Depending on how much a central vacuum is used, the motor(s) may last decades or just a few years. When a motor goes bad, some of the common signs include an electrical “burning” odor, only a click is heard, and the motor can turn on when the central vacuum unit is bumped. Depending on how old the motor is when it goes bad, you may want to consider only changing the motor brushes. Motor brushes are much less expensive to change than an entire motor; however, they may not always fix your problem. It may be that the motor ware is so great that the whole motor must be replaced.The most common central vacuum motor brand used is Lamb Ametek. Builtinvacuum.com carries the most popular Lamb motors and some of the lesser popular central vacuum motors as well. Removing and replacing a central vacuum motor is easier than most may think, and shouldn’t take an owner too much time to accomplish.

At MD’s website search brands to find out what motor is inside a unit or if an owner knows what motor they need, they can more than likely find it on MD’s motor pages. Many of MD’s staff have decades of central vacuum experience and can troubleshoot motor issues in a matter of minutes. Builtinvacuum.com provides contact forms, or you can give MD technicians a call, toll-free, for a quicker response.

MD Manufacturing is proud to announce the release of the new Flo-Master M60 Central Vacuum! Just over a foot tall, this compact unit is absolutely perfect for any tight space or modest application. Here are just a few ideas for an M60 installation:

- Kitchen for VacPan, VacnSeal, Vroom
- Media room addition
- Fits in cabinet, stairwell, crawl space, closet
- New and retrofit RV installations

The RV vacuum boasts 453 Airwatts, which is quite impressive for such a small unit. MD Manufacturing also provides 3 types of installation and attachment kits with this unit (Basic, Deluxe and Electric). This not only makes installation in most small applications easy, but it also makes the vacuum the most effective when in use, especially when it is paired with the Stealth electric brush.
To learn about the whole Flo-Master central vacuum family including the M60 RV vacuum, visit the Flo-Master web site or view this PDF.

Many central vacuum users may not know that every season MD Manufacturing gives away either a central vacuum, central vacuum attachment kit, or BOTH! At the MD Central Vacuum Giveaway web page, users can access past winners and sign-up for a chance to win a SilentMaster S44 during the Summer Giveaway session. Check it out. It’s free!

Have you ever wondered how much energy your central vacuum uses in stand-by mode per year? It is a simple calculation with a pleasant outcome.

MD unit transformers draw 16 milliamps. Multiply that times the voltage (120) times 24 hours and you should find around .046 Kw.

Let’s say that your electrical rates are $.14 per kilowatt. At that rate, an MD system costs about $2.35/year. This is the total cost of “ghost” power for the unit to remain in the ready position.  If you desire to conserve this energy, the most effective means is to change the electrical outlet for the central vacuum to one that has a switch on the plug. This way, you can turn the unit power on and off whenever you desire to use the low voltage system. If you were building a home and wanted to plan for this conservation, you would locate this switch in the closet where you intend to store the central vacuum hose. Each time you grab the hose you would switch the switch “on” and then the low voltage portion of the inlets would be activated. When you are done vacuuming you would put the hose away and flip the switch “off.”

M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. has reaffirmed its commitment to the American workforce by building a brand new, state-of-the-art operations facility in Bakersfield, California.  Many US manufacturers committed to American-made goods continue to give in to the lure of low-cost labor moving production out side the United States; however, MD put action behind their beliefs in keeping quality jobs in America.

The new MD plant is double the size of the former location and offers three times the storage capacity.  The new facility houses all manufacturing, inventory, sales and support staff in one central location. A priority for investment capital was to be as efficient and eco-friendly as possible while increasing MD’s competitive edge. MD’s new technology based infrastructure is a tremendous advancement toward this goal. Other initiatives were successful as well including solar lighting designed to reduce electrical consumption and provide an open, creative atmosphere.

Brian Graves, MD’s VP of Operations spearheaded the entire transition to maximize workflow and reduce operating expenses. A pearl of Brian’s wisdom reads: “In the long run, it is always less expensive to build true quality than to overlook it. This is the most logical response to competing with low-cost alternative labor markets. We had to build on a foundation of efficiency and quality.”

MD maintained the expectation of quality throughout this entire transition. Director of Quality Mike Kretsinger is a Six Sigma Black-Belt trainer who analyzes each company procedure for minimizing potential errors and maximizing results to improve MD’s processes, workflow, and product lines.

Despite unprecedented gloom-and-doom media forecasts, MD has a commitment to sustain staffing while improving capabilities. Each employee is aware of his or her vital role to ensure an accurate and timely response to every client’s needs. The result is excellent intra-office communication, efficient order taking, and same-day shipping. Within MD’s new operations facility, the commitment for on-going research and development will remain a priority and focus.

All of the employees at MD are true central vacuum enthusiasts. Experienced professionals will get you the right product, right away, and for the right price. Accessories for any central vacuum brand, year, or model are also available.

