Central Vacuum Systems
A central vacuum system is a built-in, whole-house vacuum. A power unit mounted in the garage, basement or utility room connects through pipes in the walls to inlet valves in each area of the home. You plug a 30 to 35 ft hose into any inlet and vacuum, and the dirt travels through the pipes to the power unit. Central vacuums have bigger motors than portable vacuums, carry no motor or dust bin around the house, and can vent outdoors so fine dust never re-enters your living space. Power units at eVacuumStore start at $519.95, and complete builder's packages with unit, hose, tools and installation parts start at $899.99.
How a central vacuum system works
- Power unit: the motor and dirt canister, mounted away from living areas. Choose one rated for your home's square footage. Shop central vacuum units.
- Pipe and fittings: 2 in PVC pipe runs inside the walls, floors or attic from each inlet to the power unit. Central vacuum pipe · fittings.
- Inlet valves: wall ports where you plug in the hose. Most homes need one inlet per 600 to 800 sq ft. Inlet valves.
- Hose and tools: a hose, wands, a floor brush and attachments, plus an electric power nozzle for carpet. Hose kits · accessory kits · powerheads.
Choose a central vacuum unit by home size
Pick a unit rated for at least your home's square footage. Size up for long pipe runs, many inlets or mostly carpeted floors.
| 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 to 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 |
See all central vacuum units, our top-rated central vacuum systems, or units for homes up to 12,000 sq ft.
Benefits of a central vacuum
- More suction: central vacuum motors are much larger than the motor in a portable upright or canister.
- Cleaner air: dirt is carried out of the living space to the power unit. Units vented outdoors exhaust fine dust outside instead of back into the room, which helps people with allergies or asthma.
- Nothing heavy to carry: you carry only a lightweight hose from room to room and up and down stairs.
- Quieter: the motor is in the garage or basement, so you mostly hear airflow at the hose.
- Long life: power units are built to last many years, and motors, filters and hoses can be replaced when they wear.
Electric vs. non-electric hoses
Non-electric (standard) hoses are up to 50 ft long and work with standard inlet valves and suction-only tools, ideal for mostly hard floors. Electric hoses, usually 30 or 35 ft, power a motorized carpet nozzle. They come in two types: pigtail hoses have a short cord that plugs into a nearby outlet and work with standard valves, while direct-connect hoses plug into super (electric) inlet valves that must be wired during installation. If you have carpet or might add it later, plan for electric inlets.
New installation or replacement?
- New home or remodel: a central vacuum builder's package includes the power unit, hose, tools, inlet valves, pipe and fittings, starting at $899.99. See our central vacuum installation guide.
- Replacing an old unit: most existing pipe and inlets can be reused. Choose a unit rated for your home size and use a swap-out kit to connect it.
- Garage: add a central vacuum garage kit for cars and workshops.
- Repairs: shop central vacuum motors, filters, bags and circuit boards.
Central vacuum brands
We carry central vacuums and parts from Electrolux, NuTone, Eureka, Hayden, Cana-Vac, Beam, VacuMaid, Titan, Kenmore, Broan and Aqua-Air. See central vacuum systems by brand or compare central vacuums.
Frequently asked questions
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 goes 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 above.
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.
Are central vacuums worth it?
For many homes, yes. They offer stronger suction, cleaner indoor air and no heavy vacuum to carry, and they're easiest to install during new construction or a remodel.
Do central vacuums need to vent outside?
Not always, but venting outdoors is recommended. It removes fine dust and motor heat from the house. See venting a central vacuum system outdoors.
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.
