An Unbiased Search for the Best Central Vacuum
There are many manufacturers of central vacuum systems. Trying to choose the right make and model that is the best for your home and your budget can be quite a chore. If you don't know someone who has a central vacuum or are unfamiliar with the different brands, try to locate a dealer that carries several brands. They can give you a quick idea of the price ranges, features and durability of the various central vacuum systems.
Here are a few brands and the main features of their products:
MD inc. has a great website not only to tell about their products, but to educate you on central vacuum systems in general. MD even has a kitchen accessory that attaches into your central vacuum system to make a vacuum food sealer, using regular zip-seal bags. The newest central vacuum by MD is a product called the AirForceŽ system. This is the ultimate in high technology. Besides claiming to be one of the most powerful on the market, this product will email you when the bag is full, or automatically shut-off when the doorbell or telephone rings. If you are an electronic addict, this might be the product for you. Its Stealth upgrade kit comes with many accessories, including a power brush for your carpets, giving you the portable vacuum advantage of a beater brush. The Stealth kit is not inexpensive at around $500. It does include a 30-foot hose, the power brush, which has a five-year warranty, and several attachments for auto, crevices and upholstery.
Another well-known brand is Nu-tone. Nu-tone also claims to have a very powerful and very quiet system. If you are contemplating doing the installation yourself, Nu-tone bundles their products in all-in-one complete kits, at varying prices and levels. This not only assures you that you have all the equipment you need, they also give a price break on the parts and some additional accessories. The packages they've created start at a size to service a home up to 3500 sq. ft., to the largest complete system designed to service homes up to 8500 sq. ft. Whether the builder or you are going to install the system, purchasing a complete kit versus parting out the components seems a much more efficient and cost effective way to go.
Beam, another popular central vacuum system manufacturer, offers only the bagless system. In consumer satisfaction for overall performance, it is rated higher than Nu-tone. Beam has a 10-year warranty on the main unit and is rated very high for the quietness of the system.
Electrolux has some comparable offerings. Their claim to fame is the new Afuera cleaning tool. It is a carpet brush and a hard floor brush all in one, with a telescoping wand and a swivel handle.
Again, the choice of a central vacuum can be quite a job, so use the Internet and find local dealers that carry many brands, so that you can get a somewhat unbiased comparison and recommendation for your home.
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