The Kirby discussion got me thinking. We're doing a massive remodel/renovation which will include adding an hvac system (maybe hydro-air). I was also thinking of adding central vac, but I know nothing about it.
For those of you that have it, or know about it, what are the pros and cons? I kind of like the idea of not having to drag the unit with the motor all over the house.
Thanks,
Ame

By Claire on Sunday, March 25, 2007 - 02:13 pm:

We had one in a former house & I loved it!

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, March 25, 2007 - 02:24 pm:

We have central vac and LOVE it! We had it installed about 4 or 5? years ago, although our house was already plumbed for it. (Is that the correct terminology?! LOL!) Meaning the piping was installed during contruction of the house, so all we had to do was purchase the central vac unit/motor. It's great! The exhaust is piped outside, which is a big plus when allergies are an issue, and I only have to carry the hose and power head up and down the stairs. I could purchase a second hose and nozzle and keep one on each floor, but it's not a big deal. The suction is stronger than any traditional vacuum cleaner I've owned. We even had a dust pan outlet installed in the kitchen, which means I can sweep dirt directly into the central vac system. We even have an outlet in the garage so we can vacuum our vehicles. The bag in the canister needs to be changed about every 6 months. I clean the filter out once a week, but we have two cats and lots of fur. Over all, I am very happy with it!

Down falls: It's possible for the piping to get clogged, which of course effects the suction and efficiency of the system. This has happened once so far, and I'm glad I kept one of our old vacuums to use until the problem was fixed.

By Karen~admin on Sunday, March 25, 2007 - 03:33 pm:

My boss has one and they love it. I've heard nothing negative from them about it.

By Breann on Sunday, March 25, 2007 - 07:46 pm:

Everyone is making this recommendation to us for our new build. I haven't ever heard anyone say anything negative about it either.

We've also been told that we can just have it "piped in" during our build, and then once we can afford it or whatever, we can actually buy the system itself. That way it's all there and ready in case we ever want to utilize it.

Some friends of ours did a new build last year and they got central vac. They love it. They have a little piece of the bottom of their bar that flips up. They sweep everything towards that. Then they flip it up and it sucks everything in. No more dustpans! I think that's the coolest feature.