Central Vacuum Systems
Quick answer: A central vacuum is a built-in, whole-house vacuum. A power unit in the basement, garage or utility room connects through pipes in the walls to inlets in each room. Plug a lightweight hose into any inlet and the dirt travels to the power unit, and fine dust can be vented outside. At eVacuumStore, power units start at $519.95 and complete builder's packages start at $899.99.
How a central vacuum system works
- Power unit: the motor and dirt canister or bag, mounted away from living areas in a garage, basement or utility room. Shop power units
- In-wall pipe: 2 in PVC pipe and fittings run through walls, floors or the attic from each inlet to the unit. Pipe · fittings
- Inlet valves: wall ports where you plug in the hose. Plugging in turns the unit on through low-voltage wiring. Inlet valves
- Hose and tools: a hose, wands, floor brush and attachments, plus an electric powerhead for carpet. Hose kits · powerheads
- Outdoor exhaust (optional): venting outside removes the finest dust and motor heat from the house. How to vent outdoors
What size central vacuum do I need?
Choose a unit rated for at least your home's square footage. Size up if you have long pipe runs, many inlets or mostly carpet.
| Home size | Example units | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Condo or apartment, up to 3,000 sq ft | VacuMaid CV100 Condo, Beam 205A Hybrid | $519.95 |
| Up to 5,000 sq ft | Kenmore K550 (4,000 sq ft), Titan TCS-5525, Beam 345A | $573.03 |
| Up to 7,000–8,000 sq ft | Kenmore K650, Titan TCS-5702 (7,500 sq ft), NuTone PP6501, Beam 475A Hybrid (8,000 sq ft) | $728.27 |
| Up to 10,000 sq ft | Titan TCS-6602, VacuMaid SR66 HEPA, Hayden Platinum | $949 |
| Up to 12,000 sq ft | Cana-Vac Signature 890, VacuMaid SR60 | $1,299 |
| 18,000 sq ft and up | VacuMaid SR64 (18,000 sq ft), Beam 4500A 240V (20,000 sq ft) | $1,879.95 |
More options: all central vacuum units · top-rated central vacuum systems · compare central vacuums
Complete builder's packages: everything in one box
For new construction or a remodel, a builder's package is the simplest way to buy. Each one includes the power unit, inlet valves, pipe, fittings, low-voltage wire, PVC cement and a hose and tool kit. Hard Floor packages come with a non-electric hose for mostly hard floors. Deluxe packages add an electric hose and powerhead for carpet.
Kenmore K550 Hard Floor, 3 Inlet
A compact 550 air watt unit that fits in a closet or laundry room, with a 3-inlet rough-in kit, 100 ft of pipe and a standard hard floor tool kit.
550 AW · 66 dB · 1,000–4,000 sq ft · self-cleaning filter · 5-yr parts warranty
See price
Kenmore K650 Deluxe, 6 Inlet
Everything for 6 inlets plus a full electric kit: 30 ft electric hose and deluxe powerhead for carpet. A free garage kit is included.
650 AW · sealed HEPA · up to 7,000 sq ft · 150 ft pipe · 7-yr motor warranty
See price
VacuMaid SR46 Deluxe, 6 Inlet
A made-in-USA galvanized steel unit with cyclonic filtration and a 27 quart inverted bag, plus a deluxe electric hose and powerhead kit and a free garage kit.
Ametek Lamb motor · 6 inlets · 150 ft pipe · 10-yr warranty
See priceHave carpet? Choose a Deluxe package or plan for electric inlets, which power a carpet powerhead. Hard floors only? A standard hose works well.
Installing or replacing? See our installation guide. Most old pipe and inlets can be reused with a new unit and a swap-out kit. For repairs, shop motors, filters and bags.
Central vacuum FAQs
What is a central vacuum system?
A built-in vacuum with a power unit in the garage, basement or utility room, connected by pipes in the walls to inlet valves around the house. You plug a hose into any inlet to vacuum, and the dirt travels to the power unit.
How much does a central vacuum system cost?
At eVacuumStore, power units start at $519.95 and complete builder's packages start at $899.99. Larger homes need bigger units, which run $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Professional installation adds to the cost and varies by home and region.
What size central vacuum do I need?
Choose a unit rated for at least your home's square footage, and size up if you have long pipe runs, many inlets or a lot of carpet. See the size table on this page for example units at each size.
Can I replace my old central vacuum unit with a different brand?
Usually, yes. Most power units connect to standard 2 in pipe and low-voltage wiring, so you can reuse your existing pipe and inlets. A swap-out kit helps connect the new unit. Call us if you're unsure.
Do central vacuums need to vent outside?
Not always, but venting outdoors is recommended. It removes the finest dust and motor heat from the house.
Need help choosing or installing a central vacuum?
Call our free tech support line at 866-972-8227, Monday–Friday 8:30am–6pm and Saturday 10am–5pm ET.
