AstroVac is a trademarked brand name used by Lindsay Manufacturing. The central vacuum is very similar to their AstroVac brand. The all-metal AstroVac Central Vacuum unit has been made in Oklahoma since the late 1950's by the Lindsay family. Power unit model numbers typically begin with MK or SR and normally the motor is located at the top of the unit and it empties from below. Astrovac has also produced another brand over the years called Valet Central Vacuums.
Almost all AstroVac Central Vacuums have been built with quality Ametek Lamb-Electric motors which last for many years. With powerful suction, all the dirt and dust that gets picked up is completely removed from the living area and not redeposited back into the room; a great improvement for anyone with allergies. An AstroVac Central Vacuum makes cleaning so much easier, including staircases, furniture, hardwood and tile floors, corner cobwebs, and carpets.
The preferred filtration method for AstroVac is fully cyclonic which contains "no filters" but they have produced a series of units that empty from the top and have a disposable bag. The standard system relies on cyclonic action to spin the dirt out of the airstream while only light dust and air funnel up through the motor and out the exhaust. Please read the specific filtration instructions on the motor page for maintaining the filtration portion of your AstroVac.
Most AstroVac units built prior to 2000 do not have any utility hose valve on the front of the tank. Often the sole air intake into the unit is from the right side, and the exhaust port above it (on bottom-emptying units). On bagless AstroVac Central Vacuum Models, it is critical the exhaust line be routed to the outside of the building.
AstroVac attachments and accessories are fully compatible with the rest of the industry, including their pipe and fittings, inlets, motors, circuit boards, hoses, attachments, and power brushes with the exception of a few inlets identified in our notes on the inlet valve page.
Extremely pleased you carried the motor for our AstroVac (circa 1995). The service was excellent and was grateful for the detailed FAQ and instructions on your web site. Thank you.
Note: AstroVac is a currently a trademark of Lindsay Manufacturing and not a trademark of M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from AstroVac but are designed to complement an AstroVac Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not AstroVac and thus may alter the warranty provided by AstroVac.