Central vacuum cleaner. Anyone?

[Yellownotblue]

I’m thinking of having a central vacuum cleaner installed. I grew up in North America where they are more usual, and the first house I bought had one. I remember it being very powerful and lightweight, and a godsend with two huge shedding dogs. But that was decades ago and I don’t remember any of the details.

They seem to be almost unheard of here, I’m not sure why. Anyway we’re embarking on a massive project so I thought this would be the right time to have one fitted. Any advice on brands, or other considerations would be welcome. TIA

Never seen them here . I have seen them in OZ and NZ but not in the UK.

I've seen them in Northern Ireland in a new house.

I have one, live in Northern Ireland. I have a drainvac which is great as there is no central bag to dispose of. I had a beam one in my last house. Both are great

Uncommon here because very few wooden frame houses

My friend had one in a house he built , several houses later ( again self build ) he has robot hovers instead so I'm guessing that are better than a fixed one , he has dogs too if that helps

Ooh, lots of replies, thank you! I didn’t know they need a wood frame home. I will investigate this.

Robot hoovers would be a pain because we’re on lots of levels.

My first was block built, the second timber frame. Both systems were installed when newly built.

I have one du moi R

We have one (not UK). Hated it. Hose very heavy to lug around and didn't suck very well. Ours was an old system though. Replaced with a plug in upright now - so much better. When we had a cleaner she used to being her own hoover (I think she did to all houses though).

@Yellownotblue

Ooh, lots of replies, thank you! I didn’t know they need a wood frame home. I will investigate this.

Robot hoovers would be a pain because we’re on lots of levels.

Several robot hoovers would prob be cheaper than retro fitting a central vac.

Sorry, i meant to say, I have one not in UK either, (was already in the house I bought, I dont like it, & certainly wouldn't pay for one

I don't think these make much sense anymore, particularly with how efficient modern handheld vacs are / robot vacuum cleaners etc. Back in the day I guess you needed an enormous motor etc to get good performance.

I did a house swap with a family in the States who had a central vac system and I was really excited to try it. Very disappointed - somehow lugging the hoses around was more annoying than just using a hoover and I was quite glad to see the back of it. Now American washing machines on the other hand - I'd have one of those tomorrow!

Thank you for these replies. I think we’re coming to the view that it’s maybe not the best purchase.

I’m getting 2 robots for our house.