The average U.S. homeowner spends $1,582 to install a central vacuum system. Most people spend between $1,094 and $2,195, depending on the home size, the number of rooms, and the power of the system.
The cost to install a central vacuum is $1,582 on average. You can expect to spend $1,094 to $2,195 for installing this type of system.
A central vacuum is a bold alternative to traditional vacuum cleaners. It’s a full-house system with suction outlets that you can plug into whenever you need to clean. Central vacuum systems provide powerful suction, ease of use, and low noise.
But central vacuums take work to install. With a network of tubing throughout your home, and with the large central power unit, they’re significantly more expensive than the average vacuum.
A central vacuum system makes vacuuming easier in every room, which means the type house has a big impact on how much you’ll spend. Here’s what you can expect to pay to install a central vacuum system, and what factors influence costs when choosing your model.
| Type | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclonic Central Vacuum System | Bagless, easy to clear, more affordable | $500–$3,000 |
| Filtered Central Vacuum System | Removes dust, fewer maintenance cleaning requirements, stronger suction | $1,000–$3,500 |
There are two primary types of central vacuums: cyclonic and filtered. The type of central vacuum significantly impacts the cost, as well as the features and maintenance required. For example, cyclonic systems are powered by an efficient spinning cyclone and use a simple container for dumping remnants. They need frequent user cleanings to maintain top performance and occasionally require outdoor venting.
On the other hand, filtered central vacuums use powerful suction and filtered bags to collect dust and debris. These systems require replacing the bags and filters every few months.
The larger the house, the more outlets and piping you need. The additional piping required to power larger homes means they also require larger power units to create enough suction in the vacuum system. It all adds up to higher costs: The more square feet of your home, the more dollar signs appear on a central vacuum installation project.
For small homes under 1,500 square feet, only a very basic system is necessary. You can save money with a simple setup for several hundred dollars. Smaller power units will function well for any home up to 2,500 square feet. If you have a home with a larger footprint, piping networks grow more extensive and power units need a significant upgrade, increasing prices significantly.
| Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 | $2,000 |
| 2,000–3,000 | $2,500 |
| 3,000–5,000 | $3,000 |
Every room in a home typically needs one outlet for a central vacuum system. The exception is an open floor plan, which may cut down on overall outlets need but will often need two or three to reach all areas. The more rooms a house has, the more complicated piping becomes, too. This can quickly increase the cost of a central vacuum, especially for two-story homes with plenty of additional rooms.
The power unit is the primary suction generator for the system, and is typically installed in a garage or basement, in the same places that can find water boilers or indoor AC units. It’s the most expensive part of the central vac system, often ranging in cost from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. The bigger and more powerful the system, the more it will cost.
Central vac systems are typically installed with specialized vacuum tubing with thinner walls that help give it a bit more flexibility. Others may have been installed with tougher, thicker pipes or fully flexible tubing for easier installation. Tubing is typically made from PVC or vinyl. More specialized vacuum tubing tends to be the most expensive option compared to thicker, more common PVC pipe. Fully flexible tubing isn’t used anymore in the United States, as it can cause multiple problems with suction, fittings, and clogs.
Central vac systems come with an array of vacuum attaches to clean floors, stairs, furniture, and more. These sets of attachments vary in price depending on how many attachments there are and the features they have.
| Attachment | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional hose | Removable; stored separately | $200 |
| Retractable hose | Always connected; stores in wall | $175–$1000 |
| Standard floor brush | Works with various floor types | $10–$50 |
| Extension handle | Adds reach | $10–$50 |
| Pet hair | More suction to remove pet hair | $10–$135 |
| Deep cleaning | Added power for deeper cleaning | $150–$700 |
| Carpet attachment | For high-pile carpet | $100–$500 |
| Automatic dustpans | Sweeps floors, picking up dust | $205–$500 |
Different brands have different cost ranges due to their materials, features, and overall perceived quality. At the lower end, brands like VacuMaid and RhinoVac will help save the most money. At the higher end, brands like Electrolux and Beam tend to cost the most. Note that this chart refers to materials only, not the cost of installation, which bumps our overall number higher.
| Central Vacuum Brand | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Beam | $400–$2,000 |
| Electrolux | $400–$2,000 |
| RhinoVac | $300–$800 |
| VacuMaid | $200–$800 |
| Imperium | $200–$800 |
Labor costs are a very common part of a central vacuum system (which we talk more about below). A professional installation includes installing the power unit, running tubing, and installing required suction outlets. Labor costs depend greatly on the size of the home. For houses under 2,000 square feet, labor usually costs around $500 to $700. For larger homes, labor costs rise above $1,000.
