Central Vacuum System Installation

If you are planning a remodeling project consider a central vacuum system installation as part of the project. This is a DIY home improvement project that will add value to your home. A central vacuum system was once considered a luxury appliance has now become standard in most new home construction and is frequently installed during remodeling. A central vacuum system sure beats dragging around those heavy portables vacuum cleaners, especially up and down stairs.

As far as reliability goes the central vacuums will outlast a portable vacuum by far. They typically run for twenty five years or more whereby portable, even the expensive portables, usually need replacing within five years. Central vacuum systems do a great job at removing dust and dirt that is deep in carpets because they have considerably more sucking power than portable units. 

The central vacuum system consists of a motor (sometimes two), a dirt canister, a plastic tubing network, floor or wall receptacles (usually five), a vacuum hose and cleaning attachments.  There is no heavy unit to push or pull and no electrical cord. The canister contains the dirt bag and the vacuum motor for the system. Most central vacuum units use two motors that operate simultaneously anytime the unit is on. The canister is located in the basement, garage, or storage room.

 The room or floor outlets are wired in a low voltage series circuit to the central canister unit. Any time the vacuum hose is plugged into an outlet and the hose switch is placed to the on position the system starts. A 25 foot hose is standard with most central vacuum systems although a longer hose or a hose extension is available. Most systems are vented to the outside of the house although it is not necessary. As far as maintenance goes, the only thing that is required is the dirt bag in the canister requires replacement a couple of times a year.

Installing a central vacuum system as part of a remodeling project is not a difficult task. As a DIY project, simply determine where you want the outlets placed and route the vacuum plumbing to them. Keep in mind that an outlet does not have to be installed in every room. Usually they are located at strategic spots in a hallway so several locations can be reached with the twenty five foot long hose. An installation kit contains all the standard two inch vacuum pipe and plumbing connectors to install a five outlet system along with the canister unit, hose, and an accessory pack. Usually beater bars are not part of the standard installation kit but can be purchased from the same supplier where you purchase the installation kit. Before purchasing a central vacuum system do your homework by pricing them at different suppliers.

Standard carpenter tools that include a drill and a two inch hole saw are required. I recommend that an “aggressive” hole saw bit as it makes the job a lot easier than a standard hole saw. The aggressive bit and complete central vacuum installation kits can be purchased from most home improvement supply center. In addition, most electrical supply centers sell central vacuum systems. Before starting your installation draw a plan to include where you want each outlet, the routing of the plastic tubing, and the location of the canister. Keep in mind that the plastic plumbing connections are glued together. Insure that the routing is correct before gluing.