MD has paved foundations in the industry with the first quiet central vacuum, the most extensive filtration system, the bulletproof Stealth power brush, and many other innovative products. At the recent VDTA show, MD introduced a number of brand new products: a vacuum pipe inspection camera, a compact central vacuum for RV’s, a method to easily convert all MD units to a closed bag system, a PetVac kit, and an inexpensive water-separator bucket. Creativity is a hallmark of MD’s history and the next few years should be exciting ones for MD.

Today is a monumental day in the history of MD Manufacturing, Inc.  We are now entering a new era of professionalism and growth that could have never been anticipated at any time in the past.  After 3 years of intense planning and design, we finally are moving into our brand new building. This beautiful facility has been planned around each and every need of our entire operation with as insightful of a plan as possible toward future growth.  It also makes a very bold statement that we remain intently committed to keeping jobs in the USA.

While competitors have announced that they are shutting their manufacturing facilities in the United States, MD has pledged an even deeper commitment to their employees.  Through the recent recession MD has not laid off a single employee and do not intend to change that fact.  They have also committed large resources to obtain new manufacturing equipment to move even more jobs in-house. 

The new facility is centered around a theme of cleanliness.  “We build vacuum cleaners so our factory should display that we believe things should be clean,” states Brian Graves, Operations Manager and project manager for the new building.  And the building was also designed with energy savings implementation throughout.  Skylights in both the warehouse and offices reduce daily consumption.  The UPB lighting system allows constant control of lighting to dim or eliminate lighting in areas not being occupied.  Six sixteen foot giant ceiling fans reduce the needs for expensive cooling systems, and all the latest insulation measures will reduce operating electricity consumption.

This new facility will allow MD to better serve our loyal clients with more efficient order picking and processing and broader product offerings. It will also allow MD to better serve the high-end of the central vacuum market that realizes that quality products can actually cost less if they are manufactured properly the first time!

MD Manufacturing would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of clients that have purchased their products over the past five decades.  Without your loyal support we would not be enjoying today!

So don’t be surprised if we do not answer the phones or e-mails from 3:30 PST Wednesday April 1^st through 7:00 Monday morning April 6^th as we are preparing for our next significant growth curve.

M.D. Manufacturing boldly announced at the recent VDTA Show in Las Vegas that they refuse to participate in the current recession!  It’s one thing to make such a statement, it’s another to live it out.  By the looks of the constant crowd of dealers around the booth you had to figure something different was happening there. 

Show participants have always anticipated that MD would be always presenting new ideas to the industry and this year proved consistent.  Of greatest interest was their new Vacuum Pipe Inspection Camera System.  This very cool suitcase kit contains a 60 foot fiber optic black & white camera system that can be inserted into the piping system to detect clogs, breaks, or any other abnormality in the pipes.  Its infrared lighting illuminates the pipe crystal-clear on the accompanying video screen reducing tons of hours of potential research work.  Simply remove an inlet and start the inspection.  It even contains a battery back-up system when power is not available on the job site.  MD plans an exciting launch of this product for a dealer cost of $499.

Additionally MD displayed a new PetVac kit that allow you to vacuum and groom dogs or cats with an awesome new tool but its fifteen foot hose contains a bleeder valve at the opposite end to keep from disturbing the animal near you.  And they also had a new inexpensive plastic separator bucket system.  Most homeowners rarely need to pick up water but what a convenience when it is needed.  Rather than retailing at over $150, this slick unit will be sold for less than $50.

MD also displayed a new hand-held electric beater brush that will fit right on the end of any electric hose.  No more loud air-driven tools; this one is great for staircases, couches or the interior of your car.  Speaking of small places, MD also displayed their new “MDU” unit for small central vacuum applications.  Measuring in at less that one cubic foot, this quiet, powerful central vacuum can fit inside cabinets, or will work ideal for RV and boat applications.  It’s new Allerex filtration system will also capture an amazing percentage of micro-particles.  MD hopes to introduce this to the market also in the next few months.

The Central vacuum Track of seminars also showed no sigh of the recession;  More than 50 dealers faithfully sat through hours of training including creative marketing techniques, installation helps, existing home installation, central vacuum technical theory and a comprehensive course on service.  Reaction of the participants indicated that this was a highlight of the entire show.

Its unfortunate if you missed the convention but let this be a catalyst to insure that you make a concerted effort to be a part of the show next year.  Overcoming a shifting economy can be far easier with a plan of action different than your historic direction.  We must constantly be making these adjustments or our business will simply be just like the other guy down the street.  So join MD in avoiding this so-called recession!  

While the major markets of the world are experiencing tremendous turmoil; especially in the construction sector, many smaller nations are finding this as an excellent time to welcome new products and construction amenities.

Hernan Guembas, President of Aspiratek S.A.C of Miraflores, Peru recently found out how excited his new market was for central vacuums.  Hernan entered an M.D. Manufacturing Central Vacuum unit into Peru’s recent Trade Show contest for the Most Innovative Product of the Year.  “Peru’s interest in central vacuums is phenomenal,” said Hernan, “Architects, builders and homeowners all were thrilled with the concept of healthy cleaning.”

