How Much Will It Cost to Install a Central Vacuum System?

Central Vacuum Price by Part

Prices vary so much for central vacuum systems because the parts and number of parts in a system vary based on homeowner 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.

Plus, 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 35-foot hoses tend to cost more. You can also choose a standard detachable hose or a retractable one. Retractable ones 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.

These 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 affordable and simple to replace if necessary.

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 regarding where you install the outlets; 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 "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.

Central Vacuum Installation Cost

The cost for installation of a central vacuum system ranges from $400 to $1,500, not including parts. 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.

Central Vacuum Cost by Type

There are two distinct types of central vacuum. One type is a cyclonic power unit, which costs $200 to $2,000, plus an extra $950 for labor. The other is a filtered power unit, costing $400 to $2,000, plus $950 average labor cost.

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 and some vent outside to get 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 $1,000 to $3,500, all-in. 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 3 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 6 months.

Factors That Impact Central Vacuum Installation Costs

Aside from the basic equipment, power units, and standard attachments, there are other factors or additions that you may want to consider, which will impact the total project cost.

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.

Adding Pet Attachments

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.

Extra Inlets or Outlets

Some people choose to have a sweep inlet installed in their kitchen. These inlets are usually toe-activated, so you simply touch the outlet to open and activate it, then sweep the crumbs or litter to the vacuum port, which sucks them into the collection canister.

FAQs

How does a central vacuum system work?

Central vacuum systems have one large power unit, usually in the basement, containing the suction motor and the waste collection tank. Tubing runs from the power unit to outlets placed at strategic points throughout the home. Homeowners attach a hose, handle, and brush arrangement to the outlet in the room they want to vacuum. The dust, debris, hair, and allergens get sucked up, travel through the tubing, and then deposited in the waste collection tank.

How long does a central vacuum last?

If properly maintained, central vacuums can last 20 years or more, even if, during that time, you have to replace hoses or attachments.

Is a central vacuum system worth it?

Yes, central vacuum systems are worth it. They're more powerful than portable vacuums, more efficient, and remove more dust, debris, and allergens. They also last longer and can improve a home's resale value, as their convenience improves desirability.