Existing Homes

Central Vacuum Installation Without Major Remodeling

Expert Existing Home Installers

Many homeowners assume that central vacuum systems can only be installed during new construction. In reality, an experienced installer can often add a central vacuum system to an existing home with little to no drywall removal.

At Pittsburgh Central Vacuum, we specialize in retrofitting central vacuum systems into existing homes of all sizes and ages throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia. From older homes and finished basements to modern townhomes and large custom residences, we have extensive experience designing systems that integrate cleanly into existing construction while minimizing disruption to the home.

Pipe access to attic through 2 closets that aligned on first and second floor. Pipe is tucked away in the back of the closet where it will only be seen when the closet is empty.

One of the biggest misconceptions about central vacuum systems is that walls need to be torn open throughout the house. In most cases, this simply is not true.

Experienced installers can often route the vacuum tubing system through the unfinished areas of the home such as:

  • Basements

  • Attics

  • Garages

  • Utility Rooms

  • Mechanical Spaces

  • Closet Cavities

By carefully utilizing these accessible areas, we can typically route the PVC vacuum tubing to the inlet valves with little to no drywall removal required. Every home is different, but our experience allows us to identify creative routing paths that keep installations clean, efficient, and minimally invasive.

Many homeowners are surprised by how seamlessly a central vacuum system can be added to an existing home.

Compact Power Unit installed in a concrete crawlspace in an existing home where there was no garage, basement, or mechanical room on main floor. Compact size allows the homeowner to easily change the bag 2-3 times per year when furnace maintenance is also performed.

Designed Specifically for Existing Homes

Installing a central vacuum system into an existing home requires a very different approach than new construction. Proper valve placement, tubing accessibility, and long-term serviceability all become critically important.

At Pittsburgh Central Vacuum, we carefully evaluate:

  • Basement accessibility

  • Attic accessibility

  • Garage layouts

  • Plumbing & HVAC locations

  • Existing wall cavities

  • Traffic patterns throughout the home

This allows us to design a system that maximizes cleaning convenience while minimizing visible piping and installation impact.

Our goal is always to install a system that looks like it was originally built with the home.

Retractable Hose Systems Are Often Easier in Existing Homes

One of the biggest advantages of modern retractable hose systems is that they can actually simplify installation in many existing homes.

Systems like the Chameleon Retractable Hose System can allow a single inlet valve to cover up to approximately 2,200 square feet, dramatically reducing the number of inlet valves and tubing runs required throughout the home.

In many retrofit situations, fewer inlet locations means:

  • Easier installation

  • Less inlets required

  • Fewer wall penetrations

  • Reduced installation time

  • Cleaner overall installation

Instead of installing multiple traditional inlet valves throughout the home, a strategically located retractable hose valve can often provide complete cleaning coverage of an entire level from a single location.

This makes retractable hose systems especially popular in:

  • Existing Homes

  • Finished Homes

  • Patio Homes

  • Multi-Story Homes

  • Homes with Limited Accessibility

1905 Four Square Renovation in Butler County

Extensive Existing Home Installation Experience

At Pittsburgh Central Vacuum, retrofitting central vacuum systems into existing homes is one of our specialties. We understand the unique challenges older and finished homes present and have years of experience finding clean, efficient installation solutions.

Whether your home is:

  • 5 years old

  • 50 years old

  • Fully finished

  • A historic property

  • A luxury custom home

  • A modest ranch

  • A townhome or patio home

Our team can help determine the best system design for your layout and cleaning needs.

Contact Us

We proudly serve homeowners throughout:

  • Pittsburgh

  • Cranberry Township

  • Wexford

  • Sewickley

  • Gibsonia

  • Mars

  • Butler

  • Mt. Lebanon

  • Upper St. Clair

  • Allegheny County

  • Butler County

  • Western Pennsylvania

  • Eastern Ohio

  • Northern West Virginia