Central vacuums are beneficial to many people. A central vacuum system eliminates extension cords, eliminates carrying heavy vacuums around to each room, and provides more thorough cleaning than ever.
It’s easy to build one into a new home, but can you install central vacuum after house built. Let’s know the answer.
Can a Central Vacuum be Installing in an Existing Home
Can you install central vacuum after house built? Yes. A central vacuum can be installed in a new or existing home. However, you must consult a professional to determine the best installation option for your home and system.
Many homeowners hesitate to install central vacuum systems in their existing homes because they fear they must undergo a full renovation process.
The truth is about one-third of all central vacuums sold in the U.S. are installed without tearing out walls or ceilings. Typically, it takes less than a day to complete the installation process.
Central Vacuum System Components
Power units are typically installed in garages, basements, or utility rooms and provide three to five times more cleaning power than traditional vacuums.
Power units are connected to strategically located inlet valves by PVC tubing and wires installed in interior walls and between floor joists.
You can extend the powered hose to the desired length and attach attachments to activate the system.
How to Install Central vacuum in an Existing Home?
You can choose various installation methods depending on the size of your house and the vacuum system type.
If you have a central vacuum system in your garage or utility room, you can install the hose and power unit in the same location. If you don’t have a central vacuum system or your house has limited space, you can install the power unit in another room and connect the hose to it. You can also install a central vacuum system in an attic by drilling holes into ceilings and wiring hoses to power units outside the attic crawlspace.
Here is a DIY central vacuum installation pro guide on installing a central vacuum in your house.
- The inlet valves should be positioned at the same height as the electrical outlets. To cut outlet holes, use an inlet valve template.
- You can cut the hole with a keyhole saw or a wallboard saw.
- Immediately below each inlet hole, drill a 1/8″ hole through the floor to cover it. Then, put a wire through the bored hole to locate it under the floor.
- Measure the location of the tubing going through the wall using the wire as a reference point. Next, use a hole saw to make a 2-inch hole through the floor and the 2-by-4 bottom plate of the wall. Wear eye protection while doing this.
- Run the vacuum system tubing through the wall cavity and have a helper hold it while you create a 90-degree elbow in the room above.
- Ensure that every inlet valve is connected to the power unit by running low-voltage wires.
Related post: how to install central vacuum?
Why Should I Install a Central Vacuum?
A central vacuum cleaner is a great investment if you want to protect your floors and furniture from dust, dirt, and other allergens.
Here are 10 reasons why you should install a central vacuum:
- Eliminates the need to clean multiple rooms each day.
- Can help clean large areas quickly and efficiently.
- It adds around $2000 to the resale value of your home.
- The central vacuum system is less expensive than other types of floor cleaning.
- You can enjoy clean and dust-free floors, making them easier to walk on and less likely to attract pests or rodents.
- A central vacuum cleaner is effective at removing pet dander.
- The central vac is a good choice if you have pets – it’s especially effective at removing pet hair and other allergens from furniture and floors.
- A central vacuum cleaner is good for people with allergies or asthma – it helps reduce the amount of dust and pollen in the air.
- It removes dust mites, which are a major cause of allergic reactions in people living in homes with carpets or upholstered furniture.
- A central vacuum cleaner is a good choice for people who have children – it removes Play-Doh, dried milk, food crumbs, etc., from floors and upholstery.
How Much Does it Cost to Have a Central Vacuum Installed?
It costs between $1,200 to $3,000 to install a central vacuum system in a home smaller than 3,000 square feet.
Accessories, wall inlets, power units, and hoses are all factors that affect the price. You can get a free estimate and demo from most dealers. It is possible to install a central vacuum system in new and existing homes without demolishing interior walls.
Does Central Vacuuming Require Demolishing Interior Walls in Existing Homes?
No, central vacuum installation in existing homes is possible without tearing down interior walls. Dealers can provide you with a free estimate and demo of the system.
In short, central vacuums do not require breaking walls or drywall repairs. Typically, a pipe can be run behind a wall through a closet and traverse the attic or basement. Single-story homes with a basement or attic are easier to retrofit with a central vac than houses with more than two stories.
What’s the Difference between a Portable Vacuum and a Central Vacuum?
Central vacuums are built-in appliances, while portable vacuums are standalone devices. Because it is a built-in appliance, you don’t have to worry about annoying noises or odors.
Unlike a portable vacuum, dust and debris are carried away outside of the living area rather than recirculated through the exhaust. Additionally, portable vacuums are heavy and cumbersome.
Central vacuum cleaners are more powerful than portable vacuums and are better at picking up large pieces of debris. They also have longer hoses, which make them better for larger rooms. Central vacuums can be more expensive than portable vacuums, but they may be worth the investment if you have a lot of dirt or dust in your house.
Final Thoughts
When buying a central vacuum system for your home, it is crucial to make sure that the machine you buy is compatible with the flooring and walls of your house. You should also conduct several tests on how well it works before buying.
I hope you get the answer on can you install central vacuum after house built or not.
Read More: Can Central Vac Be Installed in Attic?
Brian Bennett is an experienced central vacuum expert who has written extensively on the topic. His articles cover a variety of topics related to central vacuum systems, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Brian also offers a variety of helpful tips and tricks for optimizing central vacuum performance.
