What central vac to buy to replace 35 yr old CV (it's losing suction)
mariagrazia
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
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Central Vac, Surround Sound, or Whirlpool Tub?
Comments (25)I've only been in my house a week, but I gotta say, central vac is the greatest invention of all time. My wife and I have two dogs, and have always used a Dyson...no matter how good the filtration mechanism (and I'm not sure Dyson's are all the great), the machine still needs to exhaust...and the finest dust is recirculated right back into the room...with the central vac, it's WAY more powerful than the Dyson, and it exhausts to the outside...NO smell, VERY quiet, powerful, and no bag or canister to unload every use... As for Surround Sound, I've got it; it's nice (and can be impressive), but I don't feel like I have a better or more functional house because of it... Whirlpool tubs are totally overrated and yucky in my opinion. Some people canÂt live without them (my brother and his wife for example), most have them but never use them. If you love to soak or have a medical condition that warrants one, go for it...but if you do, at least get an air tub that self-purges...I've seen black gunk come out of way too many whirlpool tubs over the years......See MoreCentral Vac Help
Comments (43)Central vacuums are interesting. It seems like they're much more popular in the North than in the South. In fact, I have never actually seen one here in the South. It almost seems like the large house you have, the less economical the system would be. If we're looking at $1/sq ft, we're looking at a pretty expensive vacuum in a 4,000 sq ft house. Furthermore, if that's the starting price, maybe we should estimate $1.50/sq ft for extra conveniences such as HAH (without which it almost kind of defeats one of the major advantages of a central vac system). So what kind of a vacuum could I get for $6,000? Probably a Dyson for every single room in addition to a few spares. Lets not forget that any problems you have with your central vac system could be within a wall...talk about high maintenance costs (a service fee, ripping out walls, redoing drywall, painting, etc)! Lets also not forget what happens if you vacuum up something that you didn't mean to/ didn't want to such as Mr. Lego man and his family! With that said, the major advantages to me seem to be what I assume are much greater suction and separating yourself from the trash and dust. Anyways, if I ever got a system, my favorite feature would probably be the option of automatic dustpans. I would sweep EVERY DAY if I didn't have to worry about manually filling a dustpan and then the inevitable line of dust that you can never fully capture. I dream about how awesomeness an automatic dustpan would be for people who shed a lot of hair when they comb it. With that said, maybe incorporating some of these (http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Vac-EVPRO-Professional-Touchless-Stationary/dp/B0011G20QY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_1) in my $6,000 vacuum budget would be worth it ....See MoreCentral Vac w/ hide-a-hose - disadvantages?
Comments (128)I know this thread is from several years ago but just thought I’d give a recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a retractable hose system. I’m a big fan of HP Product’s Chameleon system. The components are just as quality as HAH if not better and are supposed to cost a little less. Also, you can buy an adapter that allows you pull the hose out and use it with a regular central vacuum inlet. Check out Owen Perkin’s videos on YouTube for more information. One other thing: when looking at floor inlets (toe kicks), buy the Cansweep. It is more reliable and so much quieter than the Vacpan. I install central vacuum systems and used to offer the Vacpan but never will again. The Cansweep can’t be beat!...See MoreWhat's so great about Central Vac?
Comments (19)jrldh - Everyone knows that you kiss butt with a maid. Anything that makes their job easier, makes them do a better job (hopefully). Most people probably wouldn't put a HAH in for this.... There is a website that is easily searchable to give you the costs on the parts. It is about $350 for each outlet which included the socked hose at 50 ft. We have 2000 per floor and 1 outlet per floor. So labor is the issue and I have to say this is definitely one of the ripoffs out there in my opinion. I would venture to say that in a 2000 per floor house, the HAH should take about 3 hours per outlet on top of a non-HAH system. So even at $30 an hour (this is a skill learned in a week), that should only be $200 upcharge. I did mine myself so my total cost was around $1500 including the motor, all the attachments (for 3 floors (although I didn't do HAH in the basement) + garage kit). Certainly not a big cost difference to a quality upright on each floor and a good shop vac....See Moremariagrazia
4 months agomariagrazia
4 months agomariagrazia
4 months ago
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