Who Should You Call to Install a Central Vacuum System?

Nothing’s worse than lugging a heavy vacuum cleaner around the house when it’s time to tidy up—and a central vacuum system can help alleviate that. As a centralized system you just plug into and go, it’s a convenient option for homeowners to ensure their homes stay tidy for years to come. But who’s the right professional to hire for such a complex installation? Below, we outline who installs central vacuum systems.

Benefits of Hiring a Specialized Vacuum Installer for Central Vacuum System

Installing a central vacuum system requires precision cuts and piping spanning the entirety of your home. Unless you want to bust open all the walls in your home for a trial-and-error approach, you should hire a specialized vacuum installer who knows exactly what they’re doing to ensure you minimize the damage to your home and do it right the first time.

Can I DIY Install a Central Vacuum System?

No, you should not install a central vacuum system yourself, as plenty of things can go wrong during the process. Between mounting large power units, installing precision piping throughout your home, and cutting and wiring the outlets for the central vacuum system, this project requires the same level of skill as an HVAC installation. 

The installation process for a central vacuum system may be expensive, but it is for a reason—saving that money now could cost you way more in the long run. Unless you have extensive experience installing home-wide systems, you don’t want to cut any corners on this project with a DIY. 

Can I Hire an HVAC Pro to Install a Central Vacuum System?

While some HVAC pros have the expertise to install a central vacuum system, be sure to find a specialist who knows the specific installation process inside and out. It’s important to ask questions to make sure your HVAC pro knows what they’re talking about, like:

• What’s your experience installing central vacuum systems?

• What kind of central vacuum system do you recommend?

• How would you go about planning for this kind of installation?

• How will you minimize the damage to the home?

• What kinds of guarantees/warranties do you offer on your work?

• How many outlets would you recommend per floor?

Do your research on central vacuum systems before you ask for quotes so you know the rough process and have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Remember, the best rule of thumb is to trust your gut; someone you don’t feel comfortable hiring isn’t someone worth hiring—especially for a job this technical.

How Do Pros Install Central Vacuum Systems?

First, you must decide which kind of vacuum system is right for your home—cyclonic or filtered. From there, your pro will plan where piping can be connected in your home, which should determine where the outlets for the central vacuum system will go. Remember, the smaller your home, the fewer outlets you’ll need, and the less the system will cost. 

Then, your specialized vacuum installer will thread the pipes throughout your home, connecting each to the power supply and filtration system in a dry, well-ventilated place. This part means cutting holes in your wall to make sure the piping is properly attached to its outlets and wired correctly, but a proper specialized vacuum installer will take great lengths to ensure the minimum amount of damage possible when installing a central vacuum system.

The last step is installing the hoses and accessories, such as brushes, extension wands, and crevice tools, and any extras you might have purchased alongside the central vacuum system.