How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Central Vacuum?

Central Vacuum Repairs Prices

Common central vacuum issues that require repairs or maintenance include:

• Blown motor: $350+

• Electrical issues: $300+

• Blocked or clogged filter: $50 to $100 per hour

• Central vacuum pipe: $150

• Bag replacement: $20 to $80

• Hose extension: $50 to $90

Hiring a central vacuum repair specialist is your best bet if you suspect the issue stems from the motor or electrical components. On the other hand, basic maintenance, like changing filters or adding an extension hose, are doable DIY projects and only take a few minutes.

Central Vacuum Repairs Installation Cost

All told, installing a new central vacuum costs $1,140 to $2,190. When it comes to repair services, most central vacuum repair specialists charge an hourly rate to homeowners. A good range to consider is $15 to $55 per hour when receiving quotes or shopping around. New parts, such as replacing a new motor or installing a new bag or filter, will increase the cost.

In some cases, such as a blown motor in a filter device powering a large home, replacing the central vacuum could actually make more sense—especially if it’s an older (10-plus years) model.

Central Vacuum Repairs Cost by Type

Three types of issues could cause your central vacuum to stop working or underperform.

Motor Issues

Most central vacuum motors are rated to last up to 20 years. That said, motor issues are one of the most common problems homeowners experience.

Signs that your central vacuum’s motor is on the fritz may include:

• A burning smell

• A loss of suction

• Strange or loud noises coming from the vacuum

• Clogged filters, even with frequent changes

Minor issues, such as grinding or a burning smell, are solvable with lubrication and only cost around $50. Alternatively, replacing a vacuum motor costs between $100 and $500, plus installation.

Check your manufacturer warranty if you suspect the issue is a blown motor. Many come with five- or even seven-year coverage for drivetrain issues.

Electrical Components

Many common problems with central vacuums come down to electrical components not working properly. This could cause your device to:

• Not turn off

• Not turn on

• Only vacuum in certain areas of your home or building

• Lose suction strength

A central vac repair specialist is versed in these issues and knows how to fix and service them safely. A good guideline to expect is $15 to $55 per hour for repairs, plus parts if needed.

Spotty Cleaning

Minor issues, such as clogged filters or faulty hose extensions, could also be the reason your product stops vacuuming or isn’t working as well as it should. These fixes may only cost $10 to $100 to repair, and some of them, such as replacing bags or filters, can be done DIY.

For most products, you should change the filters every three to six months.

Central Vacuum Repairs by Style

There are two types of central vacuums, one of which costs more but delivers more power.

Cyclonic Central Vacuums

Cyclonic, or bagless central vacuum systems, use cyclonic separation to help remove dirt particles and debris. They are more affordable and a solid option for smaller homes or building spaces that you’d like to keep clean without lugging around a vacuum. They start at around $600.

As their name implies, they don’t require filters or bags, so maintenance after the initial setup is minimal.

Filter Central Vacuums

Filtered central vacuum systems use filters, bags, or a combination of the two to remove dirt and debris. Filter systems cost $1,600 to $2,000 brand new but could be as much as $4,000 if you’re retrofitting a central vacuum for a large home or building.

DIY vs. Hire a Central Vacuum Repair Pro

We highly recommend that you hire a central vacuum repair professional instead of tackling this project by yourself, especially if you suspect electrical issues to be the problem. Motor and/or electrical issues are tough for the untrained eye to diagnose and could threaten your safety.

Hiring a pro gives you peace of mind and ensures you won’t damage the device and incur more costs.

FAQs

Are central vacuums worth it?

For many homeowners, yes. Central vacuums do a great job of removing dust and dirt from your home and are generally very quiet, so you basically eliminate one household chore without much of a tradeoff. A pro can install a system by retrofitting older homes.

Should I install a cyclonic or filter central vacuum system?

If low maintenance is a priority, or you’re installing a system in a second home that you won’t frequent, cyclonic systems are a fine choice. Filter vacuums are generally recommended for those with asthma, other respiratory issues, or several pets in the home, as you can add HEPA-certified bags and filters to your device.