How to Vent a Central Vacuum System to the Outside
If you are considering installing a central vacuum in your home or if you already have a central vacuum, it is a good idea to have it vented outside. Venting the vacuum system outside helps reduce pollutants inside the home. When vented indoors, dust, mites, odors and other contaminants circulate into the air. Installation is usually simple in most homes and is done with minimal tools and only a slight amount of effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hole saw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Vacuum tubing
- Trim ring
- Exhaust flap
- PVC cement
- Caulk gun
- Hose clamp
- Flat head screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Select a location on the outside of your home that is as out of sight as possible, but is close to your central vacuum system.
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2
Cut a hole 2 inches in diameter with a hole saw. Cut the hole all the way through to the outside. You may need to drill the hole on the inside drywall first and then drill through the exterior wall with a drill bit from the inside to locate where to drill on the outside wall.
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3
Push the vacuum tubing through to the outside opening. Push an extra 1 to 2 inches to leave room for installing the exhaust.
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4
Slip a trim ring over the inside of the tubing to provide a finished look.
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5
Install a trim ring on the outside of the tubing and screw the exhaust flap into place.
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6
Run a layer of PVC cement to the joints on the inside and outside of the pipe to seal the joints.
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7
Clamp your tubing to the exhaust valve with a hose clamp. The exhaust valve on your central vacuum system will be located at the top near the electric plug. Tighten the hose clamp with a flat head screwdriver.
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