Central Vacuum

[timborow]

Hi everyone. I know that most of you are not big central vacuum fans, but I am looking at a new house that is already plumbed for a central vacuum. I would have to buy the unit and attachments. However, the unit would have to go into a crawlspace instead of a garage or basement. Is this common? Would moisture be a problem for the unit?

Is there a unit out there that is really better than others. I have looked on the internet and can find just about anything. What kinds do any of you have, and what type powerhead is the best? I really don't think I want to go with the air-turbine type, but just really don't know.

 

[compactc9]

It is possible to have the pipe run to the a garage or basement utility area without too much effort. I would look at the MD units with the Stealth powerhead.

http://www.builtinvacuum.com

 

[compactc9]

Although mouting the unit in the crawlspace wouldn't cause any harm, unless it is fairly humid, but even if it is humid, the MD units deal with it pretty well.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Crawlspace.

The other issue with crawlspace would be floor to ceiling height... Emptying the unit could turn into a rather difficult task if there's not adequate room to drop the bucket down from the unit, etc...

Personally, I'm a fan of Beam units and their powernozzles... Well made, great warranty, easy to care for. I sold them for about three years, and we've had one in one form or another for 10+ years (dad's house, then mom's house).

 

[luxg]

I agree with Fred, I have a new house with the Beam and the power nozzle they sell with it. I really like it and the suction is fantastic. I would also try to locate it in the garage for easier empting. You will be amazed at how fast it fills up.

 

[timborow]

crawlspace

Thanks for your advice and suggestions. I knew someone would know more than I do about centrals. The only concern that I have about the crawlspace is the moisture. I can almost stand up under the house, so height is really not a problem. It is also right inside the access door, so it is not difficult to get to. I would really like to leave it there if possible. Is there a particular brand other than the MD that is made for high moisture areas?
Tim

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Moisture.

Moisture being an issue--are you able to pop a dehumidifier down there? That would definitely help.

One thing that just popped into my mind from my days of selling central vacs--if in fact you do go with one, and do put it in your crawl space, go with a unit that has a plastic (lexan) dirt container. If you go with a metal container, that's what is going to rust. Chunks of dirt hitting the metal container, chipping up the paint, [moist] air swirling through the container--little rust patches will eventually appear.

 

[timborow]

Thanks Hoovercelebrity. That's the kind of information I need to know. What kind to you recommend?
Tim

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Not sure who all offers a lexan dirt container, other than Beam.

http://www.beamvac.com/usa/

 

[compactc9]

The MD collects the dirt in a disposabl bag, so there is no need to worryabout cleaning a filter or dumping a container. I suggested the MD for moisture because all of the housings are completely coated in a powder coat paint finish, so they wont rust.

Beam used to have a great powernozzle available, a Wessel Werk, in their Serentiy kit, but they have recently changed to using the same one found on the Eurkalux Oxygen, which I don't particularly care for.

 

[compactc9]

It looks like I was partly wrong here...

They are still selling the Serenity Plus, but added a new model as I described, If you do choose a Beam system, I would suggest getting the Serenity Plus kit.

http://beamvac.com/usa/beam_systems/power_teams_all.aspx

 

[compactc9]

Ok, lets start over...

I apologize for my not so helpful posts, I have been dealing with some kind of allergy or something, and been either stuffed up with sninus pressure, or kind of out of it in the allergy pills. So now that my head is clear for a bit, I will repond a little better.

Lets start with the unit. What I would look for in a good unit are things like a heavy guage steel body preferrably painted with powder coat. For the dirt container, either powder coated steel, or heavy plastic as painted dirt cans will eventually peel and rust. I also strongly prefer a 2 motor unit, unless you go with a Vacuflo, because they will give you much better airflow. I would also look for something on the quieter end.

For a bageed unit, I recommend looking at MD or Cyclovac. And for bagless something by Cyclovac or Vacuflo. Cyclovac also builds units for Riccar, Simplicity, and Star.

Things to avoid at all costs, Nutone, units with multiple motors in series, pleated filters, foam filtersunits with a single 5.7in. motor (a single 7.5in motor is acceptable on a Vacuflo), and cheap all plastic units (ie Eureka).

Now for tool kits. Geared belt type powernozzles will offer better performance with less maintantence. I also recommend getting something with a 1 3/8in inside diameter crushproof hose, bot durability, ease of use, and performance (the larger diameter has better airflow). also look at the quality of the p/n. Look to see of it has a flimsy feel, if it feels really light or creaks as you push it, dont buy it.

hings to avoid here: wire reinforced hoses, plastic wands, suction only tool kits (for carpet) and p/ns that will not deal with hair/string (this I don't feel the urge to make a huge list, but the best for hair/string are the Lindhaus, Wessel Werk, Sebo, and Riccar/Simplicity.)

 

[bimmer740]

Vacuflo

I installed a VacuFlo 566Q in my house last year and absolutely love it. I cant compare it to any other central vacuum brands because this is the first central vac I have owned and its awesome! Its larger than what I needed for my house but I wanted the extra power. Its also very quiet which is a plus since its in our basement in the boiler room below the dinning room.

I recently purchased the TurboCat Zoom set from VacuFlo and it seems to clean well if you have low pile carpets. I also purchased the Lindhaus power nozzle (steath) and its wonderful! Check out the Lindhaus or Wessel Work power nozzles. The turbo grip low voltage VacuFlo/plastiflex hose is the best you can buy if you like to dust with your vacuum and have lots of hard floors, its light, extremely flexible and very easy to work with. Stay away from the Hayden kit and like Fred said, wire reinforced hoses, they are just awful, too heavy and bulky! Also, check out the Hayden bare floor nozzle that comes with the SuperPack, its great if you have pets since the bristles are in the middle and can suck in hair from all directions.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[timborow]

Thanks to everyone

Thanks for all of the information. I have always loved Electroluxes and was strongly considering an older model centrallux so i could use my Super J power nozzle and tools. I thought that would save me some money. However, I think I will just sell my old luxes(super j and diamond j) and put the money toward a new central with new attachments. I really like the looks of the MD and the Vacuflo. The Beam looks nice also. Let me get your advice about what I should do about attachments. The downstairs is all hardwood. The stairs and the second floor are all berber carpet with ceramic tile in the baths. Do I need two hoses(one for each floor)and two sets of attachments? I guess this is all just one's preference, but never having a central vac I would like suggestions from someone who has had them and used them regularly. Tim

 

[compactc9]

You really dont need 2 hoses unless you want that many. Most tool kits come with bare floor nozzles, my favorite beeing the Wessel Werk that most kits include (MD shows this on their site). My tool kit came with one of the Wessel Werk floor tools and a second non-electric telescoping wand, so I use that on my hose for bare floors.