Built-In Vacuum FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I install a built-in vacuum?

Built-in vacuums typically cost about the same as a high end portable vacuum, yet last much longer and offer far more power. Built-in vacuums are known to reduce allergies, are quiet, versatile, and good for the environment. Used, broken portable vacuums typically end up in landfills after being replaced every few years. Central vacuums are also a smart investment for your home since most homeowners recoup their investment once the home is sold.

What's the difference between a portable vacuum and a central vacuum?

The biggest difference is that a central vacuum is a built-in appliance, while a portable vacuum is completely separate from you home. Since it is a built-in appliance, you don't have the annoying noise and smell that typically accompany portable vacuums. Your air and home are also cleaner because the dust and debris gets carried away outside of the living area rather than re-circulated through the exhaust as with a portable vacuum. Portable vacuums are also heavy and cumbersome and don't maneuver easily. Central vacs use a single hose, allowing you to clean your home easily and freely.

What is the entire price of a central vacuum installation?

The average cost for a central vacuum system installation in a home less than 3,000 square feet varies but only costs between $1,200 to $3,000. The price range varies from around $1-$2 a square foot based on the accessory kit, number and type of wall inlets, power unit, and the hose. We offer free estimates and product demonstrations so you can be sure of what you're getting.

What happens if a vacuum pipe gets clogged? Do you have to cut the wall open?

If the system is properly installed, large objects, like small toys, socks, and coins, should make it all the way to the power unit without getting clogged back in the walls. If a clog does occur, it usually happens in the hose because that is the smallest diameter of the entire system. Sometimes objects will make it to the inlet because the first elbow at the wall inlet is the tightest and can act as a trap. Both clogs are easy to fix, and even if an object lodges further in to the system, there are several ways of remedying the clog that can be found on our guide page for reference.

Can a central vac be installed in existing homes without demolishing interior walls?

The only hole needed to install into an existing home is concealed by the inlet valve. In other words, you never have to break walls or do drywall repair when installing a central vacuum. Typically, the pipe can be run behind a wall by running into a corner of a closet and then traverses either up to the attic or down to the basement. This makes a simple installation process.

How is a whole house vacuum system installed?

Installations are not as extensive as one may think. If the home is under construction, the backing plates and pipes are the last thing put into the framing as the electrician is finishing up. For existing homes, installation is simplest if the home is single story with a good-sized attic or basement. In either case, the installation process is the same: hang the power unit in the basement or garage, run a trunk line of PVC tubing and branch to each inlet, and then run a low voltage wire along the tubing to each inlet. Inlet locations are on interior walls, and only one inlet is needed for every 700 to 1,000 square feet.

More FAQ’s

  • A "trigger" wire is connected to each wall inlet during the installation process. When the vacuum hose is plugged in or the switch on the hose handle is engaged the low voltage wire signals the power unit to power on or off.

  • All of the debris swept into the vacuum travels through the hose and pipes and then gets trapped into a filter in the main vacuum unit. The filters do occasionally need to be replaced, but MD's power units hold gallons of debris, so they only need to be replaced a couple times a year. When it's time to replace the filter, simply remove the lid off the central vacuum unit, detach the filter, and replace with a new filter.

  • The suction remains powerful no matter where you are vacuuming inside the house, because the motors in the stationary vacuum unit in the garage or basement are much larger and far more powerful than those in portable or canister vacuums. You can also be assured of top performance at all times, because each of MD's vacuum lines has several different models to choose from for a home of any size.

  • Parts, replacements, and a variety of accessories are available for your central vacuum system. If we don't have what you are looking for, let us know and we'll point you in the right direction.