How Much Does a Central Vacuum System Cost in 2025?

Central Vacuum System Cost Factors

There are several cost factors to consider when it comes to a central vacuum system—in particular, you’ll have to think about the system type, your home size, the number of outlets needed, labor, and any accessories you choose to add.

System Type

There are two main types of central vacuum. One type is a cyclonic power unit, which costs $200 to $2,000. The other is a filtered power unit, costing $400 to $1,500. Installation for either system type will cost between $400 and $1,500 more.

Cyclonic Central Vacuum System

Fully installed, a cyclonic central vacuum unit costs between $600 to $3,500. These units are filterless and bagless, instead using cyclone technology to spin the debris and deposit it in the receptacle while a vent outside gets rid of the fine particles. 

Unvented models tend to require far more maintenance and cleaning, as the fine particulates gather on the motor, reducing suction and performance and putting greater stress on the motor. 

Filtered Central Vacuum System

Filtered central vacuum power units cost between $800 to $3,500. They have paper or cloth filters and may come bagged or bagless. Because these units have filters— usually multiple layers of them—the motor stays cleaner and suction remains more consistent than with a cyclone model. 

Still, you’ll need to clean the filters regularly and change them every three to 12 months, depending on the size of the unit and the level of dust and debris in your house. If it's a bagged model, you'll also need to change the bags every six months.

Parts

Prices differ for central vacuum systems because the parts and the number of parts in a system vary based on the homeowner's requirements and property size. 

Tubing

Tubing is crucial to a central vacuum system and costs $1.50 to $30 per linear foot. It carries all the debris from the hose and attachments back to the power unit. You can choose a flexible hose or rigid PVC tubing with elbow joints. PVC tubing is less expensive than flexible tubing but is more prone to clogs. 

With PVC, there's a higher chance of dust, debris, and bacteria getting lodged in the crevices and tiny gaps in the elbow joints and fittings. On the other hand, flexible tubing is more costly, but it's easier to install and less prone to blockages, and there are fewer joints and crevices for dust and bacteria to collect.

Outlets

Outlets for a central vacuum unit cost $10 to $25 each for parts only. These outlets or central vacuum ports house a receptacle that fits a standard 1.5-inch hose. You can choose outlets that match the color and style of your home to make them unobtrusive.

Vacuum Attachments

Vacuum attachments cost $10 to $100 each. You can get attachments for different floor types, from tile and hardwood to carpet. Many attachments suit different needs, including upholstery attachments, crevice tools, and pet brushes.

Hose

A standard 30 to 35-foot hose for a central vacuum cleaner costs $50 to $250, depending on brand and length. The longer the hose, the greater the cost. You can also choose a standard detachable hose or a retractable one. 

Retractable hoses sit inside the outlets; you simply open the outlet, pull out the hose, and start vacuuming. The hose retracts back inside the outlet when you finish. Retractable hoses tend to cost more because of their increased convenience, but they're also more expensive and more complex to replace if damaged. 

Detachable hoses fall on the lower end of the price range. They lack the convenience of retractable ones, as you have to move them from room to room, but they're more affordable and simple to replace.

Power Brush

For a power brush, expect to pay $100 to $500. Standard suction brushes— powered by the suction from the main power unit—allow more flexibility depending on where you install the outlets, as you don't need them close to an additional power outlet. However, if the power unit’s suction drops for any reason, the regular brush head won't work as well as it should. 

If you choose a powered brush head, expect to pay closer to the upper end of this price range. Powered brush heads connect to a nearby electrical outlet with a type of cable known as a "pigtail." They offer consistent power and efficiency, even if the suction from the main unit drops.

Power Unit

Central vacuum power units cost $200 to $2,000. The power unit is a permanent fixture, often installed in your basement or garage. The tubing all connects to a large collection container on the appliance. This central unit provides the suction power to let you vacuum your house thoroughly and efficiently. They're available in many different sizes, with different wattage and power ratings.

Home Size

The size of your home is a major factor in determining the cost of installing a central vacuum system. The larger the home, the more vacuum outlets you’ll need to install around the house. For a 2,000-square-foot home, for instance, you can expect to pay around $2,500 for your vacuum installation. Larger homes will also need a larger power unit, and the system will take longer to install. All of this will drive your total costs higher. 

Number of Outlets

For large homes or rooms with unique layouts, you’ll need to strategically place outlets to ensure you can reach every inch of the floor to clean. Each outlet costs $10 to $25 in parts alone, and installing an outlet can easily add an hour or more to the project time. This means that home vacuum systems with more outlets will always cost more. Your home will likely need a bare minimum of four outlets for your central vacuum system to be useful.

Labor

The cost for installation of a central vacuum system ranges from $400 to $1,500 in labor. You'll need to hire a professional electrician, or if the electrical work is minimal and their license covers this type of work, a local handyperson may be able to tackle the job for you. Handypeople charge $55 to $75 per hour, while electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour.

Accessories

In addition to the basic components of your central vacuum system, you may decide to add some extra accessories to make sure the system works for your needs. Depending on which accessories you choose, these can increase costs significantly.

Crevice Tool

Crevice tools are great for cleaning corners, behind furniture, around appliances, and in any other hard-to-reach places. They cost about $10 to $50 each.

Dusting Brush

These special brushes are designed to help you vacuum furniture and delicate surfaces without damaging them. A dusting brush costs about $10 to $50. 

Pet Brush

Specific attachments for pet hair start at around $50. They allow you to pick up pet hair and dander more efficiently. Plus, if you have pets that shed, you can get grooming attachments that let you safely and gently groom your pet. Also available are lint brushes, combs, and brush heads.

Electric Brush

Electric brushes use motorized bristles to deep clean the fibers of rugs and carpets, helping to remove dust and debris trapped within. They cost anywhere from $100 to $500.

Hose

Longer hoses are sometimes necessary if you can’t place an outlet in every place you want to. If you need an additional hose, it will cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the length you need.

Automatic Dustpan

Automatic dustpans are a handy invention that lets you use your vacuum system even when sweeping. They allow you to sweep debris from the floor directly into your vacuum system, saving you from having to bend down to use a regular dustpan.

Installing a Hose Cabinet

Expect to pay $100 to $300 to install a hose cabinet. If you want to keep your hose and attachments close to hand but out of sight, a hose cabinet is a smart option. You can choose a cabinet roomy enough to house all of your vacuum attachments, hoses, and other cleaning equipment. 

Does a Central Vacuum System Increase Home Value?

A central vacuum system is usually an asset for prospective homebuyers. The convenience of a central vacuum system can make your home more attractive since people know they won’t have to trouble themselves with a standard vacuum or need to install a central system themselves. 

A newly installed system also indicates that potential buyers won’t have to worry about central vacuum system repair costs. However, because the overall cost of a central vacuum system is quite low, don’t expect it to add to your home’s value too significantly.

Budgeting for a Central Vacuum System

Central vacuum systems are quite affordable, but there are a few ways you can save even more. These cost-saving tips include:

• Limit add-ons and accessories to only what’s necessary for your home—you may be able to save costs by limiting extras.

• Look out for (surprisingly common) sales and promotions on central vacuum systems. 

• Consider doing some work yourself, such as finishing the walls after outlets are installed, to save on labor costs.

• Work with your central vacuum installation pro to plan the outlet placement strategically to use the minimum amount possible.

• If you have a closet that doesn’t get much use, consider using it as storage for your vacuum hose and accessories versus buying a purpose-built cabinet.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.