Central vacuums need relatively little maintenance compared to other whole-house systems. However, you’ll want to consider these ongoing costs:
Vacuum bags: Not all central vacuums use bags, like cyclonic models, but many do and they need to be replaced as they fill. New bags are affordable, costing $15 to $30 each.
Filters: Often, filters are included as part of the bag itself. But if they’re separate, you’ll need to replace them every six months. New filters tend to cost anywhere from $5 each to up to $50 for more complex or permanent filters.
Check-ups: A professional check-up every few years helps spot issues and keeps a central vacuum functioning well. These service inspections usually cost around $100.
Repairs: Central vacuum systems need repairs in the case of clogs, outlet malfunctions, and stuck hoses. These repairs are more expensive than handling problems with the average standalone vacuum, and usually require calling in an expert.
A central vacuum installation is only for the most experienced and fearless DIYers. The requirements are similar to installing an HVAC system, but with fewer wiring tasks. It requires mounting a large power unit and connecting a network of leak-proof tubing throughout the walls and crawlspaces of the home, then cutting outlet holes at the right positions in the walls of every room.
This large project is best left to professionals with experience and the right tools for the job. That’s why our cost estimates automatically assume that you are hiring a central vacuum contractor near you.
There are some common add-on costs that may appear on your estimate or as part of your overall costs. Watch for extra fees like these:
Power unit installation needs: Sometimes power units need to be mounted with additional materials or braced, depending on their location. This addition leads to extra costs.
Electrical work: You may need to have the central vacuum system connected to its own circuit, which usually involves some wiring and breaker work.
Pet attachments: Attachment sets for pets typically cost around $50 for the attachments made to remove pet hair.
Extra outlets: Some homeowners want to install extra outlets in new areas for specific cleaning purposes. Each extra outlet will cost $130 to $300.
Sweeper inlets or automatic dustpan: Some systems allow for inlets, or small openings around hard floor rooms where you can sweep in debris. The debris is then sucked into the power unit. Those additions will cost extra.
Hose cabinet: A hose cabinet sits in an accessible place and holds the hose and important attachments. It’s not necessary (a simple mount can also work) but it helps with organization. Expect it to cost around $100 extra.
Carpet brush: A deep-cleaning carpet brushing may also be an extra attachment that costs more than the typical set.
When choosing a central vacuum system, it’s best to choose higher-quality materials and designs to increase your suction power, prevent clogs, and allow for easier cleaning. But if you’re watching for ways to save money, try these tips:
Settle for the minimum amount of outlets. The fewer outlets, the simpler the tubing installation, which can save on labor and supplies.
When planning outlet locations, choose a system of outlets along the same wall or a similar setup to minimize tubing.
Purchase only the basic attachments.
Choose a portable hose rather than a hide-a-house setup.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project 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.
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No. Only the hose or the attachments are portable in a central vacuum system. A portable vacuum is a standalone model like a stick, canister, or upright. A central vacuum system is defined by a central power unit, which is installed in one place like an AC unit, and the connected network of piping to funnel the suction.
Experienced professionals don’t usually need to take down drywall to install the central vacuum. They are experienced in working in the tight spaces between walls and in crawl spaces to minimize any damage. The only drywall changes should be the holes cut for the new outlets. However, home design, existing plumbing, and other factors may require some modification. An estimate from a professional contractor should include information if any changes need to be made.
For the average-size house, a central vacuum installation usually takes one day of work by a team of professionals. Large houses may take two or more days. But if you are planning on a DIY project, it’s likely to take much longer. We suggest getting a few estimates for a project this big and fully understanding all the requirements before you make a decision about installation. Certain parts of your house may not be usable during the installation, and you may want to make other plans.
One advantage of a central vacuum system is that it can last for a very long time, especially when it’s well-maintained. You can expect a high-quality system to last at least 20 years. At this time, you may need to replace the main power unit, but the central vac system can continue functioning with new parts.
They’ll use more electricity than the average upright vacuum, but not remarkably more. Most power units plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and don’t have significant power demands. You shouldn’t notice an increase in electricity bills. If you have any specific questions about energy costs, ask your installer as you examine purchase decisions. Larger power units will need more electricity for their suction levels.
Yes. It’s a good idea to arrange for a central vacuum inspection every few years, or when it seems like suction has suddenly dropped off, which could indicate a clog or a similar problem. The same is true of sudden strange noises, burning odors when using the system, and similar problems. However, basic maintenance tasks like replacing filters or cleaning out the canister are easy to do on your own.
