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[kelly149114]

Hello people! Does anyone know if it is possible to install a central vacuum system in an existing home without completely tearing up the walls? I am having a Montreal Central Vacuum. I bought it through an online store(montrealaerus. Our house does not have a basement. Can the tubes be run in the attic? If the vaccum tubes can be run through the attic does this increase the cost of the installation? Any idea of the cost to install this type of system in a 4 bedroom 2400sq. ft. home? Any information on this would be appreciated.

[bjl584]

It would be the same concept as installing duct work on an existing house. You can use flexible lines and run the system through the attic and down through the walls. But, it's still going to be labor intensive and quite pricey. I have no idea what it would cost.

[ua_guy]

Retro-fitting a central vac in a home isn't something I'd advise. As mentioned you may be able to run the return lines through attic space and fish lines down through interior walls. You can't run it through any exterior walls because of the insulation, and if there are fire breaks, you won't be able to drill through those. With interior walls you'll have to contend with existing electrical, phone, and indoor plumbing runs depending on how the home is configured. And, I'm sure there's a maximum run length for the vacuum lines so if you have to go over/around things and extend the lines at all, the central vac motor might not be able to keep up.

I'll be honest when I say I don't see the value in a central vac personally; it's an expensive install and it still requires actually vacuuming the floor It used to be an upscale option in newer homes a long time ago. Conventional vacuum cleaners are comparatively cheap and light these days; If mobility/access is an issue I would suggest keeping one vacuum upstairs, and one vacuum downstairs, and maybe a handheld vac for stairs if carrying the vacuum up/down would be an issue.

That's just my $0.02. Your best bet would be to get a bid for install from a general contractor. It really does depend on the layout and configuration of your home.

[hamchan]

We had a central vac in the house I grew up in. I did not like it. It did not seem all that powerful, and I hated lugging all that hose around and up the stairs.

[snafu]

We have central vac in this old [1976] construction condo. It's horrid, I suggest a light weight Dyson if you've lots of carpet. It's powerful, efficient, easy to use and easy to empty. I suggest you cancel purchase. I'm certain folks here will comment on their preferred vacuum. Central vac has long cords that trip you and I have no polite words about the bag and empty process. I too suggest you cancel the purchase.