Central Vaccuum Canister Location?

Question

I was told not to install my central vac canister in the garage. The central vac tech said that this would create a neg pressure in the house and that air would be extracted into the house from the exit paths (bathroom vents, fireplace, furnace, etc), potentially bringing into the house exhaust, untreated air (cooled or heated). The tech explained that the central vac sucks 100 cubic feet per minute so extracting this from the house into the garage creates this negative pressure, especially when operated for 10 minutes or more.

Does anyone know if this is true, or if I should worry about this?? Without this issue my preference is garage for the canister to reduce noise and dust inside the house. Thanks for your assistance.

Answer 1

The tech said that his central vac system will draw air back into the house through the bathroom ventilator, fireplace and furnace.  Other appliances that also exhaust air to the outside, called depressurization, include the kitchen range hood vent, the clothes dryer, the air conditioner, or the whole house fan.  

All of these must also have make-up air to be able to function.  The make-up air comes through open windows and doors, through gaps around doors, windows, electrical outlets. or other air inlets.  

In new construction as building code issues are advanced, new requirements for make-up air are created so that we do not create Health, Safety, or Welfare problems for the homeowner.  

One of those HSW issues is indoor air quality, particularly related to allergies and asthma.  The central vac overcomes that issue by evacuating, not recirculating those irritants.  

So while the statement addressing the need for makeup air is largely correct, other considerations outweigh that challenge. Additionally, you are already using appliances that require make-up air, some significantly greater than the central vac system (your range hood is likely greater than 300 CFM).  

We have added a central vac to our home with the vac located in the garage for ease of disposal, as well as cleaning our automobiles.  The greatest unanticipated benefit to us is the lack of recirculated dust in our home, as evidenced by dust-free surfaces, a cleaner furnace, and improved breathing.  

You are currently providing make-up air whether you realized it or not.  So you can locate your system as you see beneficial and without guilt.

Answer 2

I have one, and I have the canister in our utility closet in the basement. Our garage comes down into the basement, and the canister is right behind that wall. We don't have any problems with it. I would say go for it. I can understand where the vac tech would think it might bring in cold air, but it doesn't do that in our case. Good luck, and enjoy it! We do!