Ducted Vacuums

[silentC]

Anyone got one of these? Are they worth the money? Any recommended brands? SWMBO wants one, and therefore so do I

[bennylaird]

They work great till they get clogged up.
Ours has a blockage somewhere that I can't get to. Drives me mad. It's old though using pvc piping, main run is under the floor then it goes vertical over the garage roof. Seems to collect heavier stuff there but this time it's elsewhere.

[bitingmidge]

I've had dozens of clent's who swear by them, and the same number who wouldn't bother again.

Their best feature is that they aren't recirculating microscopic dust through the house, which most vacs do. This IMHO is their only redeeming feature, but even cheap HEPA filtered vacs now overcome that, except for the cost of replacing filters, (which doesn't happen).

The other perceived advantage; no big machine to lug around, is a bit misleading, you still have miles of hose. MILES of hose, and the points never end up being EXACTLY where you need.

The trouble with miles of hose is that you end up taking it through doorways, and that in turn rubs on architraves, which eventually leaves scars and marks. Also: you still have to put the sucker ( ) away.

For me, less than $800 will get a Dyson HEPA machine which doesn't have any consumable filters, and you can take it out to the verandah, or where-ever you are going to need it which is six inches out of reach of your nearest point.

Cheers,

P

[Termite]

For me, less than $800 will get a Dyson HEPA machine which doesn't have any consumable filters, and you can take it out to the verandah, or where-ever you are going to need it which is six inches out of reach of your nearest point.

About 3 years ago when SWMBO sent our vacuum up in smoke (not joking) we ended up with one of those Dysons that look like a green and purple R2D2.
Mate, that thing SUCKS big time. Its been pulling dog hair out of the carpet and our last dog died 6 years ago.

Calling Sally Dyson ....Calling Sally Dyson.

[bennylaird]

Dyson have great service to, had ours fixed and serviced for $80 and she is good for another 5 years. Everytime we vacuum we get enough to make another dog.

[craigb]

I've had dozens of clent's who swear by them, and the same number who wouldn't bother again.

Their best feature is that they aren't recirculating microscopic dust through the house, which most vacs do. This IMHO is their only redeeming feature, but even cheap HEPA filtered vacs now overcome that, except for the cost of replacing filters, (which doesn't happen).

The other perceived advantage; no big machine to lug around, is a bit misleading, you still have miles of hose. MILES of hose, and the points never end up being EXACTLY where you need.

The trouble with miles of hose is that you end up taking it through doorways, and that in turn rubs on architraves, which eventually leaves scars and marks. Also: you still have to put the sucker ( ) away.

For me, less than $800 will get a Dyson HEPA machine which doesn't have any consumable filters, and you can take it out to the verandah, or where-ever you are going to need it which is six inches out of reach of your nearest point.

Cheers,

P

Thanks for that Midge.

I'd always thought those ducted vacs were a GOOD THING.

I don't think I do anymore.

[silentC]

Hmm I'm not getting a positive vibe here, chaps...

[bennylaird]

Get a Dyson

[Gumby]

About 3 years ago when SWMBO sent our vacuum up in smoke (not joking) we ended up with one of those Dysons that look like a green and purple R2D.
Mate, that thing SUCKS big time. Its been pulling dog hair out of the carpet and our last dog died 6 years ago.

Calling Sally Dyson ....Calling Sally Dyson.

Friends of our have one of those and it's nearly stuffed their carpet. That much suction can't be all good. We borrowed it to see if it was better then the Meile we have and after a run over with the Dyson, the Meile still picked up some fluff. I also found the Dyson a pain to keep clearing out the plastic tube where all the dust gets clogged up.

[doublejay]

We've had a Valet ducted system for more than 15 years and we love it. We worked out where we needed the connection points to allow us to do the whole house from two points. I agree that there is an issue with the hose being dragged around corners but doubt whether the damage is any more than you'd get wheeling a conventional machine around the house for 15 years - if it lasted that long.

[arose62]

What about one of those robot vacuum cleaners??

[silentC]

I think they're a bit of a gimmick at present. Not very big, so you'd be emptying them all the time. Now if they could go to the bin and empty themselves, I'd get one

[Termite]

What about one of those robot vacuum cleaners??

I've got one.......you have obviously never seen SWMBO doing the vacuuming.

Ow..Ow....Ouch......sorry Dear.

[Andy Mac]

Hi Silentc,
We installed a Valet in a (stumped) house we built, and the wife loved it. I actually did the vacuuming a couple of times and what impressed me (besides having the confounded noise outside ) was the quality of the head...the rollers, the swivel, everything worked as you would expect most vacuums to, but don't. The hose is mega long, so could be a problem to store in the closet, felt like you were wrestling a flaccid python:eek: The outlet closest to the motor unit was a repository for the heavier items sucked from further down the line, but that doubled as a safe house for Lego etc!! The only negative was we had no vacuum cleaner to take to the car in the carport, which could have been avoided by 1. not getting rid of our mobile one; or 2. placing a strategic outlet.
To put it another way, if we build another house, or move into one on stumps, my wife definitely wants another ducted unit!

Cheers,

[Tikki]

Hi Silent

Had a Modern Day 2000 installed when our house was being built ... love it!! The unit is outside under the pergola and has one outlet which is great for vacuuming the car and outdoor area (purchased an additional hose for outside use) and have three outlets inside (only need 2). Have not had any problems, it's never been serviced, and the beauty is only having to empty the dust bag about once every two years

Cheers
Tikki