Thread Number: 40730  /  Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
What would be a good recommendation for a Central Vacuum System?
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Post# 432814   9/29/2020 at 21:11 (1,276 days old) by thevacuumman (Borger, TX)        

My wife and I are about to close on our first house. We talked it over and we want to install a Central Vacuum. Our house is roughly 1700 square foot with a detached 800 square foot garage with attached wood shop. We haven’t done any looking yet, but I know many of y’all have systems and I wanted to get some opinions. The floors in the house is mostly carpet with the exception of the kitchen so powered outlets will definitely be installed. I have plenty of expansion in my main service panel that’s equipped with a 200 Amp main breaker so a 240v unit would be an option. I was wondering if it would be worth having someone install the unit or if I should try to attempt it myself? What are some good brands and recommended tool kits?

Post# 432819 , Reply# 1   9/29/2020 at 22:01 (1,276 days old) by electroluxxxx (……)        

Definitely an MD unit, either an M715H or an S900 as I take it you want some major m power. There are a few experts here who can also help. Reggie Ridlen, Owen Perkins, Greg Palmer, Evan Rogers. I’d highly recommend you hire someone to do an install for you as a retrofit can have some obstacles that will need to be overcome.

Post# 432824 , Reply# 2   9/29/2020 at 22:26 (1,276 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

ultralux88's profile picture
Personally I also recommend an MD, if you get the M715h, it runs on a regular 20 amp circuit. If you get a dual motor unit, either a 240v unit or a 30 amp 120v will be needed. The M965h2 or the S900r2 would be good. If you want the most sucky that can be had, you want to mount two M715hs in parallel on the system.

Post# 432828 , Reply# 3   9/29/2020 at 23:02 (1,276 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

madman's profile picture
Well, installing the plumbing is the hard part, I'd imagine. If you have an unfinished basement in a one story house, it'd probably be quite easy for you to install by yourself.

I say 'easy,' it'd probably take quite a lot of work, but I mean it'd be simpler for you to handle on your own, and at your own pace.

Of course that's just me talking from a general house-work standpoint. I have no real experience with central units.


Post# 432833 , Reply# 4   9/29/2020 at 23:51 (1,276 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
MD is the first company that comes to my mind. The Flo-Master F650t is a fantastic unit, one of the best single motor units that I've ever used. The Modern Day M715h is also great. But if you're willing to go the extra mile, then either the SilentMaster S900r2 or the Modern Day M965h2 would be my recommendation.

For kits, the Stealth is the best in my opinion. But if you wanted something more aggressive on carpets, the Complete 360 is what I would recommend.

And in regards to installation, I would recommend hiring a central vacuum contractor.


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Post# 432835 , Reply# 5   9/30/2020 at 00:22 (1,276 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
my suggestions

I collect central vacuum units and have at least one unit from just about every major brand. The MD units that have been suggested would be good choices. I would also suggest looking at Drainvac units. I have several Drainvac units and I'm extremely impressed by their quality and performance. If you want a very nice unit that runs on a regular 120 volt circuit, I would suggest the Drainvac Viper.

www.thinkvacuums.com/drai...

If you want to get a super duper unit and can install a 240 volt outlet, I would suggest the Drainvac Twin Turbo, this is one of the most, if not the most powerful central vacuum unit on the market. I brought it to the vacuum collector's convention a couple of weeks ago and everyone seemed to enjoy it, it has incredible power.

www.thinkvacuums.com/drai...

You indicated that most of your house was carpet, so I would suggest an electric power head kit. This kit includes the Sebo power nozzle which is probably the best power nozzle available.

www.thinkvacuums.com/esta...

Central vacuums are awesome, I'm sure whatever you get you will really enjoy it.
Mike


Post# 433161 , Reply# 6   10/6/2020 at 18:29 (1,269 days old) by scottg (Bethlehem, pa)        

I installed a Vacuflo in my parents house years ago, then installed an Imperium at my next house and have an Aerus at the current house (just because I purchased the unit because I wanted an attachment a few years ago and it was all being sold together).

All worked very well, you can't go wrong with the suggestions above. I know that you mentioned that you have a lot of carpet, in addition to your powered outlets you might consider at least one or two Hide a Hose outlets. I installed the Hide a Hose system in two of my homes and now wouldn't want to be without it. It's just so convenient. I have a CX1000 rechargeable powerhead and it has been great, as well.


