As the manufacturer of SilentMaster we look forward to helping you. Yes there is a bag, support bag, and secondary filter that can be changed. You can find them here https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=720HF-5,711,740. You can view the owner's manual here https://builtinvacuum.com/manual.html
Hi Susan, congratulations on the home and central vac! We made this vacuum here in California. The paper bag is put over a cloth bag and there will be one to three filters at the bottom of the unit. That is all that is needed for the unit. We have a ton of accessories and great enhancements for you. Be sure you have a power nozzle that has an electric cord coming out the back. If not you are really missing out and need one for the best carpet cleaning available. Here are the filtration supplies https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=720HF-5,740,711&title=Bags+and+filters+for+Silent+Master. You can find tons of helpful accessories and electric vacuum kits on our site as well.
The Silent Master has a switch on the back right bottom side. Plug any of the garage kits into the valve at the top front of the can and then toggle the vacuum unit on. Hope that helps and here are the Garage Kits that you can use with your system.
Silent Master is a great choice, but our Air Master Models fit directly in place of any Beam model and are a great choice for all bottom emptying power units.
Upgrading the main power unit in the garage or basement: Use the same electrical wall socket for power and also plug the existing low voltage wire into the SilentMaster. Upgrading the hose and power nozzle: The Stealth Kit plugs directly into all Beam wall inlets. The kit comes with either a direct connect 110 pin hose or a pigtail corded 110 volt version (to plug into a nearby electrical wall outlet).
Congratulations on the new home and owning a SilentMaster. You bought the correct bags, the #721H-5 (now replaced by 720HF-5). Here are some resources for you: Silent Master Manual, accessories, replacement parts and upgrades, replacement lid gasket. If you need anything else please let us know. The system is really easy to take care of - just replace the bag!
Starting off with the Stealth Kit is a great way to go and less expensive than replacing a functioning vacuum. When the Beam dies consider the Silent Master for its filtration, quietness, power, and quality.
There will be no major problems replacing any central vacuum with a Silent Master. You will hang the SilentvMaster on its own bracket, use the existing wire and use the pipe (and you may have to add to or take away pipe for it to fit).