Central Vacuum Recommendation

We are planning to install central vacuum in our house. Doing some research on www.thinkvaccums.com

It was recommended that we double the size of home and then buy. More the air watts better suction. Because of the health condition and cold weather we have more carpets in house then wood floor. I have few questions
1. Which is best central vacuum for large home and more people (8 people ) in the house?
2. When some of the brands say life time warranty Is it really life time warranty?
3. This is not a new home but built in 2000.
4. Where should i install the vacuum? Garage or basement?
5.Does higher CFM is better? As when we choose bathroom fans we look for larger CFM. Is it same or its the Air Watts which is more needed for suction?

There are so many brands that it is confusing which one is better and on Amazon when we search all results are sponsored so paid ads comes more for central vacuums.

While reading it said not to use plumbing pvc pipes but use the recommended and given by manufacturers kit.

Do i need separate vacuum unit for cars or we can just use same?

Please shed some light and may the force be in the vacuum

 

I normally install a customer purchased unit. I've installed some private branded units my own included. Nutone was a big player as well as Electrolux. It appears they are not as active as they once were. Regardless of the size of the house..... I recommend a large unit.

So.... I'm not making any brand recommendations.
Can't comment on the warranty so read the fine print. It's mostly the motor that is expensive and is prone to failure. As a rule..... most central vacs are pretty reliable. The motors last a long time as long as the unit is properly cleaned. Big house..... lots of people..... needs to be cleaned at least once a month.

You'll want to use vacuum system type PVC pipe as well as vacuum system type fittings. The fittings must be of the constant thru size so there are no jams. The cut ends of the pipes must be clean. Any burrs is a future problem. I buy the pipe in 100' bundles as it's the same for all vacuums. Same with the fittings. The wall plates must match the type of system and the hose used. I highly recommend venting the unit outside. Install in the garage or the basement. It depends which is easier to get to. Usually it's the basement.

I use an air vac powered brush on my system. That's a brush type pickup that uses vacuum air instead of power. They offer electric brushes with power thru the hose. Those hoses are expensive and fragile. If you go that route..... you'll need 120v at each connection point. If you have a nice hose with clean white baseboard...... get the sock that covers the hose to keep from marring the woodwork.

If you intend to install it yourself..... I can give you tips on running the vacuum lines.

 

Thanks very much Pete.
After doing some research i am more leaning towards OVO a canadian brand or Budd vacuums which are local to NJ. First I thought Electrolux is great but models are different everywhere and not too much help in finding descriptions. My first thought was Nutone as I have seen Nutone many times including our family, as you said they are not too active presently.

 

Ah yes..... Budd in Wyckoff NJ ...... a long time player. Good reliable product.
Good thing about Budd is local parts availability.

I bought a private branded unit...... Vacu-maid.
It was from a local company and parts are still available after 40 years.