existing home (all items listed below) #676RW - $79.95 (plus installation)
- VacnSeal #675W - $59.95 (plus installation)
- Reducer Bushing Adaptor (2" to 1/2") #677VA - $4.28
- 20-Feet of 1/2" Clear Tubing 1/2 inch ID and 3/4 inch OD #677VT - $11.78
The Retrofit Kit also includes 25-feet of low voltage wire, and a three way "T" connector to splice into the existing central vacuum pipe. The 1/2" tubing is ran from the "T" connector to the VacnSeal. If you want to add PVC pipe to the existing pipe and not run as much 1/2" tubing, supplies can be bought online here. Central vacuum pipe and connectors are not available at hardware stores anywhere (it is special 2-inch outer diameter thin wall pipe made for the central vacuum industry).
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What comes with the VacnSeal?
The VacnSeal Retrofit Kit #676RK comes with everything needed to install under the cabinet or on a wall in an existing home. The Retrofit Kit includes, in addition to the VacnSeal, a Tee 3-way connector to splice into your existing vacuum pipe, a coupling (if needed), 25-feet of 1/2" clear tubing that will run from VacnSeal to the Tee connector, and 25-feet of low voltage wire to run along side the clear tubing and tie into the existing low voltage wire along your central vacuum pipe. Additional low voltage wire, and 1” clear tubing may be needed and are sold separately.
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What type of bags are best and why?
Unlike all other food sealing devices, VacnSeal uses generic everyday zip locking bags. At this time we highly recommend the Reynolds® Vacuum Freezer Bags, but you should try several bags to see which one holds the seal longest as each manufacturer varies from time to time.
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How long does the seal on a zip locking bag last?
When using the recommended bags the seal longevity depends on each individual bag. Proper, complete engagement of the zipper from one end to the other is the key to the seal lasting as long as possible. Another key, and one you don’t have control over, is how each bag was manufactured. Occasionally you may come across a bag every so often that leaks air from edges of the zipper and the seal is gone with in minutes. The VacnSeal is ideal for households that are opening and closing zip lock bags on a regular basis, or ones that want their snack foods to last longer in the pantry, or want their cheeses to be preserved until they are used again within the week. Research has shown that the Reynolds® Vacuum Freezer Bags are the best bags to use currently. They held suction for the longevity of the study, which was 4 weeks long.
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How much longer does food stay preserved?
The life giving oxygen we all breathe is vital for all life to exist. Unfortunately, oxygen also has a degrading effect on food and promotes micro-organism growth that helps to ruin food when stored. Mold, reduced nutritional value, bad flavor, and waste are a result of stored unsealed food in our refrigerators and pantries. All of us have tasted stale crackers, chips, and cereals, seen moldy cheese, and more. Vacuum packaging with the VacnSeal system will keep your foods fresher longer, especially in areas with high humidity - we guarantee it! If your food is less than fresh, the VacnSeal will not re-freshen. It will however extend the life of the food longer than normal. It is impossible to determine how much longer with food already exposed to the air but common sense says that any improvement in the length of freshness is better than none. Mold, Yeast, and Bacteria are microorganisms caused by the combination of air and water that degrade the freshness and quality of food. These micro-organisms are responsible for many problems including disgusting fuzz on food, miserable smells or tastes, and slimy textures. By removing all the air possible within reason and the moisture it contains, these microorganisms have less chance of surviving.
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Is there installation support?
Yes, there is installation support. The written instructions are available on this website. You can also contact your local central vacuum dealership or VacnSeal (MD MFG) directly.
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Does the VacnSeal work with any central vacuum?
Yes, the VacnSeal works with all central vacuums ever installed.
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What are the basics of the installation?
If you already have a central vacuum in your home you will be adding a “T” connector into the existing central vacuum pipe traveling in your attic or basement. If you have a new home being built you can put a backing plate in the area where the VacnSeal will be located. When the home is completed a cover plate is added and the tubing is run from the VacnSeal to the cover plate. The actual VacnSeal is really simple to attach under the cabinet or in the pantry with the three screws provided. Low voltage wire will also be run attached next to the VacnSeal and tied into the central vacuum low voltage at any point.
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Can I install it myself?
Yes you can install the VacnSeal yourself! It makes a fun and rewarded project that can be completed in a couple hours.
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What if I don’t have a central vacuum?
The VacnSeal was designed for homes with any brand of central vacuum. A self contained VacnSeal product is in production for homes without a central vacuum. Remember, though, there are tremendous benefits of installing a central vacuum system into your new or existing home! Click here for the central vacuum top seven reasons.
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Is the device strong and sturdy?
The VacnSeal is made of a very sturdy carbonite plastic and made to be used in the kitchen environment. It has also been designed for simple service.
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Are replacement parts available?
Yes, replacement parts are available. See CentralVacuum.com for more details.
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What if I suction up liquid or food?
We do not recommend sucking liquids. Once liquid gets into the nozzle, it can be a mess to clean up. The VacnSeal includes an in-line filter to reduce the chance of the fluid from getting into the central vacuum system. The nozzle pivot is removable and cleanable if needed. See the cleaning instructions.
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Is the amount of airflow through the VacnSeal too restrictive?
The amount of air traveling through the VacnSeal for the brief time it is in operation is sufficient to avoid damage to the vacuum motors. The typical amount of time the VacnSeal is on at any one time should be around one minute.
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