Absolutely would install again. I have a handheld cordless to use in our mudroom because it is gets a lot of gravel from outdoors and some kitty litter. I would like a better solution in my new house, but not sure what it is going to be yet. All depends on what our final layout looks like for the mudroom and where the kitty litter box end up.

vs automated? Really? like eufy BoostIQ RoboVac ... Those things get better and better.

We installed HAH in our new home 6 months ago. It's a large 2-story home plus a walk-out basement. We have 2 outlets per floor and that gives us adequate coverage. To answer your questions:

1. Yes, we also have a Dyson v-8 cordless vacuum, actually 2 of them - one on main floor and 1 upstairs where laundry room and kids' room are. Honestly, I use it more often than the HAH i.e. a few times per day and it's what my husband and kids use the most. However, the main limitation of the cordless is that the charge does not last forever. I really like the HAH b/c it doesn't need to be charged and it is also pretty quiet. For weekly cleaning, I use the HAH.

2. Yes, I would definitely install the system again. It's very convenient compared to corded vacuums and traditional central vac. The cordless Dyson is also very convenient but I couldn't rely on it to be my sole vacuum because of its battery life.

3. We have mainly hardwood, some nice (silk and wool) area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting in 2 rooms. I use the hardwood floor brush the most, as well as another attachment that looks like a mop on the wood floors. For the nice area rugs, be sure to use the attachment that is recommended. It is different than the one for wall-to-wall carpeting. The one for carpets is too rough to use on more expensive rugs.

My main advice is to get a walkthrough from a certified installer/distributor after it is installed. My contractor handed me all the accessories and that was it. A few months after we moved in I called the distributor and he came over and showed me some tips and tricks that improved the user experience.

We did do it again - finished build 4 months ago.

We also use a cordless for day to day.

We installed a fixture in our garage this time. That is how obsessed we are.....

Actually - really nice to not have the hose hanging in the garage and it is much easier to use. Our cars have never stayed this clean - let alone the garage floor.

HAH has improved also. The new outlets seal better and are smaller..

We’ve had ours in good working order for almost 20 years, very pleased with it. I’d miss it if we moved. For carpet, there is an actual upright vacuum attachment. Cordless vacs are great for small messes and occasional use but to get a really thorough vacuum on a weekly basis, you’d really need the house vacuum or another stand alone vacuum cleaner. There’s a difference between picking up a mess and thoroughly removing dust and suctioning carpets, furniture etc. If the hose doesn’t have a soft fabric cover on it, ask for one as an attachment, it saves on scrapes on walls and corners.

@David Carey reminded me about the garage outlet. We had wanted to add that but it was too late, according to our contractor. It would have been nice but our cordless Dyson does a good job with the cars.

I have had central vac in every house we have owned. Visiting my parents and used their HAH to vacuum this morning. So much nicer not to have to deal with coiling and storing the hose. We will be building next year and will certainly include a HAH.

We have the HAH roughed in but not totally installed yet, so I can't speak to it's use/performance. But we did get a "Spot" which is essentially a HAH with a hose that expands to 12 ft for right by the litter box to pick up litter bits and for quick runs around the mudroom (where the litter box cubbie is located). I'm most excited about that!