What is a central vacuum?

Central vacuum systems use a series of tubing within the walls of a building. Dirt and debris is sucked through the pipes and collected in a remote containment area. The system is meant to be a semi-permanent system within the building. The system’s power unit is usually installed in a room separate from the main areas, usually a garage or storage closet. Holes are placed in various parts of the building to allow the user to connect a hose to the system to vacuum up dirt and debris. Central vacuums serve basically the same purpose as regular, more portable vacuums, but have several advantages: - They have larger motors because they do not need to be portable and have more suction power as a result. - They can handle larger, more difficult debris. - They are quieter than regular vacuums because the large motor is contained in a separate room. - They reduce allergens and bad smells because they do not recirculate any air. - They need to be emptied infrequently because they are much larger than regular vacuums. - They are durable and last a long time with little maintenance cost. The main disadvantage is the higher cost of purchasing and installing a central vacuum. Installation costs range between $1,000 and $3,000 depending mainly on the size of the house. However, installing a central vacuum does count as a fixture and would add value to a home.