Central Vacuum Systems

Contact Us for more information about our central vacuum installations and repairs.

Why should I install a central vacuum?

Central vacuums typically cost about the same as a high end portable vacuum, yet last much longer and offer far more power. Central vacs 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 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 accessory kit, number and type of wall inlets, power unit, and the hose are all factors that affect the price. Most dealers offer free estimates and demonstrations so you can be sure of what you’re getting. Since a central vac system can be installed in both new construction and existing homes without demolishing interior walls, there are no hidden construction costs to worry about.

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.

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. 

If the power unit is in the garage or basement, how do I turn the system on and off?

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.

central vacuum units

Central Vacuum Units

Perfect for any home and can be purchased through a local dealer.

central vacuum hoses

Hoses

Upgrade to a new, lighter, and more durable central vacuum hose.

central vacuum

Carpet Bushes

Get the best clean possible with a new carpet brush for your system.

central vacuum utensils

Kits

Upgrade your system with a new central vacuum kit.

central vacuum heads

Tools and Accessories

Clean more surfaces better with new and improved tools.

central vacuum filters

Bags & Filters

Replacement central vacuum bags, filters, and filtration parts.

vacuum extension wands

Extension Wands

Vacuum wands that connect easily and reach further.

central vacuum parts

Storage

Free up space, get all your hoses, wands, and tools neatly stored.

central vacuum motors

Motors and parts

Brand new replacement vacuum motors, electronics, parts.

vacuum cleaner parts

Hoses parts

Repair your vacuum hose with the replacement parts you need.

central vacuum plates

Inlet valves

Vacuum inlets and different options including VacPans.

Installation parts

All the necessary pipe, wire, and fittings to get the job done.

Can Central Vacuum Systems be installed in existing homes without demolishing interior walls?

The only hole needed to install a central vacuum system 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. While homes with two or more stories can be retrofitted with a central vac, it is usually easier to install in a single story home with a large basement or attic.

What happens if a vacuum pipe gets clogged?

Large objects, like small toys, socks, and coins, will typically make it all the way to the power unit without getting stuck. 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. 

How is dirt collected?

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.

Does the vacuum’s power diminish the farther away from the source the hose is used?

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.

What if I need replacement parts and accessories?

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. 

619-588-6454

Available from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Address: 1319 Broadway
      El Cajon, CA 92021

central vacuum system diagram
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