Central Vacuum Venting Issues

Central Unit Placement

• The central unit, which powers the vacuum suction, is typically mounted in a basement, garage or attic. The unit is large, operates loudly and is not an attractive piece of decor in main areas of the house. Because the unit is installed in areas of the house that store other equipment such as HVAC systems and water heaters, the unit can collect dust and other debris if it’s not cleaned routinely. The vent and exhaust can also pick up surrounding dust during operation, causing less suction or overheating the motor.

Exhaust

• Older and some larger central vacuums require an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe typically leads to an outside vent. The vent allows easy access for rodents, insects and other small animals leading to a potential infestation in the home. The central vacuum’s placement is in an area that often goes unnoticed, resulting in a rapid infestation that could occur without your noticing it.

Pipes Connected to the Unit

• The central vacuum is connected to pipes that lead to outlets throughout the house. If the pipes become blocked, similar to a blockage in the hose of a standard vacuum, it’s much more troublesome to remove the blockage.

Solutions

• Standard maintenance on the central vacuum will reduce some venting issues. Change filters and vacuum bags routinely, and wipe the outside of the unit with a rag to remove dust and debris. Check the air intake area and exhaust to see if there’s any dust present. Use a clean paintbrush to wipe away dust in those areas. For larger units that require outside ventilation, investigate items such as an exhaust filter made specifically for a central vacuum unit and exhaust vent covers to reduce rodents coming into the house through the exhaust vent.