Post# 433234 , Reply# 7   10/8/2020 at 12:41 (1,267 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
I like...

The Aerus/Electrolux for its attachments and power nozzle. It’s self adjusting and very durable and it comes with a flip over combination rug and floor tool as well and a sidekick mini power nozzle and a combination dusting brush upholstery tool and a crevice tool. The durability of their tools and attachments to me is second to none and built on commercial quality level. My sister had some other brand of unit but upgraded to the Aerus full attachment and hose set and said it was so much better and easier to use and substantially improved the cleaning ability of the system. While their parts are plastic, they are lexan which is virtually indestructible.

Aerus does sell the entire system.

Time consuming to install the piping for sure, installer recommended.

Jon


Post# 433237 , Reply# 8   10/8/2020 at 14:12 (1,267 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Plus...

Rarely does the power nozzle need belts or stall out on carpet. People can get 10 to 20 years out of a belt because it is cogged and also reinforced with poly cord like dental floss. It’s made in layers. It is also lighted and L shaped. You can view the products at aerusvacuums.com and find a branch. There is a page on the central systems.

Also the brand and parts are completely serviceable. They will even come out to the house if you ever need service. This is the old original Electrolux company that was well known, they just went through a name change in 2003. The nice thing is it a durable long lasting product with in home service and of support is important to you then This brand is the way to go. Since it is something that will be more “permanent” in your home” I would be inclined to go with this type of company that sells, warrants, and services the product long term then just a general central vacuum product sold by a generic vacuum store.

Jon


Post# 433243 , Reply# 9   10/8/2020 at 15:47 (1,267 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
I used to own a Vacuflo but I got such a bad sinus infection from emptying and cleaning it, I switched to a Modern Day SilentMaster. Best Central Vacuum Ever in my opinion. I love the Tru-Seal Hepa Bags. Touch No Dirt-See No Dirt-Breath No Dirt.


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Post# 433248 , Reply# 10   10/8/2020 at 16:34 (1,267 days old) by luxflairguy (Wilmington, NC)        

Hi Jo!
I can't recommend a Lux/Aerus central vacuum! First of all is the HEAVY wire wound hose that is not crush proof and has that funky gas pump handle which needs a special adapter to use the small flip tool. What if you can't find that adapter? Lost it? Pricey to replace! While the PN and other tools are OK, they need an update!
Let's talk about maintenance. AWFUL! No were in the sale literature does sit talk about the mess emptying it is. You have to dump the messy canister out into a trash bag which releases a cloud of dust in your face and then there's the cleaning of the foam filter that never comes out without leaving a dumping of dirt and dust on the floor. then you have to make sure you wash it out completely. You better have a laundry sink or a large trash can available to rinse and rinse and rinse the filter until clear and then let it dry. You can't put it back into the machine wet! Again, a Genuine filter is not cheap (at a Aerus store).
How do I know this? As en end user and as a central vac installer, sales and service over the years. Down here in NC Aerus stores are far and few between! The shop here in Wilmington doesn't even carry the CV! Greg


Post# 433261 , Reply# 11   10/8/2020 at 21:53 (1,267 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Hmmm

Well I wouldn’t like the nasty cleaning job so glad you brought that up. Didn’t know the MD has a self sealing bag and certainly Aerus needs to change to that. Personally I like the Aerus 2 in 1 tools and the automatic height adjusting power nozzle. I admit the adapter is annoying but people love the classic combo dusting brush upholstery tool so much they had to find a way to keep a good thing going. Plus the adapter allows people the ability to use all sort of other standard 1 1/4” tools with the hose making it more versatile. Honestly I like the older version for the central system before they changed to the plastic wand system but it tends to be personal preference. Yes the hose is heavy and bulky. I’m not a central vac fan at all myself. I have used the central system and the Lux legacy canister both nearly identical with same tools and it is much easier to pull the canister around than that long hose and the tools ride on board canister for the exception of the floor brush. And the dirt is sealed in the self sealing canister bag that’s a snap to change. I can’t use most uprights due to back issues so only easy to push canisters and the new style stick vacs are for me.

While the Aerus tools are quite old in design, they are very good and functional and ergonomic And durable and so I like them including the power nozzle and combo rug and floor tool. If people don’t like these tools they would have changed them but they have been quite good and have stood the test of time. Sometimes it’s better to not change a good thing.

