You can do a lot of things with your old central vacuum systems. Make use of existing inlets and piping to purify indoor air and increase the value of your property.
If your motor is still running well, it might only need a new seal ring. If you do not know how to fix it, consider donating or selling your central vacuum unit.
Read through to the end to learn amazing uses for any central vacuum, new or old.
Reuse Guide: What To Do With Old Central Vacuum?
For the past three decades, central vacuum systems have been installed in millions of homes across America. If you are one of the millions that have one of these systems, you are likely looking for ways to reuse old parts.
When your central vacuum stops working, you’re likely to ask yourself the question: “What do I do with my old central vacuum?” Many people may not have a clue how to handle this product.
While some of us are lucky enough to throw away these vacuums and replace them with new ones, others can’t afford to make such an expensive purchase.
However, here are four effective ways to utilize them and maximize their full potential.
1. Utilize Inlet Suction Power
Most central vacuums have inlets attached to walls, cabinets, and baseboards. They connect to a piping system.
When you open the vacuum inlet with your foot, it sucks up all the dust and dirt you throw its way. Old central vacuums still work well as vacuums.
It saves you the hassle of moving the hose around when you don’t use a central vacuum.
2. Turn Central Vac Pipes Into Ethernet Cable Path
The pipes that run through your house are very valuable even if your old central vacuum has stopped working altogether.
Inspect your house if it has central vacuum pipes installed but not in use. You can use this to run your home’s network.
Through Ethernet cables, you can connect quickly, reliably, and securely. Central vacuum pipes can be used to carry Ethernet cables, which will help you save a lot of money and stress.
You need to remove the central vac and the electrical wires first. There should be no debris or at least room for the cables to pass through the conduit.
3. Reducing Allergens and Cleaning the Air
Are you allergic? Well, the old central vacuum in your home can solve your problem.
A central vacuum can clean the air better than an upright vacuum with a HEPA filter. In old vacuums, dust allergens can be sucked up better, improving indoor air quality.
In addition, motors and filters are located outdoors. The old central vacuums in your home will collect dust, dirt, and debris, which will go to the power unit in the basement or garage.
Therefore, dust cannot recirculate in your home and worsen your allergies.
Read more: How To Replace Central Vacuum Motor
4. Increase the Value of Your Home
Are you planning to remove and discard your old central vacuum system? Well, don’t.
The old central vacuum, its parts, and vacuum pans can increase the value of your house by hundreds of dollars or more.
Additionally, if it is not useful to them, they can easily replace it.
Also, if they don’t like central vacuums, they can run the internet through the walls. The value of your property will increase if you market this benefit well.
Why Removing Old Central Vacuums is a Bad Idea!
- Central vacuums typically have 3-5 times the suction power of conventional vacuums.
- Since central vacuums last longer and rarely get damaged than other kinds of vacuums, they are cheaper in the long run.
- With the power and suction of central vacuums, even carpets with long, dense fibers can be cleaned.
- Because the power unit is always placed in the basement or garage, you don’t hear any noise.
- Central vacuum inlets can be used without using the central vacuum or carrying the hose.
- It’s easy to transport the vacuum head and hose without dragging around the entire vacuum cleaner.
- For allergy and asthma sufferers, central vacs can provide healthier indoor air quality.
- Central vacuum cleaners are quieter because the suction unit is often far from the living area.
- Unless your central vac filter is clogged, your central vac suction is unlikely to decrease over time.
- A central vacuum will add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home.
- Central vac pans replace dustpans and can be installed in any room, such as a kitchen, bathroom, hallway, or bedroom.
7 Non-Traditional Ways to Use Your Old Vacuums
- To improve efficiency and remove dust and dirt buildup from the furnace vent, vacuum it once per month.
- Using a crevice tool, homeowners can make sure mice and other animals are not attracted to the kitchen by bread crumbs or other “leftovers.”
- Collect dust, dirt, and debris that falls between couch cushions with vacuum attachments.
- To remove dust from ceiling fans and light fixtures, use an extendable duster or a central vacuum wand and dusting brush attachment.
- Every month, homeowners should use the vacuum brush attachment to clean up books on the bookshelf.
- To maintain smoke detectors, use the vacuum brush attachment twice a year, ideally when replacing the batteries.
- Homeowners can easily vacuum pet hair from upholstery, curtains, and shades with a Pet Power Paw vacuum tool.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to use an old central vacuum, and you can utilize it for the following purposes:
- Increase the value of your home by turning a regular wall outlet into an Ethernet cable path.
- Reduce allergens and clean the air by using an Inlet Suction Power Unit.
- You can even turn your Central Vac Pipes into Ethernet Cable Paths which will help you connect to other devices in your home without a problem.
We’ve explained the benefits of central vacuuming clearly so you can see their value. I hope after knowing what to do with old central vacuum systems, you will take advantage of their true power.
Old Central Vacuum System (FAQs)
Is it better to buy or rent a new vacuum cleaner?
There are a few key things to consider when deciding whether or not it is better to buy or rent a new vacuum cleaner.
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is how often do you plan on using your vacuum? Some people might only use their vacuum cleaner for a few hours each day while others might use it all day long.
1. If you don’t know how often you will be using your vacuum, then that would suggest that renting may be the best option for you.
2. If, however, you are going to use your vacuum cleaner more than once per week, then buying could make sense. Buying also makes sense if you have pets who shed and require vacuuming on a regular basis because it’s easier and cheaper to purchase.
How can I reuse old central vacuum?
The best way to reuse an old central vacuum is by using it as a dust collector. This can be done by buying a new bag and installing it on the old one.
However, if you want to use your old central vacuum in other ways, then you can:
1. Use the hose to clean your car or garden furniture.
2. Attach it to your washing machine and let all the dirt fly into the machine.
3. If you have a detached garage or shed, you can use it there.
4. Use the hose to clean a stove and other similar devices.
These are just some ideas on how you can use your old central vacuum; there are many ways in which you can reuse it for gardening purposes.
Central vacuum – keep it or lose it?
There are many benefits of a central vacuum cleaner, but there are also some drawbacks. It’s up to you to decide whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for your particular home.
Some people like central vacuums because they clean so much more efficiently than traditional vacuums, and they can be used with just about any surface in your home. A central vacuum is perfect for pet owners because it helps keep their floors clean, too.
However, a central vacuum does have some downsides that you should consider before deciding if it’s right for you: They’re expensive to buy and maintain, and they require electricity that could be better spent on other appliances.
Are central vacs outdated?
No, central vacs are not outdated. There are many advantages of having a central vacuum system in your home.
The main advantage is that it helps you keep the house clean by getting rid of dust and allergens that make your living space dirty and uncomfortable. Even when the house is not dirty or messy, there still are chances that it will happen. When you have a central vacuum in your home, then all dust and dirt get sucked into the device which makes your clean environment better to live with.
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.
what is pipe made out of in older whole house vacuum systems? It is gray and I want to make sure to use the correct glue. Thank you, Jeff
The gray pipe in older whole house vacuum systems is typically PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). To ensure a secure and airtight seal, you should use PVC cement specifically designed for PVC pipes. One highly recommended option is the Oatey 30246 PVC Regular Clear Cement and NSF Purple Primer Handy Pack available on Amazon. It provides a strong bond and includes a primer to ensure the glue sets properly.
Make sure the glue is completely dry before using the vacuum system to prevent any leaks.