We have a large house and 2 older dogs. You know how when you rent one of these, you just about have to kill yourself trying to get everything clean as fast as possible to return the machine within the rental period? And if you don't get it all done, you feel like you cheated yourself? We purchased one so that isn't an issue anymore! If we want to do 1 room or a whole floor, we can do it at our pace. And the next time we feel ambitious, we don't have to leave the house. Sounds like peace of mind to me!