There are many homebuilding features that come to mind when you mention 
the words "custom home building features" but I'd be willing to bet that many of you would not have a central vacuum system in mind.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to seriously consider having a built-in central vacuum system installed:
I don't think a central vac would have necessarily made it on my top 10 list of "dream features" for my future dream home, but the practicality of a built-in central vacuum home cleaning system may give me cause to re-work my list.
Top 10 Reasons to Install a Central Vacuum System
- Convenience - no more lugging a canister or upright vacuum up and down the stairs or pulling it all around the house while you manage the cord and plug-in.
- Deep Cleaning Ability - central vacuums provide up to five times more cleaning power than conventional vacs.
- Improves the Indoor Air Quality of Your Home - use of central vacuum systems has been proven more effective at removing dust, dust mites, dirt and allergens partly due to the central unit is not within the living area.
"A study of allergic rhinitis patients (hay fever sufferers) by the University of California-Davis School of Medicine, found their symptoms improved by 40 to 60 percent, when they cleaned with a Beam Central Vacuum System instead of a conventional vacuum." This stat will stand for most/all central vacuums over portable vacuums.- Great for Hard-Surface Floors - Since the central power unit is tucked away in the garage, basement or utility room, the dirt and dust in the room is not being blown around before it gets sucked up.
- Cat and Dog Owners take note: Central Vacuums keep Pet Fur and Dander under control - "According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), as many as 10 million of the 100 million Americans who own pets are allergic to their dogs and cats." Shedding is a constant irritant to many pet owners whether they know it or not and a good central vacuum system is key to keeping it under control.
- Increases the Resale Value of Your Home - A central vacuum system can increase the resale value of your home by approximately $2000.
- A Quieter Home - The power unit is tucked away in your basement, garage or utility room.
- Saves You Money - How? The deep cleaning of the powerful motor prolongs the life of your carpet, drapes and furniture.
- No Need to Change Bags or Filters - Most manufacturers' models have permanent filters and are bagless, although you will need to empty the canister 2-4 times per year.
- Make the Neighbors Jealous
Expect to spend somewhere between $800 - $1500 before installation. See the link at the bottom if you are a do-it-yourselfer and you want to save money on installation costs. Otherwise, expect to spend an additional few hundred dollars for a professional installation.
About 70 percent of central vacuum systems are installed in new homes during the construction phase. The remainder are installed during a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation or retro-fitted in a home that has full basement access. You'll need to have an inlet installed for approximately every 750 square feet of living space.
Sources
Related
Important information for sufferers of Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever).
Need parts or accessories for your central vacuum system? This is a comprehensive list of central vacuum system manufacturers.
Types of Central Vacuum Systems
MD Central Vacuum System Corporate Blog - great tips and info with archives to boot
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rhendry...
Thanks for the tip. Nice website you've got there.
Convenience and Indoor Air Quality are my top reasons for owning a central vacuum system. I guess being a pet owner, the pet reason is pretty significant, too. Everything you need to know about installing a central vac yourself is online at Central Vacuum Stores, a really comprehensive site for do-it-yourselfers.
You might be surprised to find out that a central vac can be retrofitted into most homes and if you install it yourself the price of a central vac is not much more than lots of the portable vacuums on the market.