How much does a central vacuum system cost?
How much does a central vacuum system cost?
$800 – $3,500 average cost (installed)
Central vacuum system cost
The cost of a central vacuum system for your home ranges from $800 to $3,500 installed. This includes $400 to $2,000 on average for the equipment and $400 to $1,500 for the installation, depending on whether it’s new construction or a retrofit.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment | $400 – $2,000 |
| Installation labor | $400 – $1,500 |
| Total installed cost | $800 – $3,500 |
Central vacuum cost by type
Cyclonic and filtered central vacuum systems are the two main types of centralized vacuum systems, and they differ in their filtration technology. Cyclonic systems are more cost-effective upfront but require more maintenance. Filtered systems are the most preferred because they provide better air filtration and less maintenance on the motor itself.
| Central vacuum type | Average cost (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Cyclonic systems | $200 – $2,000 |
| Filtered systems | $400 – $2,000 |
Cyclonic central vacuum systems
Most cyclonic central vacuum systems cost $200 to $2,000 for the power unit alone. These systems use centrifugal force to separate dirt and debris into a collection container, eliminating the need for filters and bags. Some models vent the fine particles outside, while others collect them internally which can clog the motor and require more maintenance.
Filtered central vacuum systems
Filtered central vacuum power units cost $400 to $2,000 before installation, plus ongoing costs to replace the filters. Filtered systems use paper, cloth, cartridge, or foam filters to trap small particles and improve indoor air quality. Replacement filter costs vary depending on the material, size, and brand.
Paper and cloth filters cost $3 to $30 and should be replaced every 2 to 6 months.
Cartridge and foam filters cost $15 to $40 each and should be cleaned regularly and replaced every 1 to 2 years.
Centralized vacuum system cost by brand
There are several centralized vacuum system manufacturers to choose from. Budget-friendly systems ranging from $200 to $800 are available from lesser-known companies, while premium brands known for higher quality, more accessory options, and easy-to-find replacement parts cost $800 to $2,000 before installation.
| Brand | Average equipment cost* |
|---|---|
| Beam | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Electrolux | $700 – $2,000 |
| Imperium | $200 – $800 |
| OVO | $400 – $600 |
| RhinoVac | $800 – $1,300 |
| Riccar | $700 – $1,100 |
| VacuMaid | $900 – $1,800 |
*Material prices only, installation not included.
Brands with longer warranties or advanced features like smart-home integration tend to be more expensive.
Central vac cost factors
The biggest cost factor for a central vac system is whether you're installing in new construction or a retrofit. Installing during new construction is cheaper, as the pipes can be run before the walls are framed. Retrofitting an existing home costs $400 to $1,000 more for the extra labor required to run pipes through walls.
Additional cost factors for a central vacuum system include:
Home size & number of outlets: The larger the home and the more outlets required, the higher the total cost. For a 2,000 sq ft home, expect to pay around $2,500.
System type: Cyclonic systems are cheaper upfront but require more maintenance. Filtered systems have higher costs for equipment and filters, but lower maintenance requirements.
Component brand & quality: The power unit is a major cost driver. Higher-end brands with more powerful motors and better warranties cost more.
Accessories & add-ons
Many brands sell power units, tubing, outlets, and standard vacuum attachments as a package set for convenience. However, most also sell additional accessories for special cleaning needs. The following table details the most common accessories and add-ons.
| Accessory type | Average cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Crevice tools | $10 – $50 | Used to clean tight spaces, corners, and along edges |
| Dusting brushes | $10 – $50 | Soft-bristled brushes safely dust furniture, shelves, and delicate surfaces. |
| Pet brushes | $50 – $100 | Effectively removes pet hair from upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces |
| Electric brushes | $100 – $500 | Provides deeper cleaning on carpets and rugs |
| Hoses | $100 – $500 | Longer, more flexible hoses allow for greater reach and maneuverability. |
| Automatic dustpans | $250 – $500 | Allows you to sweep debris directly into the system, eliminating the need to manually empty a dustpan |
Central vacuum system FAQs
What is a central vacuum system?
A central vacuum system is a built-in vacuum cleaner that provides powerful suction for cleaning the entire house through a network of pipes within the walls. It consists of:
A main vacuum unit with a powerful motor, typically located in the garage or basement, which generates the suction
Wall inlets or ports throughout the home where a vacuum hose can be attached
Pipes running through the walls, connecting the inlets to the main vacuum unit
A vacuum hose and cleaning tools that attach to the wall inlets for cleaning
As dirt, dust, and debris are vacuumed up, they travel through the pipes to the main unit and are collected in a canister or bag, keeping the air inside the home cleaner compared to a portable vacuum.
Is a central vacuum system worth it?
A central vacuum system can be worth the investment for many homeowners due to its improved cleaning efficiency, enhanced indoor air quality, and convenient operation, though the high upfront cost and installation complexity may be drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Who installs a central vacuum system?
Both homeowners and professional installers can handle the installation of a central vacuum system, but professional installation by a general contractor or handyperson is more common, especially for more complex retrofit installations or to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Is there a central vacuum system for laundry?
Yes, a Laundry Jet is like a central vacuum system for collecting laundry from ports placed strategically around the home. A Laundry Jet system costs $2,400 to $15,000 for the equipment and pipes, plus added costs for delivery and installation labor.
Getting estimates from general contractors
Follow these suggestions to ensure you hire a general contractor with the skills and experience to install your central vac system properly and safely. Follow these suggestions:
Confirm the contractor's licenses, insurance, and experience specifically with central vacuum system installations.
Get quotes from several contractors to ensure you're getting a competitive price.
Request a detailed breakdown of the total installation cost, including all materials, labor charges, permits, and any other fees.
Discuss the ideal location for the central vacuum unit in your home and how the layout might affect installation complexity and cost.
Ask about the possibility and cost of direct run tubing vs. intricate routing through the house.
Confirm they know the local building codes and permit requirements for a central vacuum system installation.
Request references from past central vacuum system customers to get a sense of the contractor's workmanship.
Questions to ask a general contractor about a central vacuum system
Ask these questions to evaluate the contractor's qualifications and get a clear picture of the total costs and project timeline before committing to the central vacuum system installation:
Are you licensed and insured to install central vacuum systems?
How much experience do you have specifically with central vacuum system installations?
Can you provide references from past central vacuum customers?
What is your process for planning the layout and routing of the central vacuum tubing in my home?
Do you recommend a direct tubing run or a more complex routing through the house? What are the cost implications?
How long will the installation take, and what is the expected timeline?
Will any drywall or other construction work be required, and if so, how will that be handled?
What local building codes or permits are required in my area?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the total installation cost, including the vacuum unit, materials, labor, permits, and any other fees?
What manufacturer warranties are available, and how long do they last?
Do you offer any workmanship warranties on the installation itself?
How will you coordinate the work with my schedule to minimize disruption to my home?
What steps will you take to ensure a clean and safe work environment during the installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.