Central Vacuum???

[Piston]

I'm looking for recommendations for a really good, long lasting, powerful, and reliable central vacuum system.

I bought, and installed, our last central vac a few years ago, and it's already showing signs of end of life. We've replaced the hose once, and the handle 3 times now. I purchased it through centralvacuum.com, and although their customer service is good, the product isn't great.

My wife vacuums a minimum of once a day, and usually 2 or even 3 times a day, pretty much whenever the "lines" on the carpet aren't "pretty" anymore. A vacuum to her is like a tractor to me!

So, who makes a "bada$$" central vac system?

 

[Rustyiron]

So, who makes a "bada$$" central vac system?

...or a central vac that really sucks :laughing:
(couldn't help myself)

 

[kthompson]

We have a Broan system that is 17 years old. We have not really replaced any parts but the power head cord is frayed some what where the male plug connects to the wire. Think we have replaced belts once or twice and had issue with filter till I really looked at how to reinstall when cleaning.

We bought ours at Lowes but they dropped at least the Broan brand if not central vacs totally not long after. Matter of fact we got the display. I have bougth small parts at local vac shop who sells and repairs vacs of all types.

 

[Billrog]

I got an second hand Electrolux 25 years ago and never done anything but empty the canister still going strong.

 

[Piston]

I've always heard good things about Electrolux. My parents have had one for many years and not had any issues. I wonder if there is continuity with the quality of build with the newer models vs older. Like many things, I have a feeling the older ones were built better!

I have a sour taste in my mouth regarding Electrolux. When I was at a fair, a persistent salesman would not leave my wife alone pestering her to buy. I swear the only thing worse than a car salesman, is a vacuum salesman!

Might have to give it a second look though.

 

[rswyan]

Mom and Dad had a Vacuflo installed here at the house originally, that was around 1970 ... IIRC, that original unit lasted until the late 1990's when the wife and I replaced it after Mom passed with a newer model of the same brand. I think I had to replace the motor here in the last year or so, cost was fairly reasonable as I recall.

Vacuflo Central Vacuums

We have three hoses, two of which are in very good condition (upstairs, downstairs) and the original hose which we keep out in the garage.

 

[kthompson]

To me the vacuum itself is not the issue, as you could use a heavy shop vac for the unit but the power heads and hoses are the hard part. Maybe the power heads are generic design on the wiring for remote.

 

[Piston]

To me the vacuum itself is not the issue, as you could use a heavy shop vac for the unit but the power heads and hoses are the hard part. Maybe the power heads are generic design on the wiring for remote.

You are very correct. The power unit itself has actually been good. Now that you mention it, the problems we've had had been with the vacuum itself, as well as the hose.

 

[feasant]

Beam Central vac
beamvac.com

 

[ning]

I've got a beam; it was installed when the house was built in '91 and the sucker is still going strong.
I've patched the hose a few times, and now looking to replace it finally because besides cracking here and there (lots of duct tape) the wiring for the switch (I swear it's like 26ga) is shot and broken off at the plastic.

Any recommendations for a hose with the small 2-prong power head socket?