Jon


Post# 433303 , Reply# 12   10/10/2020 at 00:51 (1,266 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Aerus -Lux bagless central vacuums-STAY AWAY!!!!!The foam filter allows very fine dust to pass thru to the motor-and KILLS IT-the bearings go!!!Have one of these units that was replaced with an MD machine like in the picture.The dealer gave me the old machine-motor gone!!!Blown!!!I talked to the Aerus dealer here in Greenville-they say Aerus Lux is going to redo their central vacuums to a bagged unit.The Aerus TOOLS are BETTER than their central machine!And another bad thought------the Aerus bagless central unit is built-----IN CHINA!!!Proudly bragged on the motor of the unit.I have had dealings with bagless central machines-----DON'T DO IT!!!The dust and dirt overwhelms you.

Post# 433312 , Reply# 13   10/10/2020 at 08:51 (1,265 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
bagless central vacs

I would also avoid any central vacuum that cannot use a bag. Some of my units can be used bagged or bagless but I would never even consider using any unit without a bag, dumping those is a mess.
I have also heard of the motor in the Aerus units being destroyed because the filtration is not very good.
I'm also going to add to my suggestions in my previous message. I would now have no problem recommending Galaxie central vacuum units, I have two of them and they are very well made and work really well.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO n0oxy's LINK


Post# 433331 , Reply# 14   10/10/2020 at 12:26 (1,265 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        
Perhaps...hybrid??

Maybe the MD for the main unit and the Aerus hose and attachments since they are so durable and easy to use. The nice thing is almost all systems use a universal wall outlets so you can use what went brand of hose and attachments you like the best regardless of the brand of the main unit.

If you do put one in definitely recommend the exhaust air be piped to be blow outside the home. This way if the dirt in the bag or bin smells over time as it often does when pets are a part of the home, that scent won’t be exhausted anywhere back in the home near the main unit.

Most people that have central vacs often end up with a portable unit anyway I’ve seen. Even those who have put the units in themselves. After a while they realize the Long hose is more of a hassle to deal with than a standard good quality high end vacuum cleaner.

Jon


Post# 433340 , Reply# 15   10/10/2020 at 15:00 (1,265 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
I think Centraluxs are overall decent for what they are. However though, I personally would not recommend them or use one in my own home. On the power units, The dust would circumvent the filter and cake up the motor fan with dirt which would cause the motor to sound louder overtime, and eventually the motor would go bad. It's not just Aerus but with any system that uses the same filter set up as the Centralux. If it were me, I would wash the filter every time that I would use it. As for the attachments, the hose is wire reinforced. Heavier, more expensive, and generally has less airflow than a crush proof hose. Not good if someone would accidently step on the hose and ruins it. Also the wands are plastic. On the wands, I would usually see electrical connections go bad on them and I would usually see those spring buttons including the neck break. And there's no manual height adjuster on the powerhead, it won't deep clean carpets as well as other powernozzles I've used that do have them. Again they're decent systems but bottom line is there are much better options out there.

According to the current Centralux manual, they now have have the option to use a bag liner for cleaner and easier emptying. Similar to what Vacumaid uses on their cyclonic units. Also, it looks as the whole system is assembled in the US. And from what I heard, you could special order the electric pistol grip hose and attachments from Aerus. If you wanted to use the Aerus central vac attachments, that's what I would recommend over the deluxe accessory kit. Or you could get the Perfect Central Vac Tool Kit which would be alot cheaper.


Post# 433351 , Reply# 16   10/10/2020 at 17:16 (1,265 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
venting outside and Aerus attachments

I would avoid the Aerus attachment set because the hose end is nonstandard so you are limited to the Aerus power nozzle. There is an adapter that will let you use standard nonelectric attachments but you should have the freedom to use any power nozzle you want. If you can get a hose with a hose end that is similar to the Aerus classic, that would be a much better choice assuming the hose was crush proof rather than wire reenforced.
Regarding venting a central vacuum outside, it sounds good on the surface but there are some big disadvantages to it. That's another reason to stay away from the true cyclonic units, because venting outside is a requirement with those. This article describes why venting outside may not be the best idea.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO n0oxy's LINK


Post# 433362 , Reply# 17   10/10/2020 at 19:54 (1,265 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
I personally wouldn't have an issue with venting the exhaust outdoors, I'd prefer it actually when I get my own system. I think it's still better than replacing the ActiVac filter every year or so. But that's just me.


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