How much will a central vacuum system cost? That question is the single most asked question about central vacuum cleaners there is. The answer is surprisingly simple, it depends on your homes size and how long you want the system to last. Remember, buying the best central vacuum system for your home doesn’t always mean spending the most money for it. We encourage everyone to do their home work.  Read our blogs, search the internet for the best central vacuums and attachments, then compare our prices and warranties to everyone else’s.  Central Vacuum Direct will price match anyone, anywhere.  We offer special Deal of the Day sales on complete central vacuum packages that we rate as the best central vacuums based on performance and longevity, not profit margins like most of our competitor do.  With that said, we suggest that you read the following information and determining factors that might help you in your quest for the perfect central vacuum system.

Here are the standard central vacuum systems costs that will show up on an estimate:

1)      The Central Vacuum Unit cost: The unit itself will be a substantial amount of the costs that are included in a central vacuum system. The unit is the appliance, and creates the suction for the whole entire system. The costs for the central vacuum unit will vary according to your specific quality needs. A high quality system such as a beam central vacuum or electrolux central vacuum will average between $500-$700 for the unit. This is in comparison to cheap central vacuum units such as the eureka and royal. You could save $200 or so going with the cheaper unit, but you will not get the suction and increased lifespan that would come with the higher quality central vacs.|

2)      Central Vacuum Inlet Valves, pipe, & fittings cost: The central vacuum inlet valve cost is another associated charge that will show up on an estimate.  Usually the inlet valves (with a bracket) should cost anywhere from $15-$30 a piece, once again depending on the quality and finish you choose. Plastic inlet valves are going to be a lot cheaper than metal inlet valves, and valve with better design and looks will always cost a premium to the old style standard valve. The pipe and fittings that go inside the wall are also a costly factor, total a standard inlet valve with pipe and fittings should cost around $65/each.

3)      Central Vacuum Attachment Kit cost: The attachement kit you choose should be the 3rd largest central vacuum systems cost on your estimate. The attachment kit is the all inclusive package of the central vacuum hose, power head, extension wands, & accessories that come bundled together. As with all the other previous things listed, these will range in quality. High quality attachment sets are manufactured by the same people who make the high quality central vacuums. You should consider looking at the beam central vacuum kits and other kits such as the canavac stealth kits. These are priced anywhere from $400-$600, but offer a great product in return for your investment. You can find a cheaper kit for around $350, but they tend to use cheaper central vacuum parts that break often and do not last.

4)      Central Vacuum Accessories cost: The cost of the central vacuum accessories that you choose for your system also weigh into the overall price. The accessories include add on’s such as extra crevice tools, floor brushes, etc. The accessories also include the convenience valves such as a vacpan. The vacpan is usually installed in the kitchen or laundry room in a baseboard. With the kick of a switch on the front of the valve you are able to sweet dirt and debris straight into the central vacuum inlet valve without attaching a hose. The vacpans will usually costs you around $50-$60 each. The other add on accessories such as floorbrushes etc. that do not come with your attachment kit will cost you anywhere from $10-$30 each.

5)      Central Vacuum Installation cost: The labor rates for central vacuum installation is where people need to be informed the most so they are not getting ripped off. If you can you should always find an installer who is certified and has been trained in central vacuum installation. We have seen way to many “handymen” doing odd job installations that end up needing to be completely torn out and redone. Now down to the nitty-gritty cost of what you should expect for installation labor. The standard labor rate for central vacuum installation should fall anywhere between $40-$60 an hour. Noting that a standard 4 valve job takes about 8 hours, you should expect the central vacuum systems cost for labor to be around $100-$120/valve. This labor rate covers the cost of the employee, transportation to and from the residence, and leaves a profit margin for the business owner that is not out of line. If you find someone who is charging more than this, you should be able to talk them down on price. If you find someone who is charging less than this than they are probably not well versed in the central vacuum business and should not be trusted as a certified installer.

6)      Lastly, here is an example of what the costs should look like for a 3500 sq. ft. home:

Central Vacuum Unit: $600
Central Vacuum Inlet Valves, pipe, & fittings: 6 x $65 = $390
Central Vacuum Attachment Kit: $500
Central Vacuum Vacpan & Accessories: $100
Central Vacuum Installation Labor: 6 x $110 = $660
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Total Central Vacuum Systems Cost: $2250

****This is with quality central vacuum equipment, you could save $300 or so by purchasing cheap low quality units or attachment kits. We do not advise this, these central vacuum units and kits do not last****

You can find all your central vacuum needs, including whole installation kits at www.centralvacuumdirect.com, the largest online central vacuum superstore.

Thanks for reading & happy cleaning!
– The Central Vac Guys