Maintaining AstroVac with Paper Bag
Sealed paper bag units incorporate a two-layer disposable paper bag for superior filtration. These paper bags are also inexpensive and easy to throw away making vacuum maintenance easy. The mass of dirt and debris picked up by your central vacuum system is deposited in the filter bag inside the dirt canister. To remove this accumulation, follow these simple steps: Sealed Paper Bag Systems
- Remove the lid by lifting straight up (figure 1d). There are no hinges or clamps.
- Remove the bag by sliding the rubber gasket that surrounds the hole in the paper bag off the plastic inlet stem that protrudes through the side of the canister (figure 2d).
Once the bag is off of the inlet stem, seal the bag by removing the backing from the tab and cover the hole with the flap. Press the flap so that it securely seals over the hole (figure 3d). This will help prevent dirt and dust from escaping.
Now, lift the paper bag from the dirt canister and place in a suitable trash container.
- Take a new bag and extend it fully (figure 4d), place it in the canister, and slide the rubber gasket onto the inlet stem until the rubber gasket drops into place in the ridge that is around the inlet stem (figure 5d).
- Carefully replace the lid onto the dirt canister to ensure that it seals properly or it could cause a vacuum leak and reduce the cleaning efficiency of your system.
NOTE: This step is only required in the event that the bag breaks. If bag breakage does occur, it is necessary to lift the plate located under the bag and clean the small screen.
Figure 2d
Figure 3d
Figure 4d
Figure 5d
The filter bag should be changed or cleaned when there is 3-6 inches of dirt or anytime there is a noticeable reduction of air flow at the cleaning tool. Initially, the dirt canister should be checked or emptied weekly until some idea can be obtained as to how long it takes to half fill the canister under your normal cleaning routine. All vacuum systems will function more effectively if it is emptied frequently. Under no circumstances should you allow your dirt canister to become more than 3/4 full before emptying. (Note: The canister will fill more rapidly if NEW carpets are being cleaned for there is usually a tremendous quantity of loose fibers that are retained in the carpet from the manufacturing process. In some instances it may take several months before all of these loose fibers are removed.)