"He just fixed it!! A very nice man. Came, looked at central vacuum determined the problem and fixed it. No sales pitch no telling me how old the machine was and that it would soon need to be replaced. He also checked all filters and said was. Good"
"Julius, Israel and another crew member arrived on time and gave me the estimate as well as they shared the pictures of my neglected system. They worked on both my homes and did a very thorough job of cleaning the ducts. They were efficient, knowledgeable and respectful. I will hire them again!"
"Outstanding service!! Highly recommend. Very thorough! It was a difficult job to determine why the lights in my home were not working properly, but he methodically and patiently determined the multiple problems and repaired everything . So grateful and thankful for the same day service. Wouldn't hesitate to use again."
"Ike repaired the exterior hose faucet and replaced the kitchen faucet with great attention to detail. He assessed the repairs and gave us an estimate prior to doing the work. He is very informative and professional. I highly recommend Ike and Heil Plumbing for any plumbing project."
"Debbie and Ron were great to work with. They returned my call within minutes, even though I called on Sunday before Labor Day. They arrived early the next business day and diagnosed the problem quickly. Even though the replacement part my system needed wasn't readily available, they were able to locate one and get it delivered the next day. Then the repair was done just as they said it would be, with no complications, at the price as originally quoted. It became obvious to me that they both are very experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. And friendly as well. They even helped me repair an unrelated problem at no additional charge. I highly recommend!"
"The repairman called to let us know he was running late which was greatly appreciated. A part needed to be ordered and the repair was completed within two days. Unfortunately, there was welding/soldering involved which left permanent "stains" on our shower floor."
"Our dryer vents from the center of the house to just under the second story eves. He did a great job of cleaning it from both ends, and adjusted the dryer hose to an optimal length and resealed it with tape. Also cleaned vents well. I am very particular about mechanics, handymen, and service people. Mack's is on the short list of people I will hire again. The serviceperson was polite and personable as well as very competent. And, he took pains not to track up the carpets. Mack's is a good choice. You'll be satisfied w the results."
"Beltway HVAC was fantastic and I would recommend them to anyone! Ryan came out and gave us a quote that was very reasonable for a complete AC replacement, and we had it scheduled to be done within the week. The techs were knowledgeable, super friendly, and thorough and did a fantastic job! I was given a walkthrough of the new system when they were done, and the techs even tried to help fix our wonky screen door. Amazing, amazing customer service, I highly recommend them."
"The cleaning went well. The workers were professional and were careful to remove all silt, water and residue from the property. Challenges with scheduling It took about three months of telephone tag to schedule an estimate/cleaning appointment. I would leave a message asking for a estimate / cleaning appointment and would leave three or four possible dates. I would receive a message asking me to call to schedule an appointment.And, the cycle continued. Also, when I scheduled, I asked for a rough estimate over the phone and gave the square footage of our unfinished basement. I was told most basements that size cost between $500 - $1,000. The actual cost was $1750. I think the people in the office could do a better job scheduling and with providing cost expectations, but we were happy with the employees who came out and did the work and with the task completed. "
"I called Buric (on advice of friend/neighbor) when A/C wasn't working and I asked what to expect in their charges. The guy on the phone told me they charge a flat $95 (or $99?) for driving out here. So I asked if they charge by the hour or half hour. No, he said, by the job. He couldn't give me an estimate because he didn't know what was wrong. So, a technician came out and diagnosed my unit (which blew air but didn't get cold) as old & dead and needing replacement. So, in my mind, there was really there was no job outside of replacement. In their mind, they did a job by taking 10 minutes to look at the unit and tell me there was nothing to be done for it. So, instead of charging me $99 for coming out, they charged me $230 for coming out AND telling me the unit couldn't be fixed. That irritated me. Then I asked for a bid for new system. The guy went out and talked on the phone to his boss and come back with a written bid. I later compared it with my second bid from another co. Buric's bid was higher than the company I selected, but not enough to sway me if I had liked their way of doing business. However, the previous (over)charge, which was not explained by the guy I spoke to when I first called, left such a bad taste in my mouth I couldn't go with them. So that extra $130 they made cost them around $5000. I hope it was worth it to them. BTW, if I had gone with them, they would have subtracted the $230 from the bid, but I just couldn't get past it. So, I am not saying anything about the quality of their work--it may be just fine, but I don't like the way they did business."
Central Vacuum Systems questions, answered by experts
No. Only the hose or the attachments are portable in a central vacuum system. A portable vacuum is a standalone model like a stick, canister, or upright. A central vacuum system is defined by a central power unit, which is installed in one place like an AC unit, and the connected network of piping to funnel the suction.
Before deciding whether or not to install a central vacuum system, consider the pros and cons to determine if it’s right for you.
Pros
Increased suction power
Improved air quality
Reduced noise pollution
Longer lifespan than traditional self-contained vacuum units
Cons
Higher upfront installation costs
Expensive repairs
Requires significant storage space
Yes, installing a central vacuum system typically adds value to your home. The ease of use, longevity, and superior suction power of a central vacuum system can add up to $2,000 to your home’s value if you decide to sell. Potential buyers may consider the central vacuum a perk to purchasing your home.
The disadvantages associated with central vacuums start with cost. They are expensive to install, especially in existing homes, as retrofitting requires opening walls. The system's bulky hoses can also be inconvenient to maneuver and store compared to portable vacuums. Additionally, repairs may need professional service, adding to maintenance costs. Lastly, while powerful, they may be overkill for smaller homes or apartments, making the investment less practical for some households.
The best way to clean central vacuum pipes is to use a maintenance sheet to dislodge clogs and wipe the inside of the pipes clean. Alternatively, a professional can clean your central vacuum pipes for you.
The Fulton, MD homeowners’ guide to central vacuum system services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Get transparent information on central vacuum repair costs. Learn what impacts price, compare repair types, and see how to save on your central vacuum repair.
If your central vacuum is underperforming, you might have a clog. Learn how to unclog a central vacuum system quickly to keep your house dust- and debris-free.
A central vacuum system is a strong, durable, and effective alternative to traditional vacuums. Use this guide to determine whether or not a central vacuum is right for your home.
Learn how to hire a central vacuum installation pro with our complete guide. Find qualified installers, ask the right questions, and get your system installed correctly.