Peru’s annual EXCON 2008, the country’s largest construction trade show, is organized by CAPECO, the Peruvian Chamber for Construction in Peru and attracted more than 50,000 visitors this year.  Hernan, a newer dealer of M.D. Manufacturing products knew the product would sell itself in a market which is quickly adapting to North American appliances.

Product launches into new markets are not easy but Hernan and his staff intended to make as grand of an early impression on the Peruvian market as possible.  For his efforts, the show rewarded him with the “Best of the Show” Award, the show’s top honor!  Although the President of Peru was hoping to present the award, it was administered by Mr. Enrique Cornejo, Minister of Housing and Mr. Lelio Balarezo Young, President of the Peruvian Chamber of Construction.

Installations in the country are far different than North American construction because of the concrete block walls rather than wood or steel frame construction.  Hernan’s company, a long-time HVAC contractor, was well versed in the proper construction techniques and has easily adapted to the demands of the design.

Congratulations to Hernan Guembes and his staff at Thermotrol / Aspiratek  for introducing Central Vacuums to Peru and having the Most Innovative Construction Product of the Year in Peru in 2008!

Picture 1 (above):
Mr. Jorge Guembes. Mr. Hernan Guembes P, Mr. Hernan Guembes F. (My Father), Mr. Alfonso Guembes, Director

Picture 2 (right):
Mr. Lelio Balarezo Young (President of the Peruvian Chamber of Construction CAPECO), Mr. Enrique Cornejo, Minister of Housing, Mr. Hernán Guembes P., Mr. Jorge Guembes, on the prizing ceremony at the inauguration of EXCON 2008.

M.D. Manufacturing has been an active part of the Custom Electronic Design Installation Association for the past 12 years and was very pleased to participate in their 2008 Convention in Denver, Co Sept 4-7th, 2008.

As always, we find a tremendous amount of companies desiring to add central vacuums to their line card of products they install. Who would not enjoy an additional $1,000 profit for a few hours work? It was also an excellent opportunity to speak with many of you in regards to the latest products offered by MD and also to receive excellent feedback on our existing products and services. I must admit that is always a joy to hear so many compliments on our staff and the great job they do insuring that the dealers receive the right products for all their needs.

MD passed out T-shirts showing a TV screen that had a film of dust on it where someone had written with their finger, “It’s time for a Central Vacuum.” This subliminal message identified the fact that portable vacuums stir up a far greater amount of dust than a central vacuum and costly electronics would last longer if the home had a central vacuum.

Many other competitive brands of central vacuums appeared at this year’s show and here were some of the highlights: Nutone showed off the Flexible Technologies hose that has a 30 foot stretch-hose contained within a 15 foot vinyl hose. An electric switch on the end, combined with suction would pull it back t the 15 foot original length. Beam had a similar hose the previous year.

Dirt Devil (Vacuflo) showed off their new Vrroom hose that was a stretch hose contained within a retractable casing that was mounted in a cabinet. Upon lifting the wand, the hose activated and you could pull it about 25 feet out of the cabinet for easy cleaning. Installers would need to put a pipe-stub in the cupboard or under a work bench and the suggested retail cost of the Vrroom was $199 plus installation. They also were still showing the Hide-a-Hose system that sucks back into the wall.

Stopping by the Electrolux / Beam booth you could get a free shot of oxygen in your lungs and they also had a new air filter system that attached to the return air intake of your HVAC system. Honneywell (a Beam-made unit), Hayden, Vacu-Maid, and Linear Air Vac were all there but did not appear to have any new products.

As usual, the MD booth was full of energy and excitement. The MD staff were showing off our new S44 and M85 units as well as the new brochures and Training DVD’s. Our CentraMop and Manta continued to be big hits as well as our Quick-Click hose. It was great to have Steve Spriet a part of the team this year because of his 18 years of experience in the industry; of course Rebecca was a great help as well and Stan Mann has risen to the occasion to represent MD as the industry leader.

We greatly appreciate the hundreds who stopped by and especially our own dealers who spent time in our booth. We trust that your time was well spent!

M.D. Manufacturing. Inc. today revealed its new product offering of energy conscientious central vacuum products.  “These products are designed to reduce both electrical energy and physical energy for every household that uses a vacuum,” stated General Manager Grant Olewiler, a 30+ year veteran of the industry.

The new MD Model M85 Power Unit offers 650 AirWatts of power in a single-motor system whereas other units had previously only achieved 450.  This equates to quicker cleaning in less time.  Because the unit is generally located in the garage, it removes all dusts and allergens out of the living area, not spewing germs back into the same room.

MD also has developed a new hard surface floor tool CentraMop® which allows you to damp mop while vacuuming thus cutting two chores into one while simultaneously removing all that dust completely from the area.

One additional central vacuum tool has been introduced:  The VacnSeal fits up underneath your countertop and uses the central vacuum suction in conjunction with everyday double-seal Ziploc freezer bags to store foods in an air-tight condition.  By removing the air foods last far longer, stay fresher, and conserve valuable energy.

To obtain further information on any of these products, visit their 8,000 page website at www.builtinvacuum.com or call M.D. Manufacturing at 800 525-2055.