The average cost to repair a central vacuum is $312, but it can range between $129 and $547, depending on the type of system and the necessary repair work.
The average cost to repair a central vacuum is $312, though most homeowners spend between $129 and $547. Central vacuum cleaners provide convenience and cleaning efficiency. However, they require maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them operating at peak performance. Here are the repair cost factors to help estimate prices when your system needs professional attention.
Few tools are as convenient as a central vacuum system for general house cleaning, especially tough jobs like eliminating pet hair. When your home's central system stops working or diminishes in effectiveness, it's likely time for repairs or maintenance. The cost to repair the system will depend on several variables.
| Repair Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Filter replacement | $50–$120 |
| Motor replacement/repair | $150–$800 |
| Electrical repair/replacement | $120–$450 |
| System clogs | $50–$250 |
| Piping repair | $100–$750 |
| Hose replacement | $55–$250 |
The type of fix is the most important factor regarding the cost of central vacuum repair work. Basic troubleshooting can provide clues about the source of the problem and how much it will cost to repair.
Low suction: If your central vacuum appears to work but not well enough, the trouble could be a result of a clogged filter, clogged hose or pipes, leaking pipes, a hose connection issue, or motor trouble.
No suction: When no suction is present at the attachment hose but the power is on, the problem could be suction motor trouble, an electrical issue, broken piping, or a severely clogged filter.
No power to the main unit: Check for switches or a tripped circuit breaker if your main unit won't turn on. If all switches and breakers appear to be on, contacting a local electrician may be necessary.
No power to the attachment hose: If your vacuum is running but the hose attachment doesn't turn on, there could be a connection problem, loose connection, or electrical trouble.
A central vacuum is a system consisting of multiple parts, including the hose attachment, in-wall piping, and a main vacuum component, which differentiates it from a portable machine. However, like a portable vacuum, central systems are available in several types, including cyclonic, filtered, and hybrid options. The type you have in your home can affect the cost of parts and repairs.
Filtered System: These systems are the most common in residential situations. They're relatively simple machines and usually the least expensive to repair.
Cyclonic System: Generally featuring more power than filtered systems, cyclonic systems are more advanced. However, repair costs are comparable between the two types.
Hybrid System: Hybrid systems feature at least two methods of separating dust and particles from the air sucked in by the system. These can cost more to repair due to the increased number of operational components.
While system size is only a minor factor regarding repair costs, replacement parts can cost more for larger vacuum units than for smaller ones for use in apartments or condos. Additionally, the extra in-wall piping and multiple attachment hoses that may be present in larger systems can increase the overall cost of keeping the system functioning.
| Filter Type | Average Replacement Cost Range (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Foam | $20–$50 |
| Paper / Pleated | $25–$90 |
| Cloth | $25–$80 |
| HEPA | $50–$115 |
Depending on your central vacuum system, regular filter changes are required for optimal performance. In many systems, changing the filter is an acceptable DIY project. The cost of the filter itself varies by type, size, and material. Depending on your system's brand and type, you may have pricing options related to material choices.
Labor charges for central vacuum repairs vary greatly by company, location, and the type of repair work needed. Typical hourly rates hover between $15 and $60. However, most repair companies and technicians also charge a service call fee, which can range from $50 to $250. The service call charge may or may not include the first hour of repair service.
Additionally, some service companies may offer flat rates for certain repairs, such as filter changes or individual component repairs. Minimum charges may also apply for minor repair work and vary by location at between $80 and $250 per service call.
Balancing the system installation price plus ongoing maintenance and repair costs can help determine if having a central vacuum system is worth it. While the initial installation price can be steep, maintenance costs are reasonable outside of major repair work.
Central vacuum maintenance tasks are straightforward and typically only include filter replacements every few months and system inspections from time to time. To ensure your system lasts as long as possible, hire a central vacuum professional to inspect it and perform maintenance once per year.
Many central vacuum repair companies offer annual filter and maintenance plans, with costs starting at around $150 annually. Some plans even include unexpected repair coverage, so be sure to ask about these features during installation or repairs.
Central vacuum system filter changes are good candidates for DIY tasks. As such, ongoing costs for filter replacements can be limited to the price of the filters every three to six months, depending on use. Professional filter changes are available at reasonable prices, especially when part of a service plan. However, they may be subject to minimum service call fees, starting at around $80 per call.
While some basic troubleshooting to determine a possible cause of system failure can help estimate repair costs, most central vacuum system repairs beyond filter changes aren't excellent DIY options and require the skills and knowledge of a nearby central vacuum system company or technician.
Hiring a pro helps ensure the system gets up and running quickly the first time. Additionally, many repair companies offer a service guarantee to ensure the problem is solved without having to pay multiple times for the same work.
Your central vacuum repair technician is a specialist and can only provide services to get your system back up and running properly. However, needing vacuum system repairs can bring to mind other HVAC or cleaning tasks your home may need.
Air duct cleaning cost: $270–$500
HVAC inspection cost: $70–$500
Carpet replacement cost: $780–$2,810
House cleaning cost: $120–$235
By choosing less expensive filter materials, you can save a small amount of money on filter replacements over the life of your central vacuum cleaner. However, this choice can affect the machine's performance, and there's an off-chance that interior filters can harm the system.
The best way to save money on central vacuum repair work is to avoid the need for it as long as possible. To do that, manage filter changes according to the manufacturer's directions, occasionally perform your own mini-inspections on the system, and address any issues as early as possible.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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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A central vacuum cleaner should last a minimum of 10 years and has the potential to reach 30 years if it receives regular maintenance and attention. Compared to relatively irreparable portable machines with an expected life span of just a few years, proper maintenance on a central vacuum system can save plenty of money in the long term.
You should have your central vacuum system serviced by a trusted professional at least once every two or three years. As the system ages, though, it may require more frequent servicing intervals. In between services, you can maintain the system and improve its life span by regularly changing the filters every three to six months and promptly removing any clogs or buildup in the vacuum hose.
Whether talking about a whole-house central vacuum or a portable vacuum cleaner, the expected cost of major repair work should always be balanced against its replacement cost. However, excluding high-cost motor replacements or major electrical trouble, repairs on a central vacuum system are typically far less than the cost of purchasing and installing a new one.
It can be difficult to know right away if your central vacuum is clogged since it operates quietly compared to regular vacuums. However, there are a couple of signs you can look for. If you feel like it’s losing suction or isn’t cleaning effectively, then there’s likely a clog somewhere.
Make sure you turn the vacuum on and feel the end of the hose handle. If you don’t feel any suction, then you’re dealing with a clog in the hose. You can see if the clog is further down in the system by attaching the hose to each outlet until you find the one with the least amount of suction.
