Installing a Central System in an Existing Home-Yes You Can!

Written The Vac Tech

Jacksonville, Florida

   Installing a central vacuum system in an existing home can be easy and almost always doable. Over the years I have helped many a do-it-yourselfer and haven't lost one yet. Of course you can have your system installed by a professional but if you choose to install your own system here are some basic tips.

1) Each inlet (valve) covers approximately 700 square feet, so for each floor divide the square footage by 700 to get the number of inlets required.

Match color of inlet to electrical outlets. Inlets with super valve (110 voltage for power brush) are much harder to do in existing homes, so stick with the standard valve.

2) Locate the inlets in hallways or near the end of the wall and close to electrical outlets (for operating power brush). Never behind furniture or open doors.

Use a 30" rope to check coverage since the hose is 30'. A 35' hose attachment set is an option that may solve some problems.

3) The power unit is normally located in the garage but can be located in the living area when vented to the outside. Use a paper bag system like the H-P Element 5000 if the unit is in the living area, otherwise, a bagless inverted filter system like the H-P Element 1300 will help safe on cost.

4) Do not install in a small closet without sufficient ventilation since the motor is air cooled.

5) Use the correct fittings and know if they have a direction for air flow. Examples: use short 90 elbows at inlet and sweep 90 elbows everywhere else.

Sweep tees flow toward vacuum unit.

6) Installing an inlet in an existing home only requires cutting a small hole in the wall. No sheet rock repair is necessary.

7) The pipe and fittings are a special 2" size and have an interior super slick coating. Do not use water pipe and do not use pipe shorter than 8'

Once you have decided on the location of the inlet you will go in the attic and see if there are any reasons why you can't use that location.

When it has been determined a central vac install is possible or if you have questions, come by and we will talk it out.

Sincerely,

Randy Kelly

The Vac Tech (Since 1966)

Jacksonville, Florida